Life Sciences Commons^™

Survey And Identification Of Entomopathogenic Fungi In Millipede Species In Coastal Georgia, Kristin L. Campbell Bailey

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Entomopathogenic fungi are well-known, species-specific pathogens of a wide diversity of insects that infect, manipulate, and kill their insect hosts to complete their life cycle. Recently in Savannah, Georgia, millipedes belonging to the genus Eurymerodesmus were observed exhibiting pre-death climbing behaviors associated with pathogenic fungal infection. Dying millipedes summited vegetation and subsequently died in elevated positions along edge habitat transitioning a recreational field and forest. Upon inspection, fungal structures found emerging from dead millipedes anatomically resembled Arthrophaga myriapodina, which is the first documented entomophthoralean fungus to infect millipedes. The goal of this research was to obtain species-level identification of the …

Zoysiagrass Tolerance To Selective Herbicides For The Removal Of Bermudagrass And The Distribution Of The Annual Bluegrass Weevil (Listronotus Maculicollis) In Kentucky, Kenneth D. Clayton

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) may be a problematic weed within zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) swards across its entire range. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the herbicide safener metcamifen + trifloxysulfuron-sodium, in conjunction with fluazifop-P-butyl, at removing bermudagrass from zoysiagrass and how varying levels of treatment affected bermudagrass control and zoysiagrass tolerance. Field studies tested rates of metcamifen + trifloxysulfuron-sodium applied with fluazifop-P-butyl compared to treatments of fluazifop alone and fenoxaprop with triclopyr. All treatments controlled bermudagrass, and treatments with the herbicide safener remained under the 20% injury threshold for zoysiagrass for ≤ to 15 days compared …

Prevalence Of Insecticide Resistance Gene In Aedes Albopictus Populations Of Central Illinois, Merylann Akinyi Ochieng

Masters Theses

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a significant vector for diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika. Its increasing resistance to insecticides poses a critical challenge for vector control efforts. This study investigates knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) genes, specifically V1016G and F1534C, which are associated with pyrethroid resistance. Aedes albopictus populations from Central Illinois were analyzed using allele-specific PCR techniques to address three primary objectives: (1) determining whether V1016G and F1534C mutations are present in these populations, (2) determining which mutation is more widespread, and (3) investigating how resistance gene …

Gustatory Behaviors Of House Flies: Body Parts Used And Response To Bitter, R M Panchalie Bhagya Gunathunga

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Insects use multiple body parts, not just their mouth, to taste. Whether a particular body part has a taste function can be determined indirectly by examining the morphology or electrophysiological response of its sensilla (sense organs) or directly by the insects’ behavioral response. Understanding the taste system of insects allows development of better management strategies against pest insects and strategies to protect beneficial insects.House flies, Musca domestica L., are pests at livestock facilities. House fly numbers are controlled mainly by manure management and chemical controls. Toxic granular fly baits remain one of the most popular and effective forms of chemical …

Alternative Mechanisms For The Control Of House Flies, Elizabeth Taylor

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation examines three alternative mechanisms for the control of house flies, Musca domestica L., a cosmopolitan filth fly pest common in agricultural and urban areas where decaying organic matter is available for larval development. Adult M. domestica are nuisances and vectors of disease. When sanitation, screens, and sticky fly strips fail to control house fly populations, insecticide baits are often used. However, the use of baits can lead to the evolution of resistance, including not only physiological resistance to the toxicant but also behavioral resistance to the phagostimulant and to the toxicant. This evolution of resistance to phagostimulants and …

Determining The Susceptibility Status Of Red Sunflower Seed Weevil, Smicronyx Fulvus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) To Pyrethroid Insecticides, Aaron Lee Hargens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Although sunflowers are native to North America, the early breeding efforts to improve sunflowers occurred outside of the continent. These hybrids were reintroduced to North America around 1875. In the early 1900’s, efforts to increase oil content were achieved by selective breeding of the reintroduced hybrids. Although this resulted in the development of improved sunflowers, many of the traits that conferred resistance to native insect pests were lost. One insect pest, the red sunflower seed weevil was noted as having caused sunflower production to rapidly decline and eventually end in Illinois and Missouri. Unfortunately, red sunflower seed weevils are still …

