The evolution of insecticide resistance in pests has become a critical challenge restricting the sustainable development of global agriculture. Compared with target-site resistance and metabolic resistance, cuticular penetration resistance is an early-stage resistance strategy adopted by insects to defend against insecticides with contact action. It primarily reduces the efficiency of insecticide penetration through the insect’s outer barrier and its delivery to the target site. On one hand, it decreases the amount of insecticide that penetrates; on the other hand, it prolongs the detoxification time of the insecticide within the body, thereby enhancing the resistance effect. This mechanism often synergizes with other resistance mechanisms. This systematic review summarizes the latest research progress on the cuticle-mediated mechanisms of insecticide resistance in pests. It focuses on the molecular basis underlying the formation of cuticular penetration resistance, the key regulatory networks, and its evolutionary characteristics. Future perspectives are also discussed, aiming to provide new insights for pest resistance management strategies.

The Moroccan locust Dociostaurus maroccanus is one of the most devastating phytophagous pests worldwide. This study focuses on elucidating the current invasion status of D. maroccanus in China and comprehensively analyzes its potential risks from three aspects: habitat characteristics in invaded areas, environmental conditions, and biological traits. In combination with the Biosecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China and current control practices, targeted control strategies and recommendations are proposed. This study aims to provide a theoretical reference and a scientific basis for decision-making in the early warning and effective management of D. maroccanus in China.

Potato Solanum tuberosum is a cornerstone food crop in China. However, its production is significantly compromised by various pests and diseases, including late blight, early blight, black scurf, blackleg, grubs, aphids, and weeds. Consequently, the scientific and judicious application of pesticides is essential for ensuring both yield and quality. As of March 20, 2025, a total of 804 pesticide products have been registered in China for potato cultivation, comprising 497 fungicides, 128 herbicides, 109 insecticides, and 70 plant growth regulators. This review evaluates the current status of these registrations, identifies the prevailing challenges, and proposes optimization strategies to enhance integrated pest management, promote the rational use of pesticides, and facilitate the sustainable development of the potato industry.

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are widely cultivated worldwide for their high economic and nutritional value. However, fungal diseases constitute a major biotic constraint limiting the development of the blueberry industry. To date, more than 20 fungal diseases have been reported on blueberry, causing substantial economic losses. This review systematically summarizes the pathogen species, geographic distribution, typical symptoms, and damage severity of major fungal diseases affecting blueberry production. The principal diseases discussed include stem blight, canker, root rot, leaf spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, gray mould, and fruit rot. Previous studies have shown that severe outbreaks of these diseases may result in yield losses ranging from 20% to 85%. Pathogenic fungi associated with blueberry exhibit high diversity, encompassing over 150 species from more than 20 genera, including Diaporthe, Fusarium, Neofusicoccum, Pestalotiopsis, Phytophthora, Colletotrichum, and Alternaria. In addition, the main transmission routes of these pathogens are summarized. Based on current knowledge, integrated disease management strategies are proposed, including cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control. Furthermore, the current shortcomings in research on blueberry fungal diseases are clarified, particularly in aspects of etiology, disease epidemiology, and resistance breeding. Future work should focus on strengthening studies on pathogen biology, epidemic dynamics, breeding of high-yield, high-quality, and disease-resistant cultivars, and promoting green control technologies centered on agricultural and biological measures. Overall, this review provides both strong theoretical support and targeted practical guidance for the healthy development of the blueberry industry in China.

To clarify the detoxification metabolism and environmental adaptation mechanisms of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) physiological race CYR34, members of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene family were identified based on the their nucleotide sequence and GFF3 annotation files of CYR34. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted on the physicochemical properties of the encoded proteins, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationships, and cis-acting elements in the promoter regions. In addition, the temporal expression patterns of GST family genes during urediniospore germination and host infection were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that six GST genes (GST1-GST6) were identified in CYR34. The encoded proteins ranged from 187 to 207 amino acids in length, all containing conserved GST domains and being distributed on three chromosomes. A total of 26 types of cis-acting elements were detected in the promoter regions. During urediniospore germination, GST1, GST3, GST4, GST5, and GST6 all reached relatively high expression levels at 24 hours post inoculation (hpi), among which GST5 showed the greatest up-regulation, reaching 9.04-fold that of the control group. During wheat infection by CYR34, GST4 and GST6 generally exhibited an upward expression trend, with GST4 reaching its highest expression level at 48 hpi, 3.14-fold that of the control group. These results indicate that the GST genes in CYR34 may participate in the regulation of environmental adaptation and detoxification metabolism during urediniospore germination and infection.

