Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) crops are frequently attacked by cabbage looper larvae (Trichoplusia ni), which severely reduce cabbage production. This experiment was conducted in the late spring crop season from April 15, 2024, to August 20, 2024, at the Field Science Center for the Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Japan. In this study, the efficacy of an ethanolic extract of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.) leaves was compared with those of the chemical insecticide permethrin 3.2 EC and aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; the control). The experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design in which each treatment comprised three replications consisting of 24 plants in total. Compared with the control, the bottle gourd leaf extract had high biopesticide activity against cabbage looper, increasing the cabbage yield by 15.98%. The yield was almost equal to that achieved with Permethrin 3.2 EC. Compared with the control, the application of the extract significantly decreased looper larval infestation in field-grown cabbage by 41.18%, 39.71%, 52.08%, and 37.96% at the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth weeks, respectively. Five possible biopesticide compounds, namely, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, indole-3-butyric acid, strychnine, phytol and hexadecanoic acid, were identified in the ethanolic extracts of bottle gourd leaves by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Bottle gourd leaf extract has potential as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to toxic chemical pesticides for controlling cabbage looper infestation.
The soybean looper (SBL) is one of the most damaging insect pests of soybean and other economically important crops worldwide. Although temperature has been reported to be a critical predictor of pest growth and development, very little is known about how temperature variations influence SBL population dynamics, which may aid in predicting SBL population outbreaks and dispersal. To examine this, we analysed the life table parameters of SBL by the age-stage, two-sex method under different temperature conditions. We also performed comparative analysis of antioxidant enzymes and total protein concentration from SBL larvae to unfold the enzymatic stress levels. Life table analysis revealed a significant extension in the developmental periods, and oviposition performance was adversely affected under extreme (extended) temperature conditions. Additionally, temperature stress elevated the antioxidant level, which negatively affected the growth and development of SBL, resulting in reduced plant damage. Population projections over an 80-day timescale simulation indicated that total SBL numbers would be significantly reduced during extreme temperature events compared to optimal temperatures. Overall, our findings suggest that extreme thermal stress had a negative effect on SBL growth and population progression, which could be used to meticulously predict SBL outbreaks and facilitate the development of a more efficient and sustainable management strategy.
The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa is globally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and endemism, but despite extensive floral studies, its phytophagous insect fauna remains poorly studied. Here, we employ an integrative taxonomic approach including macro- and micro-photography, micro-CT scanning, scanning electron microscopy, and multigene molecular phylogenetics to describe a recently discovered, morphologically and genetically distinct lineage of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from the CFR, comprising a new genus, Fynbosia Englund, Staude & Sihvonen, gen. nov. and two new species, F. horingaria Englund, Staude & Sihvonen, sp. nov. and F. unicaria Englund, Staude & Sihvonen, sp. nov. Morphological and molecular evidence support the placement of Fynbosia gen. nov. within the subfamily Larentiinae but suggest no close affiliation to any described tribe. The new genus appears to be endemic to the CFR's montane fynbos and renosterveld vegetation types, which may act as ecological islands that foster speciation. The discovery underscores the overlooked insect diversity of the region and the urgent need for more comprehensive surveys. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of geometrid diversity and highlight the value of integrative taxonomy and non-destructive imaging in documenting rare and cryptic lineages.
The mulberry looper (Phthonandria atrilineata), a geometrid moth, plays a pivotal role in the destruction of mulberry trees (Morus spp.). In China, P. atrilineata is the most significant insect pest to sericulture, as it feeds on mulberry leaves and spreads diseases. The outbreak trend of P. atrilineata has been expanding yearly, causing substantial economic losses. Despite its ecological and economic importance, knowledge about the genomic background of P. atrilineata remains limited. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome of P. atrilineata, with a total size of 336.55 Mb, containing 15,026 protein-coding genes and 39.72% repeat sequences. These findings have the potential to shed light on the genetic basis of the destructive nature and environmental adaptation of P. atrilineata, offering valuable genomic resources for understanding genome evolution and pest management within this Lepidopteran pest.