Epidemiologi Kejadian Luar Biasa Malaria Bulan September-November 2024: Studi Serial Kasus Di Kabupaten Indragiri Hilir, Provinsi Riau, Rajunitrigo Rajunitrigo, Irwan Muryanto, Renti Mahkota, Fadhil Armen, Yusni Nuryanti, Fahrul Rizal, Rabiatul Adwiyah

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Indonesia

Abstract

Malaria remains a public health issue in Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau, despite its elimination certification 2018. In 2024, a malaria outbreak occurred, and an epidemiological investigation was then carried out. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of the malaria outbreak based on person, time, and place. This study used a serial case design, analyzing all confirmed malaria cases reported in the e-SISMAL system of Indragiri Hilir Regency from September 1^st to November 30^th, 2024. Data on Anopheles Sundaicus habitats were obtained from epidemiological investigation reports. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using the chi-square …

Mathematical And Computational Modeling For Organic And Insect Frass Fertilizer Production: A Systematic Review, Malontema Katchali, Edward Richard, Henri E.Z. Tonnang, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Kennedy Senagi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Organic fertilizers have been identified as a sustainable agricultural practice that can enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact. Recently, the European Union defined and accepted insect frass as an innovative and emerging organic fertilizer. In the wider domain of organic fertilizers, mathematical and computational models have been developed to optimize their production and application conditions. However, with the advancement in policies and regulations, modelling has shifted towards efficiencies in the deployment of these technologies. Therefore, this paper reviews and critically analyzes the recent developments in the mathematical and computation modeling that have promoted various organic fertilizer products including insect frass. …

Knowledge And Acceptance Of Insects As Feed Source For Poultry Production In Conflict Affected Regions Of Cameroon, Chaba F. Ambele, Ngantu Harrison, Shaphan Y. Chia, Zewdu Abro, Komivi S. Akutse, Akum E. Akumeyam, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Globally, insects are increasingly being considered as sustainable and complementary feeds for poultry production. However, there is a lack of information on the perception of people in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities in Cameroon. This paper presents a survey on awareness and willingness to integrate insect meals in poultry feeds in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. During this survey, purposive and snowball sampling procedures were used to collect data from 253 households. Among those interviewed, 32% were internally displaced people and 68% residents. In general, 97% of the respondents were aware that insects are a natural food source for …

Unpacking The Benefits Of Black Soldier Fly Frass Fertilizer Towards Nematode Suppression And Potato Production, Emmanuel O. Anedo, Dennis Beesigamukama, Benson Mochoge, Nicholas K. Korir, Solveig Haukeland, Xavier Cheseto, Moses Nyongesa, Patrick Pwaipwai, Sevgan Subramanian, Abdou Tenkouano, Betty Kibaara, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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Potato production is hindered by soil degradation and nematode infestation. Mineral fertilizers and synthetic nematicides are costly and cause negative impacts on humans and the environment, while organic fertilizers are less effective for soil health and nematode management. This study demonstrates the contribution of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) in nematode suppression and potato productivity when compared to commercial mineral fertilizer, organic fertilizer (SAFI), and nematicide. The on-farm experiments consisted of eight treatments: BSFFF, SAFI, BSFFF+5%chitin, NPK+nematicide, 50%BSFFF+50%NPK, 50%SAFI+50%NPK, 50%BSFFF+5% chitin+50%NPK, and control (unfertilized soil). Results revealed that all fertilizer treatments significantly increased potato growth, number of tubers (34 …

Edible Insects As A Sustainable Solution To Food Insecurity In Conflict-Ridden Regions Of Cameroon, F. C. Ambele, S. Y. Chia, D. Nsobinenyui, K. S. Akutse, N. H. Ngantu, A. E. Akumeyam, M. Kababu, C. M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Edible insects are integral part of traditional Cameroonian dishes and delicacies valued for their nutrition and health/medicinal benefits. This study documents indigenous knowledge, practices, cultural relevance and the willingness to explore the untapped potential of insect farming in two conflict-ridden regions of Cameroon. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 793 randomly selected households in the Northwest (NW) and Southwest (SW) regions. Our results revealed widespread awareness on the use of insects as food in the NW (91%) and SW (84%) regions. The most consumed species were the long-horned grasshoppers (90%), termites (85%), palm weevil larvae (76%), and giant …

