Agricultural Science Commons^™

Unh Extension Pollinator Garden Certification Application, Shyloh Favreau

UNH Cooperative Extension

When you certify your garden or landscape through The UNH Extension Pollinator Garden Certification Program, you become part of a growing community committed to creating meaningful habitat for pollinators through sustainable, science-based practices. Grounded in research, education, and shared learning, the program supports gardeners of all experience levels in contributing to the health and diversity of native pollinators. From plant selection to pollinator-friendly management practices, this application will guide you in planning, refining, and developing your garden into a safe, resilient habitat for native bees and other pollinating insects.

UNH Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers are here to …

Can Generative Ai Make Farming Decisions? Current Status And Future Pathways: A Case Study In Row Crop Production With Chatgpt, Nipuna Chamara, Yufeng Ge, Joe Luck, Yu Pan, Saleh Taghvaeian, Cory Walters, Christopher Proctor, Daran Rudnick, Daren Redfearn

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The agricultural decision-making process is experience-based, knowledge-dependent, time-sensitive, complex, and driven by historical data. Planting, fertilization, irrigation, and chemigation are key categories in farm decision-making, and currently there is no one-shot decision-support tool that covers all these activities. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are more advanced than traditional machine learning and deep learning models. These models have been trained on vast amounts of data from the internet, allowing them to accept unstructured data in various forms and generate human-like text, solutions to problems, and scenario predictions. Given this capability, we became interested in exploring the potential of generative AI in …

Climate Impacts Apple Pollination, Yield And Economic Outcomes Of Farmers, Clémence Riva, Stella Gachoki, Noureddine Adjlane, Danilo Bevk, Yamina Haider, Fani Hatjina, Šimun Kolega, Marin Kovačić, Ioannis Manthos, Zlatko Puškadija, Thomas Sotiropoulos, Bojan Stipešević, Fabrice Requier

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Animal-mediated pollination is crucial to global food production but is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, habitat loss and climate change. The extent to which temperature affects pollination services and crop yields is poorly understood. Using standardised monitoring in 33 apple orchards across Europe and Northern Africa over two years, this study assessed how ambient temperature affects flower visitors, fruit set, fruit quality and economic outcomes. Observation-time warm temperatures increased pollinator abundance, particularly of honey bees, while long-term mean annual temperatures enhanced pollination services for apple weight. Apple yield and the economic benefits to farmers increase with temperature, while the role …

Efficacy Of Homemade Botanical Insecticides Against Diamondback Moth (Plutella Xylostella) And Cabbage Aphids (Brevicoryne Brassicae) On Brassica Crops, Nancy Munyoki, Edward N. Karanja, Komivi S. Akutse, Noah Adamtey, Martha Musyoka, Komi K. Fiaboe, David Bautze, Edwin Nderitu, Felix Matheri, Dubois Thomas, Milka Kiboi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

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The growing need for accessible alternatives to synthetic insecticides has renewed interest in farmer-made botanical formulations for pest management. This study evaluated the efficacy of selected homemade botanical insecticides against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and kale (B. oleracea var. acephala) under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Three homemade formulations were assessed: a one-day-old multi-plant extract with neem (Azadirachta indica; PE + N), a one-day-old extract without neem (PE), and a fourteen-day-old, fermented extract without neem (PE14). These were compared with three commercial botanical products. In replicated leaf- and plant-based bioassays, …

Behavioral And Electrophysiological Responses Of Fall Armyworm Larval Parasitoid Coccygidium Luteum To Maize And Companion Plant Volatiles, Emmanuel Peter, Sevgan Subramanian, Abdullahi Yusuf, Samira A. Mohamed, Baldwyn Torto, Emily A. Martin, Amanuel Tamiru

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Companion cropping and biological control are among the best agronomic practices recommended for ecologically sustainable management of the invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Companion plants may suppress the FAW population by repelling the pest, disrupting host-plant location and recruiting biocontrol agents such as parasitoids. These interactions are primarily mediated by plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Understanding parasitoids’ responses to VOCs emitted by companion plants enables selection of suitable cultivars to enhance biological control and design appropriate intercropping systems for effective FAW management. This study investigated behavioral and electrophysiological responses of a key FAW larval parasitoid, …

Insect Farming Innovations: A Pathway To Self-Reliance In Agrifood Systems In Africa, Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Dennis Beesigamukama, Shaphan Yong Chia, Ermias Engida Legesse, Subramanian Sevgan, Julius Ecuru, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Insect farming as an innovative approach to transforming agrifood systems

