Mango ( Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical woody plant with its fruit is rich source of vitamin A, C, D and other medicinal properties that is also an important horticultural crop in Eritrea. Mango production is affected by various insect pests, diseases, and abiotic factors, leading to reduced yields. The mango twig girdler [ Diastocera trifasciata (Fabricius, 1775)] is a xylophagous cerambycid insect pest that causes significant economic damage to mango and other woody trees in an increasing range across the African continent. This study reports the first occurrence of this insect in mango cultivation areas of Eritrea, through the example of a survey carried out in Zoba Anseba, along the banks of the Anseba River. The mango twig gridler was found to be prevalent in all surveyed plantations: an average of 32 cut branches per tree and up to 92 oviposition sites per branch was counted, which means reducing yield by cutting fruit bearing branches Additionally, the insect was observed infesting Ficus sycomorus , Adansonia digitata , and Jatropha species. Farmers traditionally manage the pest population by using the infested branches as firewood, as these branches harbor the larvae and pupal stages of the insect.
It is well-established that salicylic acid (SA) and glutathione are key components of plant defense against viruses. Our earlier research showed that elevated glutathione in tobacco correlated with increased SA levels resulting in enhanced resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). We also demonstrated that glutathione could maintain TMV resistance in SA-deficient transgenic tobacco (Künstler et al., 2019). In the present study, we tested how SA and glutathione affect plant defense to Tobacco necrosis virus (TNV). Our results show that glutathione overproduction in tobacco had no effect on TNV levels and elevated glutathione in SA deficient tobacco could not compensate for the lack of SA as opposed to TMV infections. An analysis of SA and glutathione levels was conducted in virus-inoculated plants. An increase in SA levels was a characteristic of TMV infection, but not of TNV, while glutathione levels increased in response to both viruses. However, SA is necessary for maintaining plant defense to both TMV and TNV because the absence of SA leads to increased susceptibility to both viruses. In overall high levels of glutathione seem to be clearly associated with a higher degree of resistance to TMV but not to TNV. This study may contribute to a better understanding of plant defense responses against viruses.
The use of bacteriophages for managing plant diseases originated from research in the medical field in the early 1920s. In the following decade, research on phages for disease control in agriculture gained momentum, but after the discovery of antibiotics, interest in phages decreased. However, the widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics in agriculture led to the rapid development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Consequently, there is an increased demand for sustainable, non-chemical, and eco-friendly alternatives to control bacterial diseases, leading to a resurgence of interest in phage therapy. This brief review explores bacteriophages as sustainable alternatives for managing plant diseases, focusing on their history, application methods, effectiveness in combating key agricultural diseases such as fire blight in apples and bacterial spot in tomatoes, demonstrating a potential increase in crop yields and agricultural sustainability, and challenges. It critically evaluates key studies, discusses scientific, technical, regulatory, economic, and social barriers to phage therapy adoption, and integrates isolation techniques. with the broader narrative on phage effectiveness. The review concludes by identifying research gaps and potential contributions to the field.
The cochineal insect, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) was recorded for the first time in Misserghin (Oran) in 2024. This species was collected from severely infested cladodes on prickly pear cacti across several localities in the north part of Misserghin. The samples were identified both morphologically and molecularly, using two mitochondrial gene markers, – cytochrome C oxidase subunit I and II (COI) as well as 28S rDNA marker. The survey revealed that this recently introduced species is now widespread in the North-West of the country and that the damages are very severe on cladodes and fruits. Further surveys are recommended to assess the full extent of its distribution and to identify potential natural enemies of D. opuntiae in Algeria.