Do Rates Matter? Validation Of Insect Frass Fertilizer Rates In A Vegetable Intensified Push-Pull Technology For Optimal Sustainable Production, Priscilla Mwikali Kimuli, Dennis Beesigamukama, Judy Wambua, Bonoukpoe Mawuko Sokame, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Frank Chidawanyika, Sevgan Subramanian, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Push–pull system intensification with vegetables (VIPPT) has contributed significantly in maintaining good control of lepidopteran pests and parasitic weeds with additional food and nutritional security benefits. However, the impact of integration of different rates of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) in the VIPPT to enhance productivity, has not been explored. This study investigated the effects of different BSFFF application rates on growth performance, pest infestation severity, diversity of natural enemies and yield of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) grown under VIPPT in two agroecological zones. Plants were grown in soils amended with five different levels of BSFFF (0, …

The Physicochemical Properties, Biochemical Makeup, And Health Benefits Of Honey Produced From Stingless Bees (Apidae: Meliponini), Belay Gezahegn Gebreyes, Tilahun A. Teka, Yetenayet Bekele Tola, Metekia Tamiru, Nkoba Kiatoko

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This review provides a comprehensive overview of stingless bee honey (SBH), focusing on its physicochemical properties, biochemical composition, and health benefits. SBH exhibits unique characteristics, including color, flavor, texture, and lower thermal stability, influenced by various botanical sources, stingless bee species, and diverse geographic and climatic conditions. These environmental factors, particularly floral diversity and climate, significantly affect SBH’s composition and functional properties, resulting in regional variations that impact its market value and health potential. The review details the composition ranges of SBH, which include moisture content (13.26%–41%), total acidity (12.59–270 meq/kg), reducing sugar (22.44%–78.95%), electrical conductivity (0.11–101.88 mS/cm), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) …

Identification Of Salt Tolerance And Stress Response In Us Department Of Agriculture Tomato Germplasm At The Seedling Stage, Ibtisam Alatawi, Haizheng Xiong, Kenani Chiwina, Hanan Alkabkabi, Qun Luo, Neelendra K. Joshi, Xiaolun Sun, Xuan Zhuang, Kai-Shi Ling, Ainong Shi

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Soil salinity is a significant abiotic factor that impedes sustainable crop production in key agricultural regions worldwide. Saline cultivation adversely affects soil quality, whereas the use of saline water for irrigation disrupts the physiological and biochemical processes of plants. Continuous irrigation with high salt concentrations leads to a gradual buildup of soil salinity, thus hindering optimal plant growth and development. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on breeding salinity-tolerant cultivars of various crops. In this study, 71 tomato accessions sourced from 20 countries and provided by the US Department of Agriculture were evaluated under controlled greenhouse conditions and subjected to …

Challenges And Lessons From A Vector Control Campaign Targeting Glossina Palpalis Palpalis In An Isolated Protected Forest Area In Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire, Yao Jean Rodrigue Konan, Bi Tra Dieudonné Ta, Djakaridja Berté, Bamoro Coulibaly, Kinifo Donatien Coulibaly, Nick Steven Egnankon, Foungniguée Diarrassouba, Kouassi Albert Djabo, Stéphanie Watier-Grillot, Jean Paul Demoncheaux, Koffi Alain De Marie Kouadio, Louis N’Dri, Philippe Solano, Sophie Ravel, Guy Pacôme Adingra, Antoine Barreaux, Adeline Ségard, Dramane Kaba, Vincent Jamonneau, Thierry De Meeûs, Vincent Djohan