Insect farming has emerged as a transformative and sustainable approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic vulnerability in Africa’s agrifood systems. By converting organic waste into high-value products (protein-rich feed, frass fertilizers, and bioactive compounds), insect farming offers an efficient circular economy solution that bridges nutrition, livelihoods, and ecological resilience (Lalander et al. 2025; Mei et al. 2024; Barragán-Fonseca et al. 2022; Xia et al. 2021; Van Huis 2020; Barragán-Fonseca et al. 2017; Van Huis and Oonincx 2017; Yi et al. 2014). Almost all …

Assessing Male Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Mating Frequency Via Spermatophore Quantification, Gelyn D. Sapin, Marcela M. Navasero

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), has caused significant yield losses to corn due to its destructive feeding. Bt corn currently controls ACB, but it still poses a threat to Philippine traditional varieties. Random mating of ACB is essential to the insect resistance management (IRM) of Bt corn, and studying the mating behavior, specifically the mating frequency of ACB, is a critical part of understanding the IRM in the Philippines. Currently, there is no available information on the mating frequency of ACB. Here, the male and female ACB were allowed to mate at a ratio of 1 male …

Oviposition Preference And Behavior Of The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), On Corn And Non-Corn Plants Under Semi-Field And Mini-Screen Cage Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Jessica B. Baroga-Barbecho, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Oviposition site selection in Ostrinia furnacalis is a hierarchical, multi-stage process influenced by plant phenology and spatial context. Oviposition preferences under mini-screen cage (Sampaloc) and semi-field (BL2) conditions were evaluated to determine the effects of field size, corn developmental stage, and the presence of non-corn plants on egg deposition patterns. Females deposited significantly more egg masses on 40 DAP (pre-reproductive) corn than on early vegetative-stage plants [Sampaloc: n=437 (40 DAP), n=88 (30 DAP); BL2: n=98 (40 DAP), n=84 (30 DAP)], demonstrating a strong phenological preference, particularly in Sampaloc. The presence of non-corn plants has a negligible …

Oviposition Preference Of The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Towards Bt And Non-Bt Corn, And Under Confined Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Jessica B. Baroga-Barbecho, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Several experiments were conducted on the ovipositional preference and behavior of the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Confirmatory tests were conducted in table cages (1.5 m²) to determine if the results would align with those obtained from experiments on semi-field (285 m²) and mini-screen cage (90 m²) spatial scales. Preference for Bt and non-Bt corn was then observed under confined conditions. Table cage test results showed similar oviposition behavior to that observed in prior studies on larger test areas. There is no preference for either Bt or non-Bt corn plants. ACB adults …

Adult Dispersal Of Field-Released Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), In Northern And Southern Philippines, Mario V. Navasero, Randolph N. Candano, Gelyn D. Sapin, Wilson N. De Panis

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The effectiveness of Bt corn in controlling the Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée, is well recognized. However, concerns persist regarding the potential development of resistance to Bt toxins by this pest. This resistance could arise from surviving ACB individuals carrying homozygous resistance alleles, potentially leading to resistant offspring if mating between resistant individuals is not prevented or minimized. To address this issue, various studies have investigated the factors that limit or facilitate resistance development. These factors include adult dispersal and mating behavior in the field, as well as ecological conditions such as weather and landscape features. However, there …

The Effect Of Corn Event Mir162 And The Triple Stacked Hybrid, Bt11 X Mir162 X Ga21, On Key Non-Target Organisms Of Corn, Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Kristine O. Abenis, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Assessments of environmental risks, especially to non-target organisms, are required before genetically modified plants are approved for commercial production. Incorporated genes or traits, whether as single events or stacked or combined with other traits, are treated separately. In compliance with Philippine regulations, confined field trials were conducted to evaluate possible effects of corn event Maximus MIR162 and triple stacked corn hybrid Bt11 x MIR162 x GA21 on non-target arthropods from August 2011 to January 2012 in Laoac, Pangasinan, and Tampakan, South Cotabato. Visual counts and opportunistic sampling, sweep net sampling, pitfall traps, and sticky traps were used at each sampling …

Review Of Dr. Adelina A. Barrion’S Contributions To Basic Studies On The Asian Corn Borer And A Tribute To An Outstanding Entomologist, Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, John David C. Cortez, Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The previous works of the late Dr. Adelina A. Barrion, a distinguished Filipino insect geneticist, on the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee), were retrieved. The works were reviewed and highlighted in relation to the recently funded project entitled “Basic studies on the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee),” funded by the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines in collaboration with various players in the corn seed industry. The unpublished papers of Dr. Barrion from the 1981 PCARR project entitled “Breeding for Corn Borer Resistance” were important milestones in basic studies on the ACB. Several studies conducted by her team …