To screen microbial resources for the control of tomato late blight caused by pathogen Phytophthora infestans, strains with strong antagonistic activity were isolated from soil using the plate confrontation method. Their taxonomic status was determined using integrating morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, combined with the 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. The antifungal activity, action mechanisms, and control effect of the antagonistic strains were investigated via the mycelial growth inhibition method, spore germination assay, and pot experiment. The results showed that a total of 11 strains exhibited antagonistic activities against P. infestans. Among these antagonistic strains, strain C-21 exhibited the highest mycelial growth inhibition rate of 84.41%, and it was identified as Streptomyces flavogriseus. This strain could produce extracellular enzymes including cellulase, protease and amylase. Its fermentation broth could disrupt the mycelial morphology and cell membrane integrity of P. infestans, and significantly inhibited spore germination and zoospore release, with inhibition rates of 69.31% and 57.94%, respectively. The preventive and curative control effects of strain C-21 against tomato late blight were 43.57% and 59.28%, respectively. These findings indicated that strain C-21 had an excellent control effect on tomato late blight, and exhibited promising biocontrol potential for further development and application.

To identify the pathogens causing grapevine root rot in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (hereinafter referred to as Ningxia) and to explore indigenous antagonistic microorganisms for developing biocontrol agents, grapevine samples with root rot symptoms were collected from representative winery vineyards in five cities and counties of Ningxia. The pathogens were identified through isolation, identification and pathogenicity tests. Using the more virulent pathogens as indicator strains and the wine grape cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon as the experimental material, the biocontrol efficacy of bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy grapevines was evaluated through plate confrontation assays, mycelial growth inhibition tests and pot experiments. The results showed that the pathogens causing grapevine root rot in Ningxia were Fusarium acuminatum, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, Neofusicoccum parvum and Lasiodiplodia theobromae, among which R. solani, N. parvum and L. theobromae are new records as pathogens of grapevine root rot. Fusarium acuminatum, R. solani, N. parvum and L. theobromae exhibited stronger pathogenicity. A total of 62 bacterial and actinomycete strains with distinct colony morphologies were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of healthy grapevines, and four strains exhibiting over 60% inhibitory activity against all four highly pathogenic fungi were selected, namely Bacillus velezensis, Streptomyces alfalfae, Amycolatopsis orientalis and Streptomyces griseus. Among these, the 10.0% sterile culture filtrate of B. velezensis exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect against the four pathogens tested, with inhibition rates ranging from 80.56% to 84.65%, and its volatile compounds exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect against L. theobromae, with an inhibition rate of 73.67%. The three antagonistic actinomycetes showed differential inhibitory effects against different pathogens. Inoculation with the four antagonistic strains via wounded root irrigation inhibited grapevine root rot to varying degrees and promoted an increase in root branch number, indicating that these four antagonistic strains exhibit significant growth-promoting and disease-suppressing effects and possess potential for development as biocontrol agents against grape root rot.

To effectively prevent and control peanut pod rot, samples showing typical symptoms were collected from Qinghe Town, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia. The pathogens were isolated and purified using the single-spore isolation method. The obtained strains were identified with morphological and molecular biological techniques, and the toxicities of ten fungicides from succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), quinone outside inhibitor (QoI), and demethylation inhibitor (DMI) against dominant pathogens were determined, fungicides with high toxicity were further determined for their efficacy. A total of 11 fungal strains were obtained via single-spore isolation. Morphological and molecular identification revealed that three strains were identified as Fusarium solani and eight as Botrytis cinerea, accounting for 27.27% and 72.73%, respectively. Botrytis cinerea was the predominant pathogen (with average disease severity indices of 55.09 for peanut pods and 12.50 for peanut kernels). Among SDHI, QoI, and DMI fungicides, benzovindiflupyr, pyraclostrobin, and mefentrifluconazole exhibited the highest inhibition rates against B. cinerea. In vitro tissue experiments revealed that the protective efficacy of 100 mg/L mefentrifluconazole, pyraclostrobin, and benzovindiflupyr against peanut pod rot was 60.16%, 76.42%, and 65.85%, respectively; their corresponding curative efficacy was 58.54%, 81.30%, and 68.29%, respectively. These results were comparable to those of the reference fungicide procymidone. The results showed that mefentrifluconazole, pyraclostrobin, and benzovindiflupyr could be used to prevent and control peanut pod rot.