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Vector control (VC) is one of the strategies employed to manage African trypanosomoses. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a VC campaign against Glossina palpalis palpalis using tiny targets (TTs) impregnated with insecticide in an isolated, protected forest in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, while considering ecological, genetic, and operational factors. Between January 2020 and September 2022, 2,712 TTs were deployed at 684 sites, covering a total area of 1.7 km2. VC monitoring was conducted using Vavoua traps during 12 evaluation surveys, between June 2020 and March 2023. Five months after the initial TT deployment, tsetse fly density had decreased …

Unraveling The Potential Of Black Soldier Fly Larvae As A Sustainable Protein Source For Nile Tilapia Production In Diverse Aquaculture Systems, Jonathan Munguti, Mavindu Muthoka, Jimmy B. Mboya, Domitila Kyule, Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Aquaculture plays a critical role in global food security, with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) recognized for its adaptability and robust growth. However, traditional feeds, heavily reliant on fishmeal (FM) and soybean meal, face economic and environmental challenges. In response, black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) has emerged as a promising, nutrient-dense alternative. This review synthesizes existing literature on BSFLM’s nutritional profile and its suitability for Nile tilapia diets, while acknowledging that the data come from diverse independent studies conducted under varying environmental conditions and husbandry practices. BSFLM consistently provides high-quality protein (29.9%–48.2%), aligning with tilapia’s requirements, and is rich in …

Annual Diversity Of Honey Bee Pollen Sources In Two Pumpkin Growing Landscapes, Machakos County, Kenya, Marystella W. Nang’Oni, Muo Kasina, Rebecca Karanja, Mary M. Guantai, Rahab N. Kinyanjui, Evanson R. Omuse, Michael H.G. Lattorff, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Marian Adan, Samira A. Mohamed, Thomas Dubois

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Multi-floral foraging sources for honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) have been threatened by landscape changes and unsustainable farming practices. In East Africa, the biodiversity of forage resources that could support honey bees, especially in agricultural lands, remains least explored. This study investigated pollen diversity for honey bees in Yatta and Masinga Sub-counties in Machakos County, Kenya. Honey bee hives were installed on eight pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne ex Lam) farms (one hive per farm) in two varying landscape vegetation classes (low and medium) based on normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Pollen traps were installed at the hive entrance and pollen …

Contribution Of Different Frass Fertilizer Products On Enhanced Growth, Yield And Nutrient Quality Of Broccoli [Brassica Oleracea], Noella Kagehi, Dennis Beesigamukama, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mathew P. Ngugi, Sevgan Subramanian, Fathiya M. Khamis

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Vegetables are crucial for food security and income, but in developing countries their production is hindered by low soil fertility. Although the insect frass fertilizer is a potential solution, its use is constrained by limited product choices. Unlike conventional fertilizers, which are available in different forms, the insect frass fertilizer is mostly available in solid form. Here, we evaluated the effects of different black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) products on broccoli [Brassica oleracea] growth, yield, and nutritional profiles. Solid, liquid BSFFF, chitin-fortified solid BSFFF, chitin-fortified liquid BSFFF, and commercial organic fertilizer (Safi) were applied at rates equivalent to 250 …

Insect Biological Control: A Global Perspective, Lessando M. Gontijo, Jorge B. Torres, Paul K. Abram, Armando Alfaro-Tapia, Hugo C. Arredondo-Bernal, Antonio Biondi, Raymond A. Cloyd, Alejandro C. Costamagna, Nicolas Desneux, Marie D’Ottavio, Michael J. Furlong, Nancy M. Greco, Roselyne Labbe, Martin Hill, Blas Lavandero, Tian Hao Li, José R. Lomelí-Flores, Eric Lucas, Gerben J. Messelink, Margarita Rocca, Marcela Rodriguez-Garcia, José R.P. Parra, Ainara Peñalver-Cruz, Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame, Sean Thackeray, Alberto Urbaneja, German Vargas, Myron P. Zalucki, Lian Sheng Zang

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The intentional use of biological control agents to manage arthropod pests dates back to as early as 304 AD, when Chinese farmers used weaver ants to manage citrus pests. Over time, biological control has evolved into distinct approaches: classical, augmentation, and conservation. Prior to the advent of pesticides, most insect pest management relied on natural and classical biological control. The most common strategy used at first, despite regional variations, was the importation of biological control agents. Nonetheless, due to issues with unintentional non-target impacts, numerous failures in the introduction, and longer periods required for implementation, augmentative and conservation approaches have …