Non-Target Organisms And Terrestrial Arthropod Biodiversity In The Corn Agroecosystem: Bt Corn Beyond Acb Pest Management [Review Article], Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Kristine O. Abenis

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Assessments of risks of modern biotechnology products to non-target organisms (NTOs) are required before a product can be registered and allowed for commercial production. For Bt-engineered plants, data from such studies become part of environmental risk or impact assessments that are reviewed before a hybrid can be registered and allowed for commercial planting. The approaches and methods vary among countries and researchers. Consequently, the choice of species and groups of organisms or guilds that are monitored or studied may range from narrow to broad and encompassing. The inevitability of adverse changes in agroecosystems, including those that involve the corn crop, …

Basic Studies On The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), Are Crucial For Insect Resistance Management For Bt Corn In The Philippines, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The Philippines is considered to be “at the forefront of biotech research and commercialization in Southeast Asia and a model for science-based and thorough regulatory policy in the region” (ISAAA 2016). This is evident in the country's pioneering adoption of Bt corn technology in Asia and in the effective handling and implementation of rules and regulations on biosafety and the application of transgenic crops through the regulatory function of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) under the Department of Agriculture.

Age-Dependent Reproductive Fitness And Behavioral Dynamics Of The Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae), Marcela M. Navasero, Randolph N. Candano, Maricon Dp Javier, Jethro M. Navasero, Wilson N. De Panis

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study evaluated the effects of parental age of the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), on fecundity, egg hatchability, adult longevity, and the duration of pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods using arranged mating pairs aged 1 to 5 days old. Mating behavior was also observed and documented. The highest fecundity, measured by the number of egg masses and total eggs produced, was recorded in pairings of 1-day-old males and females, indicating a positive effect of young parental age. In contrast, pairings involving 5-day-old males and females resulted in the lowest egg production, demonstrating an inverse relationship between parental …

Characterization Of Adult Emergence Pattern And Eclosion Behavior Of The Asian Corn Borer, [Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée)] (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Under Laboratory And Field Conditions In The Philippines, Marcela M. Navasero, Gelyn D. Sapin, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Wilson N. De Panis, Randolph N. Candano, Maricon Dp Javier, Jethro M. Navasero, Meijei T. Bangangao

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study focuses on understanding the emergence pattern of Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee), in the Philippines vital in crafting integrated pest management schemes, including insect resistance management against pesticides and Bt protein. Although ACB adults are known to be nocturnal and primarily emerge at night, identifying critical windows of emergence for targeted management actions is essential. In the experiments conducted, the scotophase period is the preferred time for adult emergence under laboratory conditions with 248 adults (80.52%) and 60 adults (19.48%) in the photophase period. A similar trend was also observed under field cage conditions with ACB …

Temporal Decline And Spatial Heterogeneity Of Cry1ab Susceptibility In Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), Populations In The Philippines: A Review And Synthesis Of Monitoring Data (2015–2024) [Review Article], Edwin P. Alcantara

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Transgenic corn expressing the insecticidal Cry1Ab protein has been widely utilized in the Philippines to control the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Continuous, long-term monitoring is critical to detect shifts in baseline susceptibility and mitigate the risk of field-evolved resistance. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal dynamics of ACB susceptibility to Cry1Ab over nine years (2015–2024). Bioassay data were collected from 12 geographically distinct field populations across the Philippines, alongside a susceptible laboratory reference strain (UPLB). To account for spatial hierarchy and temporal variance, data were analyzed using a Bayesian hierarchical multilevel model with a logit link. Baseline assessments …

Movement Of The Different Larval Stages Of Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia Furnacalis (Guenée), On Conventional Corn Hybrid Under Field Caged Conditions, Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, Mark Bryan A. Lontoc, Victor V. Alpuerto, Abigail P. De Leon, Jenifer Bigkas-Naungayan, John David C. Cortez, Edwin A. Benigno

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Larval dispersal is crucial in pest population establishment in crop fields. The movement of Ostrinia furnacalis (ACB) larvae within corn plots was observed to determine which factors affect larval dispersal in the field. Conventional corn plots (3 rows, 0.70 m apart x 9 plants, 0.20 m apart) were artificially infested with different combinations of larval age and pest density. The distributions of larvae were recorded through destructive sampling at 4, 8, 12, and 16 days after infestation (DAI). The behavior of ACB from the time the hatching larvae break open the egg mass shell to ballooning to start actual movement …