To elucidate the control effect of the rice metabolite betaine on rice blast and its resistance-inducing mechanism, exogenous betaine sprays at different concentrations and time points were applied to assess the resistance of rice cultivars against rice blast. The optimal concentration and timing for exogenous betaine application were screened. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing was performed on rice treated with betaine under the optimal application conditions to analyze its resistance induction mechanism. The results showed that exogenous application of betaine effectively reduced the severity of rice blast in the susceptible rice varieties Huangkenuo and Lijiangxintuanheigu. The optimal relative control effect (40.06%) was achieved with a pretreatment of 20 mmol/L betaine applied 24 hours before inoculation with Magnaporthe oryzae. Transcriptome analysis of rice leaves pretreated with betaine indicated that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway at 0, 24, and 48 hours. This treatment also induced the expression of lignin synthesis-related genes, including OsCCR17, OsCCR14, OsPAL3, OsCOMT15, OsCAD2, and the peroxidase gene OsPOX1. Additionally, lignin content and the activities of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased. These findings suggest that betaine induces the expression of genes involved in lignin synthesis and antioxidant enzymes, promotes lignin accumulation, and enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby improving systemic resistance in rice against rice blast.

To clarify the sensitivity of different physiological races of Puccinia triticina (Pt) in Hebei Province to triadimefon, samples of wheat infected with Pt were collected from nine regions in Hebei Province from 2023 to 2024. Single-spore isolation was employed to isolate Pt strains, test hosts were used to identify the physiological races, and the spore germination inhibition method was adopted to determine the sensitivity of physiological races to triadimefon. The resistance differences of physiological races to triadimefon across different regions in Hebei Province were compared, their sensitivity to this fungicide was monitored, and the cross-resistance of different triazole fungicides was investigated, followed by field validation. The results showed that a total of 193 Pt strains were isolated, and 12 physiological races were identified, with THTT and PHTT being the prevalent races. The EC₅₀ of triadimefon against the tested strains ranged from 5.09 to 51.04 μg/mL, and the sensitivity baseline was established as 8.07 μg/mL. Sensitive strains accounted for 97.41% of the total, with only five resistant strains detected, primarily from Handan City and Shijiazhuang City, which should be designated as key areas for fungicide resistance monitoring. No significant cross-resistance was observed between triadimefon and other fungicides sharing the same mechanism of action, including tebuconazole and hexaconazole. Field efficacy trials were conducted to test six commonly used fungicides, demonstrating that 25% pyraclostrobin suspension concentrate exhibited the best control effect with a long duration, making it the preferred fungicide for control. In contrast, 44% triadimefon suspension concentrate exhibited the poorest control efficacy and is recommended for cautious use.

To identify effective fungicides for the control of gray mold in quinoa Chenopodium quinoa, the inhibitory effects and in vitro toxicity of 12 fungicides against pathogen Botrytis cinerea were determined. Two fungicides with different modes of action were selected for combination, and the optimal volume ratio and formulation of the combined fungicides were determined. The efficacy of the combined fungicides against gray mold in quinoa was comprehensively evaluated through in vitro leaf tests, in vitro pot experiments and field trials. The results showed that pydiflumetofen, azoxystrobin, tebuconazole and pyraclostrobin had significant in vitro toxicity against B.cinerea, with EC₅₀ values of 0.49, 0.39, 0.09 and 0.03 μg/mL, respectively. When the volume ratio of pydiflumetofen to tebuconazole was 4∶6 and 5∶5, it showed a synergistic effect, with toxicity ratios of 1.49 and 1.37, respectively. When the mass ratio of pydiflumetofen and tebuconazole was 9∶2, the synergistic effect was optimal, and the synergistic coefficient was 2.85. After treatment with high and medium concentrations of the combined fungicides, the protective and treatment effect on in vitro leaves were 94.97%-97.18%, and the protective and treatment effect of indoor pot experiments were 71.45%-82.01%. The field control effects of the high and medium concentrations of the compound fungicides were 87.77% and 79.91%, respectively, which were higher than other treatments, and could significantly increase the yield of quinoa. It was indicated that the field recommended concentration of 200 g/L pydiflumetofen suspension concentrate (SC) and 430 g/L tebuconazole SC at a mass ratio of 9∶2 (200 μg/mL pydiflumetofen + 44.4 μg/mL tebuconazole and 160 μg/mL pydiflumetofen + 35.6 μg/mL tebuconazole) could not only effectively control gray mold in quinoa, but also significantly increase quinoa yield.