Pathogens And Parasites Of Feral And Managed Honey Bee, Apis Mellifera, Colonies From Oklahoma, Allen Szalanski

Entomology and Plant Pathology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Managed honey bee populations in the United States have been under stress over the past several decades, probably due to the interaction among multiple biotic and abiotic stressors. While most research has focused on national surveys of honey bee pathogens and parasites, state-specific studies that include both managed and feral honey bee populations may offer additional insights into the factors that contribute to the decline of honey bees. We conducted a survey to detect parasites and pathogens from feral and managed honey bees in colonies in Oklahoma. A total of 253 (89 managed and 164 feral) honey bees from these …

Knocking On Resistance’S Door: Investigating The Spread And Drivers Of Kdr Mutations In Northern California Culex Tarsalis, Esther Blankenship-Cutshall

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Vector-borne diseases are an increasingly relevant threat to public health as climate change alters the ecology of vector populations in relation to humans. One key to combating vector-borne disease is using pyrethroid insecticides against mosquito populations. However, wild mosquito populations have exhibited resistance to those key pyrethroids. One resistance mechanism under investigation is the altering of the voltage-gated sodium channel, which is associated with the genetic mutations known as kdr. The prevalence and history of kdr mutations has been investigated in some populations of Culex pipiens, however, it is unknown in northern California Culex tarsalis populations. This study aims to …

Swatting Flies: Biting Insects As Non-Invasive Samplers For Mammalian Population Genomics, Anubhab Khan, Ryan Carter, Chengetai D. Mpamhanga, Daniel Masiga, Manun Channumsin, Marc Ciosi, Oliva Manangwa, Furaha Mramba, Umer Zeeshan Ijaz, Harriet Auty, Barbara K. Mable

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Advances in next-generation sequencing have allowed the use of DNA obtained from unusual sources for wildlife studies. However, these samples have been used predominantly to sequence mitochondrial DNA for species identification while population genetics analyses have been rare. Since next-generation sequencing allows indiscriminate detection of all DNA fragments in a sample, technically it should be possible to sequence whole genomes of animals from environmental samples. Here we used a blood-feeding insect, tsetse fly, to target whole genome sequences of wild animals. Using pools of flies, we compared the ability to recover genomic data from hosts using the short-read sequencing (Illumina) …

Examining The Effects Of Songbird Nest Boxes And Habitat On Avian And Arthropod Communities In A Vineyard Ecosystem, Eleanor Macdonald

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Agricultural expansion threatens biodiversity, but integrating insectivorous birds into vineyard ecosystems may support both conservation and ecosystem services. We tested how nest boxes and habitat composition influence avian and arthropod communities in Napa Valley vineyards using a before-after, control-impact experiment across 20 sites. During the 2023-2024 breeding seasons we conducted avian point counts, sampled key pest and beneficial arthropods, and collected fecal samples from adult and nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) to detect vineyard pest DNA. Nest boxes significantly increased swallow and bluebird abundance within one year; swallow responses were strongest …

Letter From The Faculty Editor, Beth Kegley

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Biology-Informed Inverse Problems For Insect Pests Detection Using Pheromone Sensors, Thibault Malou, Nicolas Parisey, Katarzyna Adamczyk-Chauvat, Elisabeta Vergu, Béatrice Laroche, Paul André Calatayud, Philippe Lucas, Simon Labarthe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Most insects have the ability to modify the odor landscape in order to communicate with their conspecies during key phases of their life cycle such as reproduction. They release pheromones in their nearby environment, volatile compounds that are detected by insects of the same species with exceptional specificity and sensitivity. Efficient pheromone detection is then an interesting lever for insect pest management in a precision agroecological culture context. A precise and early detection of pests using pheromone sensors offers a strategy for pest management before infestation. In this paper, we develop a biology-informed inverse problem framework that leverages temporal signals …