Plants produce complex chemical defenses against herbivores, resulting in the emergence of detoxification strategies in phytophagous insects. While enzymatic detoxification and target site mutagenesis are well-documented, the quantitative contribution of excretion remains less studied. We focus on the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), a generalist herbivore, to elucidate the detoxification of a steroidal alkaloid, solanidine, produced in potato (Solanum tuberosum). Through larval feeding experiments and chemical analysis of metabolites using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we identify solanidine 3-O-β-glucopyranoside and solanidine 3-phosphate as major metabolization products of solanidine. Glycosylation and phosphorylation reactions have not previously been observed in cabbage looper. Modified solanidine derivatives exhibit reduced lipophilicity, preventing passive transport as predicted by physicochemical analyses, and only solanidine was detected in body tissue. In addition, the metabolism of solanidine in a T. ni mutant strain with midgut cadherin protein knocked out was also investigated to examine the potential role of the cadherin, an important receptor for Bt toxins, in steroidal alkaloid detoxification. T. ni cadherin-knockout strain showed lower solanidine conversion (33.9% ± 2.2) and uptake (27.41 ± 0.49 nmol/g) compared to the wild-type strain (51.3% ± 4.1, 33.66 ± 2.48 nmol/g) but similar excretion kinetics. Although solanidine negatively impacted the feeding performance of both strains the cadherin-knockout does not affect the feeding performance. Our study expands the metabolization enzyme repertoire in cabbage loopers, emphasizing the complexity of detoxification mechanisms in generalist herbivores.
Ascotis selenaria has recently shifted hosts to become a major defoliator in Southern China's eucalyptus plantations. To facilitate Integrated Pest Management (IPM), we investigated the genetic origins, life history, and reproductive bio-ecology of this population. Mitochondrial COI analysis revealed that the Southern China population aligns phylogenetically with South Asian clades, distinct from Northern China populations. Life table analysis confirmed six larval instars, with the final instar exhibiting exponential consumption, accounting for 79.68% of total food intake. Reproductive assays demonstrated significant protandry and a novel bimodal ovarian maturation rhythm (peaking on days 3 and 7). Crucially, female fecundity declined sharply after a 3-day mating delay, and mating with older males severely reduced egg hatchability in older females. These findings suggest that control thresholds must shift from visual damage assessment to monitoring early-instar larvae (1st-3rd instars). Furthermore, the combination of protandry and reproductive sensitivity implies that mating disruption strategies must be deployed prior to male emergence. This study provides the biological basis for a dual-window IPM framework targeting this emerging pest.
Understanding insect molecular responses to different insecticides is essential for sustainable pest management. This study presents a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of Phthonandria atrilineata exposed to insecticides with distinct modes of action. RNA sequencing was performed on larvae treated with organophosphates (trichlorfon, malathion, and trichlorfon-malathion mixture) and mitochondrial inhibitors (methoxyfenozide and chlorfenapyr). Our analysis revealed both mechanism-specific responses and conserved xenobiotic defense programs. We identified 180 commonly upregulated genes involved in detoxification and sensory perception pathways, and 357 commonly downregulated genes indicating suppression of carbohydrate metabolism and developmental processes under chemical stress. Fuzzy clustering revealed nine distinct expression modules, with organophosphates primarily affecting neuronal functions while mitochondrial inhibitors triggered metabolic reprogramming centered on energy balance and protein homeostasis. Additionally, the trichlorfon-malathion mixture produced synergistic effects on endocrine signaling pathways. These findings illuminate the molecular architecture of insecticide responses, providing valuable insights for pest management strategies and resistance monitoring in agricultural settings.