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Streptomyces zaomyceticus XFS-4 induces soybean resistance to the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, soybean variety Heihe 43 was used as the experimental material. Seeds were treated with XFS-4 fermentation broth and inoculated with H. glycines, and RNA-seq was performed to analyze transcriptional changes. The results showed that HiSeq^TM 2500 sequencing of soybean root samples from four treatment groups yielded a total of 78.66 Gb of clean data, from which 1 633 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GO enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs in the XFS-4 treatment group were specifically enriched in pathways related to the regulation of nitrogen compound metabolism, regulation of macromolecule metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs in the XFS-4 treatment group and the control group were mapped to 95 and 102 metabolic pathways, respectively. Notably, DEGs in the treatment group were significantly enriched in pathways related to starch and sucrose metabolism, plant-pathogen interaction, and biosynthesis of cofactors. These findings suggest that S. zaomyceticus XFS-4 may induce soybean resistance to H. glycines by regulating these specific metabolic pathways and biological processes.

To clarify the species composition and community characteristics of weeds in soybean fields across Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, a comprehensive and systematic investigation was conducted on weed species and community structure at 32 sampling sites in major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia, and the community diversity and similarity were also analyzed. The results showed that a total of 63 weed species belonging to 57 genera in 21 families were found in the major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia. The 21 families include Asteraceae family (nine genera and 14 species), Poaceae (11 genera and 11 species), Fabaceae (six genera and six species), and Polygonaceae (five genera and five species), Rosaceae (three genera and four species), Amaranthaceae (three genera and three species), Convolvulaceae (three genera and three species), Malvaceae (three genera and three species), Lamiaceae (two genera and two species), and the remaining 12 families including Plantaginaceae, Solanaceae, and Equisetaceae (each represented by one genus and one species). Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album and Echinochloa crus-galli showed relatively high abundance, making them the dominant weeds in the major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia. The Oroqen Autonomous Banner of Hulunbuir City exhibited the highest weed species richness, Simpson dominance, and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices, with values of 44, 0.918, and 3.030, respectively. The Songshan District of Chifeng City exhibited the highest Pielou evenness index of weed communities, at 0.846. The weed communities in the seven major soybean producing regions of Inner Mongolia could be classified into six groups. Among them, the weed community structures in Songshan District of Chifeng City and Horqin District of Tongliao City were clustered into one group with the highest similarity, while the weed community structures of remaining five major soybean producing regions each formed an independent group.

To investigate the population structure and phylogenetic relationships among different geographic populations of Asiatic rice borer Chilo suppressalis in Ningbo City, China,whole-genome resequencing was performed on 37 individuals from eight populations (six from Ningbo, one from Beijing, and one from Hangzhou). Genomic variations were identified, and population genetic analyses including population structure, selective sweeps, genetic diversity, and historical effective population size were conducted. The results showed that a total of 42 149 215 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 11 912 812 insertions/deletions were identified across the 37 genomes, with most variations located in intergenic and intronic regions. Among the six Ningbo populations, Yinzhou, Yuyao and Haishu populations were closely related, whereas the Xiangshan population showed the greatest genetic distance from the other Ningbo populations and exhibited moderate genetic differentiation. Genes within the selective sweep regions of the Xiangshan population was significantly enriched in seven signaling pathways, including melanogenesis and circadian entrainment. Among the Ningbo populations, nucleotide diversity was relatively higher in the Haishu and Yinzhou populations, but lower in the Xiangshan and Fenghua populations. The Ningbo populations experienced a rapid contraction approximately 3 000—1 000 years ago, followed by a rapid population expansion.