This study investigates the prevalence and genetic characterization of Grapevine Fleck Virus (GFkV) in major Algerian vineyards. A total of 430 grapevine samples from 12 regions were analyzed using serological (DAS-ELISA), molecular (RT-PCR), and high-throughput sequencing (Illumina-NGS) methods. The results revealed a high overall infection rate of 65.8%, within the central and western regions showing the highest prevalence, while no infections were detected in the southern regions. Significant differences in infection rates were observed among grapevine cultivars. Genetic analysis of Algerian GFkV isolates confirmed the presence of conserved genomic regions and identified new sequence data submitted to GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Italian and Algerian isolates are related. These findings underscore the importance of integrating virus monitoring into national certification and plant health programs to safeguard the sustainability and productivity of Algeria's viticulture. Continued research and collaboration will be essential to mitigate the impact of viral diseases and ensure the long-term resilience of the country's grapevine industry.
This study aims to inventory the diversity and abundance of aphid parasitoids and analyze their trophic interactions in a durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) field located in Guelma province, northeastern Algeria. The methodology involved the collection of mummified aphids, rearing of parasitoids in the laboratory, and their taxonomic identification. A total of 15 parasitoid species were identified, including 8 primary parasitoids and 7 hyperparasitoids. The results revealed a dominance of Aphidius ervi among primary parasitoids (21.74% of the total abundance) and Pachyneuron aphidis among hyperparasitoids (27.17%). Seasonal dynamics showed a peak in primary parasitoid activity during the third sampling session (May 10, 2022), followed by a sharp decline coinciding with the onset of wheat ear hardening. This transition was accompanied by an increase in hyperparasitoid activity, altering the overall effectiveness of natural aphid population regulation. Trophic networks were constructed to visualize species interactions, confirming the central role of Sitobion fragariae as the primary host. The high failure rate of parasitoid emergence (58.18%) raises concerns about the representativeness of the results, potentially requiring further research. These findings highlight the importance of integrating multitrophic dynamics and crop phenological variations to optimize integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in semi-arid cereal agroecosystems.
A female specimen of the thick-headed fly, Thecophora bimaculata (Preyssler, 1791), was collected in Hungary. This species is new to the Hungarian fly fauna, and this is the 54th representative of the family Conopidae Latreille, 1802 recorded from the country. A short, illustrated descriptionis presented about the newly collected species, accompanied by notes on the Thecophora of Hungary.
Physiological and molecular changes were investigated in barley hormone mutants after powdery mildew infection. Interactions between barley powdery mildew race A6 and barley cultivar Bowman, along with its various brassinosteroid hormone mutants (BW084, BW091, BW312, BW333, 828 and BW885) were all compatible. Fluorescence microscopy revealed strong autofluorescence signal of chlorophyll a at the early stage of the disease, which markedly decreased 10 days after inoculation. At 3 days post-inoculation (DPI), photosynthetic parameters Fv/Fm and qL significantly increased, while NPQ and qN decreased across all genotypes. Reflectance parameters Ctr1 (Carter index) significantly increased in Bowman and BW828 but decreased in BW 312. There was a significant decrease of Lic1 (Lichtenthaler index) in BW885 after infection with powdery mildew. Expression of the pathogenesis-related HvPR1-b gene increased markedly at 3 DPI, whereas the expression of the heat shock protein gene HvHsp90 increased significantly only at day 6 in powdery mildew-infected Bowman and its mutant lines. The 23kD jasmonate-induced protein gene HvJIP-23 was slightly down-regulated at both 3 and 6 DPI in each genotype. No significant difference was observed in expression of HvJIP-23 between Bowman and its near-isogenic mutants. The root abundant factor gene HvRAF was considerably down-regulated after powdery mildew infection at 3 DPI in each barley genotype as compared with the uninoculated control.