Management of diabetes mellitus in very young children presents challenges due to variable insulin sensitivity, unpredictable carbohydrate intake, and low insulin requirements. An automated insulin delivery (AID) system addresses some of these challenges and can be used with diluted insulin where indicated. Retrospective case series of children aged <6 years with diabetes starting CamAPS FX AID with standard (U100) or diluted (U5 or U10) insulin at a single UK clinical centre between October 2020 and April 2022. AID was started for seven children with diluted insulin (median interquartile range [IQR] age 1.5 [0.6, 2.8] years, mean ± standard deviation HbA1c 83 ± 18 mmol/mol) and four with standard insulin (age 4.6 [3.9, 5.4] years, HbA1c 62 ± 13 mmol/mol). AID was started at a median (IQR) of 0.2 (0.1, 0.2) months post-diagnosis in the diluted group and 17.8 (7.7, 23.6) months in the standard group. At the most recent clinic visit (9.3 ± 4.8 months after starting AID in the diluted group and 12.0 ± 2.1 months in the standard group), time in target range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) was 66.5 ± 6.8% and 54.0 ± 5.0%, respectively. Median time in hypoglycaemia (<3.9 mmol/L) was <4% in both groups. Glucose variability was 37.5 ± 4.2% in the diluted and 43.5 ± 4.7% in the standard group. There were no episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycaemia. AID with both standard and diluted insulin can be used to safely manage diabetes in very young children with low total insulin requirements.
Soybean looper (SBL), Chrysodeixis includens (Walker 1858) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most damaging insect pests of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., in the mid-south region of the United States, and causes significant economic losses to cotton, sunflower, tomato, and tobacco crops in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Soybean production in the southern region accounted for 15.5% of the total production in the United States, and yield losses due to invertebrate pests were 5.8%, or 1.09 million metric ton, in 2022. As insecticide resistance of SBL continues to rise, the lack of alternate control strategies is a serious concern. Numerous studies have been reported on pest status, distribution, semiochemical-based attractant blends, pesticides and resistance mechanisms, host-plant resistance mechanisms, and molecular tools for controlling this pest in soybeans and other crops. However, there is no comprehensive review that summarizes and discusses these research on SBL and soybeans. The current management strategies for SBL remain heavily reliant on chemical insecticides and transgenic crops. In contrast, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are needed to control the pest in an effective and environmentally friendly way. This review examines and synthesizes the literature on SBL as a significant pest of soybeans and other important crops, highlighting recent progress in ecological interactions, host plant defenses, and control strategies and identifying information gaps, thereby suggesting avenues for further research on this pest.
The soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is widely distributed throughout North and South America. It appears on important crop hosts with mixed populations of other looper species, especially the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). One of the earliest attempts to distinguish between the 2 species was to examine the legs of caterpillars, and those that possessed "black" legs were considered soybean loopers. However, it was demonstrated that this characteristic was variable and not under simple genetic expression. We examined 3 different environmental factors (temperature, light duration, and rearing density) to determine if these had an impact on the development of dark coloration on soybean looper legs. Larvae were exposed to 5 distinct levels of each environmental variable. We found that all 3 factors impacted the amount of dark coloration in the legs. Larvae reared at the coldest temperature and most light displayed darker-colored legs as early as the third instar of larval development. As larval rearing density increased, dark coloration on legs also increased, but this was not apparent until the fifth instar of larval development. There was a general trend for pupal weight to decrease and days to pupation to increase as the percentage of darkness on soybean loopers' legs increased within the various treatments of the study. Overall, dark leg coloration was largely dependent on environment and an apparent fitness cost was associated with larvae exhibiting darker legs within the various rearing conditions examined.