Insect Frass Fertilizer Upregulates Maize Defence Genes And Resistance Against An Invasive Herbivore Pest, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai, Johnstone Mutiso Mutua, Abdul A. Jalloh, Dennis Beesigamukama, Andre Kessler, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) has gained global attention as a multipurpose input for soil fertilization and pest and disease management. However, there are limited studies that have examined its effects on insect pest resistance and the underlying mechanisms. We investigated the impact of amending soil with BSFFF on maize growth, defense gene expression and resistance to a polyphagous insect herbivore, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) through larval feeding assay. Maize growth was evaluated by measuring plant height, chlorophyll concentration, and biomass accumulation in soils amended with BSFFF, synthetic fertilizers (Di-ammonium phosphate and Calcium ammonium nitrate) and unfertilized soils …

When Thermal Risk Indices Work And When They Don't: A Case Study Of Two Maize Insect Pests, Komi Mensah Agboka, Frank Thomas Ndjomatchoua, Luca Rossini, Ritter A. Guimapi, Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The biological life cycle of terrestrial arthropods, using temperature as the primary driving factor has a large interest for insect pests in agriculture, forestry, urban ecosystems, as constitutes the basics for the development of mathematical models for decision making. A recent study proposed a physiologically-based risk index (RI) which finds large applications in the definition of risk maps; however, further case studies are needed to better explore its strengths and limitations. This study aims to extend this knowledge by presenting an application of the RI on two economically significant pests: the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda and the stem borer Busseola …

Impact Of Adoption Of Fall Armyworm And Stemborer Pest Control Practices On Maize Yields In Rwanda: A Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression Approach, Vincent Gadamba Misango, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Patrick Irungu, Menale Kassie

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The use of push-pull technologies (PPT) as an alternative control method for fall armyworms and stemborer pests amongst maize farmers has recently received considerable global attention. However, the impact of adoption of PPT on the maize productivity remains largely unexplored. This study used a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) to evaluate the impact of adoption of PPT on smallholder maize farmer's yields in Rwanda. The MESR model was estimated on a sample of 398 households operating 967 maize plots selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Overall, 25, 20, and 14 percent of the households used traditional methods, PPT and …

Oviposition-Deterrent And Repellent Effects Of Synthetic Plant-Derived Compounds On The Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus Chinensis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), Akki Suma, M Rajadurai, Ac Lokesh, Mb Anusha, S Krishna Kumar

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758), is a major stored pest of pulses (Fabaceae) in India. While effective control of this widespread and destructive insect pest is essential, continuous insecticide use poses environmental concerns, thereby necessitating alternative, eco-friendly control methods. This study evaluated the oviposition-deterrent effects of 7 synthetic compounds (linalool, guaiene, citral, estragole, 4-nonanone, alloaromadendrene, and citronellal) on C. chinensis. Linalool showed the strongest suppression of egg-laying at higher concentrations, with the lowest egg count at 500 ppm compared to the control, followed by citral, citronellal, and guaiene. Linalool was also effective in suppressing egg hatching at …

Desert Locust (Schistocerca Gregaria) Flour As An Emerging Functional Ingredient For Baking Flavorful And Nutritious Whole Wheat Bread, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Antonny M. Nzomo, Paul N. Ndegwa, Sunday Ekesi, Fathiya M. Khamis, Komivi S. Akutse, George Ong'amo, Brian O. Ochieng, Margaret Kababu, Dennis Beesigamukama, Shaphan Y. Chia, J․Ghemoh G. Changeh, Sevgan Subramanian, Thomas Dubois, Segenet Kelemu

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Increasing interest in consuming insects is accelerating the expansion of the fortified snacks market. However, there is limited knowledge of the drivers of consumers to appreciate the role of desert locust [DL] Schistocerca gregaria Forskål as emerging functional ingredient for use in the food industry. Here, we evaluated the nutrient profile and functional properties of wheat breads fortified with powder from captive mass reared DL. The crude protein values of processed DL meal fed on three different food plants ranged between 40 and 56 %. The specific volume and firmness of the breads correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with incremental …

One Health Interventions And Challenges Under Rural African Smallholder Farmer Settings: A Scoping Review, Evanson R. Omuse, Honest Machekano, Bonoukpoè M. Sokame, Daniel M. Mutyambai, Thomas Dubois, Sevgan Subramanian, Frank Chidawanyika

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The global human population is rapidly increasing, escalating interactions of people, animals and the environment. This has led to more convoluted health challenges, for which African smallholder farmers bear the brunt. The One Health (OH) approach recognises the interconnectedness of these health challenges and thus follows a transdisciplinary approach involving diverse stakeholders to address them. Although there have recently been global concerted efforts and studies on OH, an information gap exists in Africa, particularly regarding smallholder farmers and their needs. Additionally, evaluation frameworks and outcome metrics for OH initiatives are still unclear. Thus, this study was conducted to critically map …