The present study was based on a 6-year survey conducted in a Hungarian apricot orchard planted in 2014. Starting in 2019, the spread of European stone fruit yellows (ESFY) disease (causal agent: ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’) was followed in 200 plants by visual inspection of symptoms as well as by molecular analyses. The presence of ‘ Ca . P. prunorum ’ was confirmed in the investigated plant material. Asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic and severely symptomatic trees were present among phytoplasma-infected plants. We performed histochemical staining in leaves of uninfected (healthy) and phytoplasma-infected apricot trees to monitor the accumulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Our aim was to investigate the association of ROS accumulation with phytoplasma infections differing in symptom severity in apricot. We have shown that although ROS accumulation in phytoplasma infected apricot leaves may not be a marker of infection, lower concentrations of the ROS superoxide and hydrogen peroxide could indicate asymptomatic infections.
Trichochloritis kiralyi sp. nov. is described from Sichuan Province, China. This new species is most similar to Trichochloritis adaequata (Gredler, 1894), which has a more elevated spire and a narrower umbilicus. Trichochloritis hunanensis Yen, 1939 is a new synonym of T . adaequata .
Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a vital vegetable crop in Nigeria, however its production often necessitates intensive insecticide use, raising concerns about residue contamination in harvested fruits. This study investigated the persistence and safety of residues from eight commonly applied insecticides in tomato fruits under field conditions in Nigeria. The insecticides evaluated were cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, endosulfan, dimethoate, dichlorvos, diazinon and carbaryl. Field applications were conducted at recommended label rates, and tomato fruit samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, and 5 days post-treatment. Insecticide residue levels were quantified using gas chromatography, and their dissipation patterns over time were analyzed. The results revealed that cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, endosulfan, dimethoate, dichlorvos, diazinon and carbaryl had residues falling below established Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) within 1 day to 7 days after application. However, lambda-cyhalothrin, diazinon and cypermethrin exhibited rapid degradation compared to deltamethrin, endosulfan, dimethoate, dichlorvos, and carbaryl from 1 to 5 days after application. Conversely, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, dimethoate, and carbaryl persisted on the fruits and degraded slowly for extended periods. Cypermethrin, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin exhibited residues below the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) at 5 days post-treatment These findings underscore the critical need for adherence to pre-harvest intervals and the selection of insecticides with shorter residual activity to mitigate potential consumer health risks. This research provides practical insights for implementing safer pest management practices and effective residue management in Nigerian tomato production systems.
A new species of the genus Angulobaloghia ( A. kiralyi sp. nov.) is described from Sarawak (Malaysia), based on three females and three males. The new species differs from the congeners in the shape of the genital shield of the female, the shallow depressions on the sternal and ventral shields, the length and position of the ventral setae.
Two new species of oribatid mites (Oribatida) are described, based on adults collected from central Vietnam. Pulchroppia brevis n. sp. (Oppiidae) differs from the related species Pulchroppia marianae by the morphology of the rostrum, the morphology of the notogastral and adanal setae, and the presence of two strong, triangular tubercles in basal part of the prodorsum and one tubercle opposite to interbothridial tubercle. Flagellozetes ( Cosmogalumna ) biornamentus n. sp. (Galumnidae) differs from all species of the genus in the presence of reticulate pattern of elongate triangular form in centrodorsal part of the notogaster and foveolate ornamentation between genital and anal plates.
Botrytis cinerea is considered to be the second most important plant pathogen with devastating economic impact on different crops, including tomato. Trichoderma afroharzianum (TR04) is a promising biocontrol agent against fungal plant pathogens. This research evaluates its antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea , its growth promoting effects on tomato seeds, and its salt tolerance. The results indicate that T. afroharzianum (TR04) produces both volatile and non-volatile metabolites exhibiting antifungal properties. Specifically, the culture filtrate suppressed B. cinerea growth by 15.99%, non-volatiles with 11.45%, and volatiles with 11.44%. In growth promotion assays, T. afroharzianum (TR04) metabolites did not significantly enhance tomato seed growth except for reducing primary root length compared to the control. Notably, T. afroharzianum (TR04) exhibited robust growth under salt stress conditions (0.5, 0.75, and 1.25M NaCl), although its morphology changed significantly, displaying yellow sporulation instead of the typical green. These results suggest T. afroharzianum (TR04) as a potential biocontrol agent against B. cinerea , even in saline environments.