To elucidate the cascade effect between the V-type proton ATPase catalytic subunit A (V-ATPase A), a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism, and the autophagy-related gene HcAtg8 in the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea, the HcAtg8 gene was cloned by PCR. The bioinformatic characteristics and phylogenetic relationships were analyzed. The HcAtg8 protein was expressed in vitro using a prokaryotic expression system and detected via Western blot. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of HcAtg8 in different developmental stages and tissues (foregut, midgut, and hindgut). Additionally, after silencing HcV-ATPase A, histopathological changes in midgut tissues related to autophagy and the expression of HcAtg8 were examined. The results showed that the cloned coding region of HcAtg8 was 354 bp in length, encoding 117 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that HcAtg8 clustered closely with BmAtg8 from Bombyx mori, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship. A recombinant expression vector pMAL-c2X-HcAtg8 was constructed, and a 56.4 kD HcAtg8 protein was obtained by prokaryotic expression in vitro, with the highest expression level observed after 8 h of induction. HcAtg8 was expressed across all developmental stages and gut tissues, with the highest expression observed in pupae. Among gut tissues, expression was highest in the midgut. After silencing HcV-ATPase A, the number of autophagosomes in the treated group was 11.0, significantly higher than that in the control group (3.5), representing a 3.1-fold increase. The number of lipid droplets in the treated group was 73.8, significantly higher than that in the control group (12.5), representing a 5.9-fold increase. Silencing HcV-ATPase A disrupted the acidic environment of lysosomes, leading to the accumulation of autophagosomes and related metabolites. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression level of HcAtg8 was 6.1-fold higher than that of the control at 24 h, peaked at 375.2-fold at 48 h, and subsequently decreased to 2.5-fold at 72 h, consistent with the histological observations. These results indicate that silencing HcV-ATPase A leads to the upregulation of HcAtg8 expression and the accumulation of autophagosomes and lipid droplets, thereby disrupting midgut cellular homeostasis, and resulting in cellular dysfunction or death.

To clarify the types, distribution, and morphological characteristics of peripheral sensilla in female oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine sensilla on the antennae (funiculus), maxillary palps, proboscis, legs, wings, and ovipositor. The results revealed that five types of sensilla were mainly distributed across six organs: microtrichia, sensilla trichoid, sensilla basiconica, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla chaetica. Microtrichia were distributed on the antennae, maxillary palps, proboscis, legs, and wings. Notably, three subtypes (I-III) were observed on the legs, and those on the wings were longer than those on the antennae, maxillary palps, and proboscis. Sensilla trichoid were distributed on the antennae, proboscis, and ovipositor, with distinct morphological differences between those on the antennae and those on the other two organs. Sensilla basiconica were found on the antennae, maxillary palps, and proboscis. Two subtypes (I and II) were present on the antennae and three subtypes (I-III) on the proboscis. Pores were observed on the surface of sensilla basiconica on the antennae and maxillary palps, but not on the proboscis. Sensilla coeloconica were located on the antennae and ovipositor, with two subtypes (I and II) on the ovipositor, among which subtype I exhibited a symmetrical distribution. Sensilla chaetica were distributed on the maxillary palps, proboscis, legs, wings, and ovipositor, displaying similar morphology across organs, with three subtypes (I-III) identified on the legs. These results indicate that sensilla on different external organs of B. dorsalis differ in their distribution, type, and morphology, suggesting that these sensilla may perform distinct biological functions.

To clarify the adaptability of bacterial pathogen Pectobacterium parvum to its vector insect Drosophila melanogaster, flies were recolonized with P. parvum via artificial feeding, and the colonization and survival capabilities of P. parvum and its closely related species in D. melanogaster were compared using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that within seven days after feeding D. melanogaster with bacteria-containing glucose solution, the colonization capability of P. parvum in D. melanogaster was comparable to that of P. brasiliense, with a relative bacterial load reaching 8.00, and evidently higher than those of P. parmentieri, P. polaris and P. polonicum. Additionally, P. parvum could achieve efficient vertical transmission via D. melanogaster eggs, with a transmission efficiency significantly higher than that of other closely related species. The relative bacterial load in second-generation larvae reached 8.44, far higher than that of other Pectobacterium species. Furthermore, P. parvum significantly suppressed the expression of key genes in the host Imd immune pathway, including PGRP-LE and Relish, whereas P. polaris significantly induced the expression of these immune genes. These results indicate that P. parvum exhibits significantly stronger adaptation to D. melanogaster than its closely related species, which is closely associated with its strong in vivo colonization capacity, efficient egg-mediated vertical transmission, and significant suppression of key genes in the host Imd immune pathway.