Potential Economic Impact Of Grapevine Phylloxera (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) On Western Australian Winegrapes, David C. Cook, Andrew S. Taylor, Peter S. Gardiner, Rodrigo Pires, Hamish L R Mckirdy, Karen W. Holmes, Helen Spafford

Viticulture Research Articles

Grapevine phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) has been present in Australia for almost 150 years but has not spread to south-west Western Australia, in part due to the relative isolation of the region. Recent improvements in tourist access, with interstate flights now arriving at Busselton Margaret River Airport, raise concerns about potential phylloxera introductions via wine tourism. In this paper, we simulate the potential economic impact on the Western Australian winegrape industry following a hypothetical arrival event in the Margaret River wine region. We use soil texture maps to assess the suitability of winegrape-growing areas to phylloxera establishment and …

Landscape Effects On The Beneficial Arthropod Community In Agriculturally Dominated Environments, Hannah E. Stowe

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Ecosystem services in agriculturally dominated regions rely, at least in part, on arthropods. Environment and biodiversity influence beneficial arthropods in population size, community structure, diversity, and ecosystem service provisioning. Predation is among the most important services provided by arthropods in agroecosystems. Understanding what alters predation and predator activity can support the successful application of biological control and, more broadly, integrated pest management. Land use and edge adjacency, field characteristics, landscape, seasonality, and diel period all alter predatory behavior. Crop fields dominate Nebraska agroecosystems, although interspersed perennial grasslands persist through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Such grasslands supply crucial resources and …

Modifying The Comb, Rethinking The Install: Integrated Approaches To Honey Bee Colony Establishment And Winter Survival, Shelby A. Kittle

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The European, or Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) plays a vital role in global ecosystems and agriculture, providing essential pollination services and producing valuable hive products. However, honey bee colony losses have escalated worldwide, but particularly across the United States due to various stressors, including biotic and abiotic factors, mismanagement, and environmental challenges. This thesis investigates key challenges in honey bee management and explores solutions aimed at improving colony health and productivity.

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the beekeeping industry, detailing its economic importance, services, and products, as well as the many challenges faced by beekeepers. It …

Understanding The Impact Of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) Feeding, And Drought Stress On Drought-Tolerant And Drought-Resistant Soybean (Glycine Max)., Adriana G. Peissel

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Drought and insect herbivory are two major stressors on high-value crops like soybean (Glycine max). However, few studies have explored how these stressors interact, despite their presence in tandem under field conditions. We investigated how drought stress and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) caterpillar herbivory impact Magellan (drought-tolerant) and Blackhawk (drought-susceptible) soybean cultivars. The soybean plants were subject to four treatment groups (1. Drought 2. Herbivory 3. Drought + Herbivory 4. Well-Watered) during a treatment period of 7 days in a greenhouse. We then measured plant height, physiological traits, trichome density, soil moisture, and larval mass gain. …

4-Ethylacetophenone From Potato Plants Repels Phthorimaea Operculella And Inhibits Oviposition: A Sustainable Management Strategy, Xinyu Ma, Junjie Yan, Guangyuan Su, Fathiya M. Khamis, Athanase Hategekiman, Yulin Gao

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is an important pest of potato crops capable of boring into and consuming the potato tubers. Although chemical insecticides are employed to control P. operculella populations, their efficacy is frequently limited, raising environmental concerns. Host plant volatiles are important allelochemicals that can be exploited for the management of pests. In our previous studies, we identified five volatile organic compounds (3-ethylacetophenone, 4-ethylacetophenone, geranylacetone, ethylbenzene, and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone) as allelochemicals potentially influencing the oviposition behavior of P. operculella. Using electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral assays, we found that 4-ethylacetophenone significantly repelled P. operculella at all tested concentrations …

Differential Responses Of The Egg-Larval Parasitoid Chelonus Bifoveolatus To Fall Armyworm-Induced And Constitutive Volatiles Of Diverse Maize Genotypes, Collins O. Onjura, Emmanuel Peter, George O. Asudi, Michael M. Gicheru, Samira A. Mohamed, Toby J.A. Bruce, Amanuel Tamiru

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious invasive crop pest and threat to food security. Conventional pest control approaches using chemical pesticides can lead to adverse environmental and human health problems calling for safer alternative pest management options. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plants constitutively and in response to herbivory have been shown to enhance ecologically benign biocontrol alternatives to chemical insecticides for pest management. However, genotypic variations in VOC emissions have also been reported for plant species including maize (Zea mays). Hence, a better insight into the variations in odor profiles of different maize varieties and …