The growing utility of xeno-nucleic acids (XNAs) lies in their ability to extend the reach of genetic chemistry beyond the limits imposed by natural polymers. XNAs, with their diverse chemical backbones, resist enzymatic degradation and yet retain the capacity for sequence-defined information, and have found broad applications in biotechnology. The approach described herein provides a systematic method for the transliteration between XNAs and DNAs. This article delineates the ligase-catalyzed oligonucleotide polymerization (LOOPER) process as applied to the transcription and reverse transcription of XNA libraries using T3 DNA ligase. Two complementary procedures are presented. Basic Protocol 1 details the assembly of XNA polymers through the ligase-mediated templated ligation of 5'-phosphorylated trinucleotide anticodons bearing XNA modifications, exemplified here by locked nucleic acids (LNAs). Basic Protocol 2 describes the reverse transcription of XNA sequences into cDNA using unmodified DNA 5'-phosphorylated trinucleotide anticodons. Together, these protocols enable a bidirectional exchange between DNA and chemically diverse XNA species, a prerequisite for the application of SELEX and other evolutionary methodologies to noncanonical backbones. This ligase-based framework dispenses with substrate biases that can often be present with polymerases, allowing high-fidelity transliteration (>95%) across a variety of modified nucleotides. © 2026 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Ligase-catalyzed oligonucleotide polymerization (LOOPER) for XNA synthesis Basic Protocol 2: Ligase-catalyzed oligonucleotide polymerization (LOOPER) for cDNA synthesis from XNA templates.
Previous research showed that certain noctuid moths were captured in Unitraps baited with the floral kairomone attractants phenylacetaldehyde and β-myrcene, but comparisons among traps with sex pheromones, floral attractants, and pheromones plus floral attractants was never tested. We compared these treatments in a 17-mo trial at a large agricultural experiment station in north-central Florida. Trap capture of moths to sex pheromone lures for fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) and soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) were compared to capture in traps baited with the volatile floral chemicals. Combination lures that included both female sex pheromone and floral volatiles were added to the trial to determine if there was synergistic attraction to traps. Pheromone lures for corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) were added as a treatment to document seasonality of this pest species in the region. Over the course of the study, we captured over 4,400 fall armyworm moths, with 69% (3,044) found in the pheromone-only traps and 31% (1,377) found in traps baited with the combination lures, suggesting floral attractants repelled fall armyworm moths. Conversely, we collected 912 soybean looper moths, with 32% (288) found in the pheromone-only traps and 68% (624) captured in traps with the combined lures, suggesting the floral attractants synergized soybean looper moth capture. These results suggest that the use of floral kairomone attractants for moth trapping can act as synergists or antagonists to either increase or decrease trap capture, depending on the species of interest.
Previous studies on the toxicity of the insecticidal protein Cry1Ac from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have indicated the presence of multiple pathways of Cry1Ac toxicity in the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni. Consistently, the high-level resistance to Cry1Ac evolved in greenhouse populations of T. ni has been identified to be associated with an ABCC2 gene mutation and an additional yet-to-be-identified gene mutation. In this study, the second resistant trait to Cry1Ac in T. ni, Cry1Ac-R2, was genetically mapped by biphasic linkage analysis, using bulked segregant analysis by whole-genome sequencing (BSA-seq) and amplicon sequencing (Amp-seq). The Cry1Ac-R2 was localized in a 675-kb region on chromosome 9. Of the 37 genes in the Cry1Ac-R2 locus, 25 were expressed in the midgut of T. ni larvae. Among those midgut genes are a cluster of aminopeptidase N (APN) genes, including APN1 and APN6. Analysis of the dominance of Cry1Ac-R2 revealed that the dominance at a high dose of Cry1Ac could be significantly influenced by the genetic background of T. ni strains. The results from this study demonstrated that resistance to Cry1Ac in an insect may involve multiple gene mutations with various types of dominance, and the dominance can be influenced by the genetic background of an insect population. The soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its insecticidal Cry proteins are widely used for insect control in agriculture and public health. Continuing success of Bt biotechnology requires a better understanding of the insect genes involved in the toxicity of Bt proteins and their mutations leading to Bt resistance. Cry1Ac is a major Bt protein used for Lepidoptera pest control, and resistance to Cry1Ac has occurred in field populations of insects, including the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni. The results from this study confirmed that Cry1Ac resistance in an insect may involve multiple gene mutations and both dominant and recessive resistant traits. This study also revealed that the dominance of a resistance trait can be influenced by the genetic background of an insect population, which could complicate research data interpretation and may affect the efficacy of Bt toxins for control of different insect populations in the field.