To clarify the relationship between transgenic Cry rice and resistance to the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, proteins with insecticidal activity against N. lugens were screened using an artificial diet supplemented with proteins, and their toxicity was determined. Transgenic rice containing the corresponding insecticidal proteins was then used to feed N. lugens to verify its insecticidal activity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the concentrations of Cry proteins in stems of transgenic rice, in diets supplemented with different Cry proteins, and in N. lugens after feeding on these stems and diets. The results showed that feeding on artificial diets containing Cry2A, Cry1Ah, Cry1F, and Cry1Ba significantly reduced the survival rate of N. lugens. The LC₅₀ values of Cry1Ah, Cry1F, and Cry1Ba against N. lugens were 95.41, 13.89, and 559.7 mg/L, respectively. Feeding on transgenic rice KF6 (containing Cry1Ac and CpTi genes), TT51-1 (containing Cry1Ac/Cry1Ab genes), and ZLSAH10 (containing Cry1Ah gene) had no significant effect on survival rate, but the body weight of female adults fed on TT51-1 was significantly reduced compared to the control. Cry proteins were be detectable in N. lugens after one day of feeding on an artificial diet containing 100 mg/L Cry protein, and their accumulation increased with increasing feeding concentration and duration. The Cry protein concentrations in stems of transgenic rice TT51-1 and ZLSAH10 did not differ significantly among the three growth stages, while those in KF6 differed significantly among stages. After feeding on transgenic Cry rice at different growth periods for 15 d, Cry proteins were detectable in N. lugens, accounting for approximately 0.1% of those in rice stems, but the variation trend of Cry protein concentration in N. lugens was not consistent with that in rice stems.

To assess the feasibility of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), a key enzyme in juvenile hormone biosynthesis, as a target for RNA interference (RNAi)-based control of pest mites, double-stranded RNA targeting FPPS (dsFPPS) was designed using the dsRNAEngineer online platform. The bioactivity of dsFPPS against two agriculturally important pest mites, Tetranychus urticae and Tetranychus evansi, was evaluated with microinjection. The expression levels of FPPS in mites after dsFPPS injection were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, and the safety to non-target organisms, Neoseiulus californicus and Harmonia axyridis, was assessed by feeding and microinjection assays. The results showed that after dsFPPS injection, FPPS transcript levels in T. urticae and T. evansi were significantly reduced by 91.80% and 83.09%, respectively. Deutonymphs of both mite species failed to molt normally and died, with mortality rates of 76.97% and 84.32%, respectively. After feeding on or microinjection dsFPPS, N. californicus and H. axyridis developed normally, indicating no significant effects on these natural enemies. These findings demonstrate that dsFPPS has high lethality against pest mites while being safe for non-target organisms. The FPPS gene can therefore serve as an ideal target for RNAi-based control of pest mites and has potential for development as a novel environmentally friendly acaricide.

To identify the pathogen causing a natural epizootic of white muscardine in Tricentrus sp. in a tea plantation and to evaluate its potential for controlling tea green leafhopper Empoasca onukii, cadaver samples collected from the tea plantation were subjected to isolation, purification, and culture. The taxonomic status of the pathogen was determined based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using combined sequences of Bloc, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF genes. Population genetic diversity of isolates from different hosts was analyzed using 12 SSR primer pairs. Six strains derived from hosts in Membracidea and Cicadellidae were selected to evaluate their virulence against the 3rd instar nymphs of E. onukii. The results showed that the pathogen causing the natural epizootic of white muscardine in Tricentrus sp. in the tea plantation was B. bassiana. The B. bassiana populations exhibited a high level of genetic diversity, with 100.00% polymorphic loci, a Shannon’s information index of 0.73, and a Nei’s gene diversity index of 0.39. Among the four B. bassiana populations from different hosts, the genetic differentiation coefficient was 0.38 and the gene flow was 0.54, indicating limited genetic exchange among populations. A total of 89 isolates were divided into 31 genotypes and clustered into three groups at a similarity coefficient of 0.68, with group III accounting for 76.40% of the isolates and representing the dominant group. Strain JCPX121 exhibited the highest virulence. After treatment with a conidial suspension at a concentration of 1.0×10⁸ conidia/mL for eight days, the corrected mortality rate of 3rd instar nymphs of E. onukii reached 80.66% and the median lethal time (LT₅₀) was 5.90 d. In summary, strain JCPX121 has the potential to be developed as a biocontrol agent.