On the occasion of the centenary of our friend and colleague Zoltán Király—one of the most influential plant pathologists of the 20th century—we revisit a question inspired by his pioneering work at the Plant Protection Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences: how is the hypersensitive response (HR), a cornerstone of plant immunity and one of Király's, scientific passions, mechanistically linked to one of the most current topics in plant pathology — the role of small RNAs (sRNAs) in plant defence against microbial pathogens? For the past decade, our laboratory at the Justus Liebig Universität Giessen and more recently at the CNRS Strasbourg has investigated RNA-mediated mechanisms underlying plant resistance to pathogenic microorganisms and pests, including aphids, fungi and viruses (Liu et al., 2020). This research coincides with the emergence of the first RNA-based bioprotectants, particularly double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), now commercially available for controlling insect pests (Wenninger et al., 2025). Yet, despite these advances, our understanding of how sRNAs directly influence plant immune responses, including HR, remains limited. In this short letter we give a schematic overview on the current knowledge on the topic.
Effect of Meloidogyne incognita and Macrophomina phaseolina was observed singly, and together in three soil types on plant growth parameters of okra Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench cultivars Arka, Hybrid, Rohini, Nirmal and Abhay. Plant growth was greater in loam soil followed by 20% fly ash soil, and least in 20% sand mix soil. Plant growth (shoot dry weight), was reduced in plants inoculated with any test pathogen. Inoculation of both pathogens together caused a greater reduction of plant growth than their individual inoculation in all the 5 cultivars. Cultivars Arka, was found moderately resistant (MR), Hybrid, Rohini and Nirmal were Tolerant, and Abhay was susceptible to M. incognita in types of soil tested. Similarly, cultivars Arka, Rohini and Nirmal were MR, Hybrid was highly susceptible (HS) and Abhay was tolerant to M. phaseolina. However, Arka, Rohini and Nirmal were rated as susceptible while hybrid and Abhay were HS against M. incognita plus M. phaseolina . Highest galling and nematode population were observed in Abhay and least in Arka. Galling and nematode multiplication was high in 20% sand mix soil followed by loam soil and least in 20% fly ash amended soil. Root rot disease index also varied in different okra cultivars.
AbstractThirty nine species of oribatid mites (Oribatida), belonging to 29 genera and 20 families were collected from semidecayed leaves in the San Gabriel Limestone Cave, Dominican Republic. A new species of the genus Pergalumna (Galumnidae)—P. (Pergalumna) sangabrielensis n. sp.—is described.
The study aimed to explore a reliable soil-drench application of acetamiprid 70% WG and cyantraniliprole 20% SC for controlling Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) on squash plants. The safest field dosages, amongst presumptive dosages, on the vascular bundle and chlorophyll of treated plants were evaluated. Total reductions in whitefly adults by acetamiprid 70% WG (85.8 and 92.8%) surpassed cyantraniliprole 20% SC (67.1 and 74.1%) during two seasons. Equal reductions in nymphs occurred, except in the first season, where acetamiprid 70% WG (97.40%) transcended cyantraniliprole 20% SC (94.6%). In both seasons, the mortalities of earthworm, Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) expressed moderately harmful effect by acetamiprid 70% WG in the top (66.88 and 61.25%) and deep (53.13 and 52.50%) soil-layers. Cyantraniliprole 20% SC was slightly harmful in the top (30.00 and 29.38%) and harmless in the deep (18.13 and 15.00%) layers. Persistency of acetamiprid 70% WG long-lasted in deep layers, unlike cyantraniliprole 20% SC receded in top layers. Levels of soil-respiration in the control were unusually high, and almost unusually high for acetamiprid 70% WG, whereas cyantraniliprole 20% SC was almost ideal. Therefore, soil-drenching of these insecticides could be successfully employed for controlling B. tabaci and affording safety to the agricultural environment.