Transgenic animals are invaluable tools in genetic studies, disease modeling, drug discovery, and biotechnology. However, the low efficiency of transgenic animal generation can be an obstacle to their application. Here, we report the generation of transgenic mice using PBatase, the piggyBat transposase from the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus). PBatase exhibits detectable transposition activity in fertilized mouse eggs within a limited concentration range, although the overall activity was lower than that of PBase, the piggyBac transposase from the cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni). Transgenic animals carrying low transgene copy numbers were successfully generated with high efficiency using PBatase, and the transgene was subsequently transmitted to the next generation. This technique will be useful for the generation of transgenic animals carrying single copies of a transgene.
Soybeans, one of the most important legumes, face multiple stresses including drought and herbivory. But the potential transfer of the interactive effects of these stressors onto the transgenerational plants has not been understood. We hypothesised that progeny from stressed parents will have enhanced ecophysiology and defence traits through priming, affecting fitness. Experimental plants were derived from seeds of drought (D), drought and herbivory interaction (D × H), herbivory (H) and well-watered (WW) treatments imposed on parental generation. The findings revealed significant transgenerational effects of D, D × H, H and WW treatments; D × H treatment had negative impacts on seed germination and seedling vigour. The percent change in leaf and root nitrogen and protein content in seedling roots and leaves in D × H compared to D revealed possible remobilisation of nutrients in transgenerational seedlings. The transgenerational effects due to D × H persisted throughout the growing period reducing physiological parameters including net photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance. But the trichomes were significantly induced indicating potential tradeoff for strengthened defences confirmed by soybean looper bioassays. And the tradeoff between defence and morpho-physiology also led to negative effects on yield and fitness. Taken together, transgenerational induction, offers opportunities for developing resilient crops under multiple stressors like drought and herbivory.
In Brazilian eucalyptus farms, the brown looper caterpillar (Thyrinteina arnobia) causes severe defoliation and up to 40% reduction in biomass production. In controlling T. arnobia, transgenic eucalyptus event 1521K059 was developed to produce the Cry1Ab, Cry1Bb, and Cry2Aa pesticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. We performed bioassays with leaf material from eucalyptus events and the purified individual pesticidal proteins to establish susceptibility in T. arnobia larvae, and competition binding assays with the three Cry proteins and midgut brush border membrane vesicles of T. arnobia. The results from bioassays support high toxicity against T. arnobia for all three Cry proteins and that eucalyptus event 1521K059 is a high-dose event for T. arnobia. Lack of competition between the three Cry proteins supports that event 1521K059 is a pyramided trait. These observations support the high activity of eucalyptus event 1521K059 against T. arnobia larvae and a low risk of resistance evolution.
The sunflower looper, Rachiplusia nu (Guenée, 1852) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has evolved practical resistance to the Cry1Ac toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) expressed in soybean in Brazil and neighboring countries. In view of this, the use of chemical or biological insecticides is required for their control. In 2023, a bioinsecticide based on Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV: Baculoviridae: Alphabaculovirus) was registered for the control of R. nu in Brazil. To support the use of this new insecticide, we conducted diet-overlay bioassays to characterize the baseline susceptibility of Brazilian populations of R. nu to AcMNPV and establish a diagnostic concentration for resistance monitoring. Additionally, we evaluated cross-resistance between AcMNPV and Cry1Ac by testing AcMNPV in both Cry1Ac-susceptible and -resistant populations of R. nu. The tested field populations of R. nu were susceptible to AcMNPV. The LC50 of AcMNPV ranged from 1.9 × 107 to 7.9 × 107 occlusion bodies (OBs)/mL, indicating a low (< 4.2-fold) interpopulation variation in susceptibility. The diagnostic concentration of AcMNPV established, based on the calculated LC99 (1.6 × 109 OBs/mL), caused > 97% mortality in field populations of R. nu. No cross-resistance was detected between AcMNPV and Cry1Ac Bt toxin in this species. These findings indicate that the AcMNPV-based bioinsecticide may be a valuable tool in integrated management programs to control R. nu and that the diagnostic concentration determined here is suitable for resistance monitoring.
The cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, is a serious pest of cruciferous crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, collard/spring greens, and horseradish, with a major financial impact. Despite its significant financial importance, there has been little study on the characterization of Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes, which are critical components in the control of metabolic activities. This study discovers and investigates 19 CYP450 genes in T. ni that are involved in important metabolic processes such as fatty acid metabolism, resistance mechanisms, phytotoxin response, and insecticide detoxification. We identified important CYP450 genes that play critical roles in conferring resistance to HDAC inhibitor insecticides, particularly sulforaphane and Trichostatin A, using in silico gene expression profiling. The findings reveal insight into the importance of identified genes in detoxifying chemical treatments, which may contribute to the advancement of resistance in cabbage looper populations. Notably, CYP4C1-1, CYP4C1-like-1, and CYP4C1-2emerge as key genes, significantly contributing to resistance and detoxification processes under the effect of HDAC inhibitor-induced chemical stressors. This study provides insight on the genetic mechanisms behind resistance in T. ni, providing important information on potential targets for pest control. These initiatives will pave the way for the development of innovative and effective control measures for cabbage looper populations in agricultural areas.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill, many new types of intoxicating cannabis products (ICPs) are widely sold throughout the United States. However, there is little information on popular brands, which is essential for understanding associated risks, marketing strategies, and major industry players who may oppose effective public health legislation. The current study identified popular ICP brands in vape shops across the U.S. In November-December 2023, telephone surveys were conducted for 520 vape shops across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Google Maps was used to locate 10 vape shops per state/territory. Shops were asked about the availability of THC products and popular brands. Responses were dual-coded, and descriptive statistics were used to describe popular ICP brands. Vape shops in 48 states/territories reported selling ICPs. Overall, 74% of shops surveyed sold ICPs. Among these, 62% (N = 273) provided information about brands (N = 188 unique brands; average 2.4 per shop). The top ten brands identified were Torch (12.7%), Mellow Fellow (9.7%), Cake (8.4%), Modus (8.0%), Delta Extrax (7.6%), Hidden Hills (7.6%), Looper (7.2%), Urb (7.2%), Ghost (6.3%), and Space Gods (6.3%). This is the first study to systematically document popular brands of ICPs sold in vape shops nationwide. Findings suggest substantial competition in the market including many popular brands. These brands provide a foundation for future research assessing the characteristics of products from these brands and use prevalence, the nature of the industries producing these products, and industry dynamics over time, all of which can help inform regulatory efforts.
The western hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria lugubrosa (Hulst) is a destructive defoliator of coniferous forests and a major cause of economic losses in forestry. A novel and efficient stereoselective synthesis of the sex pheromone of the western hemlock looper (1, 2 and 3) has been successfully achieved. The synthetic strategy integrates several key transformations, including Evans' chiral auxiliaries, Grignard cross-coupling, hydroboration-oxidation, sulfone alkylation, and hydrogenation, providing an efficient and scalable approach for sex pheromone production. The three synthesized pheromone components were subsequently tested for their ability to attract Semiothisa cinerearia (Bremer & Grey) using both Y-tube and cage bioassays. Notably, compound 1 exhibited a cross-species attractive effect on S. cinerearia, a species that had not previously been documented to respond to the pheromone of L. fiscellaria lugubrosa. This discovery underscores the potential for cross-species attraction, broadens our understanding of pheromone specificity, and emphasizes the value of stereoselectively synthesized pheromones as molecular tools for cross-species pest monitoring and integrated pest management.