To evaluate the synergistic effects of organosilicon adjuvants on insecticides and improve the field control efficacy against the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii, the interfacial properties of Silwet819, Silwet806, Silwet820 and Silwet710 were determined. Their toxicities to cotton aphids and their synergistic ratios with sulfoxaflor and flonicamid were determined to identify the most effective adjuvants. Field trials were further conducted to evaluate their effects on reducing the application rate of flonicamid while maintaining efficacy. The results showed that among the four adjuvants, Silwet806 exhibited the strongest ability to reduce surface tension and increase maximum retention on leaf surfaces, while Silwet819 showed the greatest reduction in contact angle of leaves. All four adjuvants displayed certain insecticidal activity against cotton aphids and exhibited synergistic effects with both sulfoxaflor and flonicamid, with synergistic effects positively correlated with adjuvant concentration. At 0.05%, the synergistic ratios of Silwet819 and Silwet806 with sulfoxaflor were 5.12 and 6.71, respectively, and their synergistic ratios with flonicamid reached 12.80 and 6.40, respectively. Silwet806 and Silwet819 were identified as the most effective adjuvants, significantly enhancing the rapid efficacy of flonicamid against cotton aphids. When the application rate of flonicamid was reduced by 20% or 50%, the addition of 0.02% Silwet806 or Silwet819 achieved control efficacy comparable to the conventional dosage, while 0.05% addition resulted in higher control efficacy than the conventional treatment. These results indicate that Silwet806 and Silwet819 are optimal synergists for sulfoxaflor and flonicamid by modifying the physicochemical properties of spray solutions and reducing pesticide loss. In field control of cotton aphids, the addition of 0.02%-0.05% Silwet806 or Silwet819 can reduce flonicamid usage by 20%-50%.

To identify an environmentally friendly and efficient method for controlling Chinese bean weeril Callosobruchus chinensis, a sealed fumigation method was used to evaluate the fumigation effects of four plant volatiles (trans-anethole, citral, 4-allylanisole, and eugenol) on adult C. chinensis. The plant volatile with the best fumigation effect was selected and combined with diatomaceous earth to determine its laboratory toxicity, control efficacy, and effects on multiple enzyme activities in C. chinensis. The results showed that among the four plant volatiles, trans-anethole exhibited the strongest fumigation effect. At a concentration of 5 μL/L, trans-anethole achieved a corrected mortality rate of 100.00% against for adult C. chinensis after 48 hours of treatment. The combination of trans-anethole and diatomaceous earth demonstrated a significant synergistic effect, with an LC₅₀ of 3.040 μL/L against adult C. chinensis, compared to 6.979 μL/L for trans-anethole alone. Diatomaceous earth alone had no effect on the activities of catalase, acetylcholinesterase, succinate dehydrogenase, peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase in C. chinensis. These findings indicate that the combination of trans-anethole and diatomaceous earth can be used for the green control of C. chinensis.

To systematically investigate the differences in predation capacity and control efficiency of predatory ladybirds against aphids under different conditions, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate predation at different aphid densities, environmental temperatures, and predator density gradients. The data were fitted with Holling’s disc equation and models of interference and competition. The results showed that the functional responses of Harmonia axyridis to Aphis gossypii, Aphis glycines, Aphis sophoricola, and Chaitophorus populeti all conformed to Holling type II functional response. Among the tested aphid species, H. axyridis exhibited the strongest predation capacity and control efficiency against C. populeti, with a theoretical maximum daily predation of 500.00 individuals, whereas its control efficiency against A. sophoricola was the weakest, with a theoretical maximum daily predation of only 90.91 individuals. The predation capacity of H. axyridis against A. glycines increased with temperature within the range of 21-33 ℃ and reached a maximum at 33 ℃, after which it declined at higher temperatures. Moreover, the fourth-instar larvae of H. axyridis exhibited higher control efficiency against A. glycines than adult females. Increasing predator density intensified intraspecific competition in H. axyridis populations; although total predation increased, the mean predation per individual decreased significantly with increasing predator density, indicating that predation efficiency was constrained by density-dependent interference. Compared with H. axyridis, Adonia variegata showed stronger predation capacity against A. sophoricola. With increasing aphid density, the searching efficiency of both species declined. These results indicate that predatory ladybirds have strong predation potential against aphids, and their functional responses and predation efficiencies are influenced by aphid species, temperature, and the intensity of intraspecific competition, with notable differences among ladybird species.