Nutritional And Antioxidant Properties Of Two Species Of Edible Scarab Beetles (Cetonia Aurata And Oryctes Rhinoceros), S. S. Mwanza, C. M. Mudalungu, N. M. Kimani, H. O. Mokaya, B. O. Ochieng, S. Juma, C. M. Tanga

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Edible scarab beetles are important repositories for nutritive and bioactive compounds, but this information remains largely unexplored. This study explored the nutritional and therapeutic properties of two edible scarab beetles from three different locations (Embu, Murangâa and Nairobi Counties) in Kenya. Morphological and molecular characterization of the wild collected larvae revealed two important edible beetle species (Cetonia aurata L. and Oryctes rhinoceros L.). The larvae of both species are excellent source of crude proteins (44% for O. rhinoceros and 63% for C. aurata). The larvae of O. rhinoceros were rich in minerals, particularly calcium (15.75-22.65 mg/g) and potassium (13.62-22.88 mg/g). …

Effects Of Insect Meals On Fish Digestibility, Blood Parameters, And Economic Performance: A Meta-Analysis, M. A. Aaqillah-Amr, A. Hidir, M. Ikhwanuddin, N. A. Fatan, R. Muhammad-Rahimi, S. Ning-Shahira, R. G.N. Siankhe, G. W. Vandenberg, C. M. Tanga, R. Yossa

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This review examines the use of insect meal (IM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in fish feeds within the past decade. While global interest in this alternative is growing, research on its effects on fish digestibility, blood parameters, and economic performance has been limited. Meta-analysis on the apparent digestibility coefficient revealed a negative effect summary on dry matter (0.92) and crude lipid (0.51), although the difference between the two groups was relatively minor. However, a positive effect summary was reported in the apparent digestibility of crude protein (0.12), suggesting a potential advantage in the utilization of protein by fish …

Global Strategies To Manage Huanglongbing (Hlb) And Its Vectors: Insights And Implications For The Mediterranean Region, Meritxell Pérez-Hedo, Mark S. Hoddle, Fernando Alferez, Lochy Batista, George A.C. Beattie, Shourish Chakravarty, Paul Holford, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Inusa Jacob Ajene, Aruna Manrakhan, Paul H. Fourie, Maritza Luis, Eduardo Osorio-Hernández, Mamoudou Sétamou, Alejandro Tena, Pedro Takao Yamamoto, Tara Wade, Changyong Zhou, Nian Wang, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Alberto Urbaneja

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Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, poses a severe threat to the global citrus industry. This disease is caused by three species of bacteria, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, ‘C. L. africanus’, and ‘C. L. ameri-canus’. The primary pathogen vectors are the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and the African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae Del Guercio, Hemiptera: Triozidae). The disease is incurable, and its management relies on reducing vector densities and the adverse effects of bacterial infections on host trees. Managing psyllid vec-tors, especially D. citri, has proven exceptionally challenging due to its rapid spread and subsequent …

The Genomic Landscape Of Hermetia Illucens: Exploring The Potential Of The Black Soldier Fly Through Molecular Insights, Peter Muchina, Johnson Kinyua, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Grum Gebreyesus, Zexi Cai, Goutam Sahana

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Abstract The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has garnered significant attention recently due to its potential applications in waste management, animal feed production, frass fertilizer production, and biotechnology. Despite its numerous advantages, genomic resources for BSF remain limited, underscoring the necessity for continued genomic exploration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genomic landscape of BSF, emphasizing the critical role of genomics in understanding its biology and optimizing its applications. We highlighted recent advancements in BSF genome sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and the characterization of the gut microbiome, revealing its implications for BSF health and production efficiency. …

Morphometric Characterization Of Invasive Diaphorina Citri Infesting Citrus And Orange Jasmine In Ghana, Kodwo Dadzie Ninsin, Maxwell Kelvin Billah, Bernard Agyeman Boateng, Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Fred Kormla Ablormeti, Samuel Opuni-Basoa, Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor, George Edusei, Steve B.S. Baleba, Owusu Fordjour Aidoo

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Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and ‘Ca. Liberibacter americanus,’ the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in D. citri populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) across different …