To clarify the migration pathways of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda in eastern China and the mechanisms by which Typhoon Hagupit influenced its migration patterns, the developmental stages of the typhoon were categorized based on the position of its center into the pre-typhoon stage and the typhoon stage. The latter included four periods: pre-landfall, landfall, post-departure with the center located west of 135° E, and post-departure with the center located east of 135° E. Based on adult population monitoring data of S. frugiperda and meteorological data in eastern China before and after the typhoon, Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale numerical simulations, Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) backward trajectory analysis, and statistical analyses were conducted to elucidate the mechanisms by which the typhoon affected the migratory pathways of S. frugiperda. The results showed that Typhoon Hagupit significantly influenced the hourly migration distance and direction of S. frugiperda. Compared to the pre-typhoon period, the strong southerly winds generated by the typhoon drove the moths to form a south-to-north migratory pathway across eastern China, increased migration speed, and shifted the migration direction from west-northwest to north. When the typhoon center was located over inland East China, the overall migration speed of S. frugiperda reached its maximum, with a peak of 22.93 m/s, and the highest directional concentration of 0.84 was observed. These results indicate that typhoons can promote long-distance migration of S. frugiperda in eastern China. Therefore, population monitoring and early warning during typhoon events should be strengthened, and a regional integrated pest management system should be established.

To clarify the community structure characteristics and spatial ecological niche of grasshoppers in three different grassland types in Zhaosu County in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, grasshopper surveys were conducted in temperate grassland, temperate meadow steppe, and alpine meadow steppe using the sweep-net method. Relative abundance, diversity indices, niche indices, community similarity, and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were used for systematic assessment. The results showed that a total of 20 434 grasshopper individuals were collected, belonging to 24 species, 14 genera, and five families. The dominant species in Zhaosu County were Calliptamus italicus and Omocestus haemorrhoidalis. Specifically, C. italicus was dominant in temperate grassland; C. italicus, Stauroderus scalaris and O. haemorrhoidalis were dominant in temperate meadow steppe; and O. peliopteroides, O. haemorrhoidalis, and Gomphocerus sibiricus were dominant in alpine meadow steppe. Significant differences were observed in the richness, diversity, and evenness indices of grasshopper communities, while no significant difference was found in the dominance index. The richness and diversity indices in alpine meadow steppe were significantly lower than those in the other two grasslands types, whereas the evenness index in the temperate grassland was significantly lower than that in the other two types. Niche analysis indicated that O. ventralis had the widest niche breadth (0.95), while eight species including Omocestus petraeus and Dociostaurus brevicollis, had the lowest niche breadth (0.33). A total of 28 species pairs showed niche overlap values of ≥0.99. Community similarity analysis revealed high similarity between temperate grassland and temperate meadow steppe (similarity coefficient=0.81) and very low similarity with alpine meadow steppe (similarity coefficient=0.22). NMDS analysis demonstrated that grassland type explained 63.6% of the variation in grasshopper community composition. These results indicate significant differences in grasshopper community characteristics among grassland types in Zhaosu County, suggesting that grassland type is the primary factor influencing grasshopper community structure.

To clarify the potential suitable habitats of Moroccan locust Dociostaurus maroccanus, which was first recorded in June 2025 in Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (hereafter Xinjiang), global occurrence data and environmental variables were used to predict its potential distribution in Xinjiang using the MaxEnt model under current climatic conditions and three future climate scenarios, namely SSP126 (low forcing), SSP245 (moderate forcing), and SSP585 (high forcing). The results showed that annual mean temperature, isothermality, minimum temperature of coldest month, mean temperature the driest quarter, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, precipitation of the warmest quarter, land cover classification system, and elevation were the key environmental variables affecting the distribution of D. maroccanus. Under current climatic conditions, potential suitable habitats of D. maroccanus were distributed throughout Xinjiang, with a total area of 80.98×10⁴ km², accounting for 48.78% of the total area of Xinjiang. High suitable areas were predominantly located in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. By 2061—2080, the potential suitable habitats of D. maroccanus in Xinjiang are projected to expand outward overall, and the area of highly suitable habitats is expected to increase by 85.71%, 181.95%, and 224.44% under SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585 scenarios, respectively. These studies indicate that the risk of establishment of D. maroccanus in Xinjiang, China, is extremely high, and a scientific and efficient early warning, monitoring, and risk management system is urgently needed.