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Background Bread represents a significant share of food wastes worldwide, so the extension of bread shelf life, together with innovative systems of waste treatment, might decrease the emissions by waste biomass degradation, extensive transportation, and storage necessities. In recent years, insects have been selected as a valuable tool for food waste treatment owing to their capability to transform low-value food waste into biomass with high nutritional value. Bakery wastes can be profitably used for this purpose. The object of this work was twofold: i) to measure the impact of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life depending on the leavening agent (baker's yeast vs sourdough); ii) to evaluate the possible re-use of the stale bread fortified with flaxseed cake for Tenebrio molitor rearing. Results Our results showed that the fortification seemed to slow down the hardening rate of bread, particularly if baker's yeast was utilized. Besides, the time necessary for mold appearance in sourdough bread doubled (from two to four days). The addition of flaxseed cake to the recipe determined an increase of its scrap consumption by T. molitor larvae. Besides, we observed a significant increase in the body mass of the T. molitor larvae fed with bread obtained with the brewer's yeast with respect to larvae fed with the sourdough. Conclusion Taken together, these preliminary data can indicate that sourdough bread fortified with 5% of flaxseed cake can represent a promising tool to reduce food waste and recycle bread scraps by a novel zero-waste approach.
I. Taglieri; S. Bedini; A. Zinnai; C. Sanmartin; B. Conti; P. Farina; R.D. Chiriboga Ortega; M. De Leo; A. Braca; S. Tavarini; F. Venturi. Effects of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life, and its possible use as feed for Tenebrio molitor larvae in a circular economy perspective. Preliminary results. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleI. Taglieri, S. Bedini, A. Zinnai, C. Sanmartin, B. Conti, P. Farina, R.D. Chiriboga Ortega, M. De Leo, A. Braca, S. Tavarini, F. Venturi. Effects of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life, and its possible use as feed for Tenebrio molitor larvae in a circular economy perspective. Preliminary results. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleI. Taglieri; S. Bedini; A. Zinnai; C. Sanmartin; B. Conti; P. Farina; R.D. Chiriboga Ortega; M. De Leo; A. Braca; S. Tavarini; F. Venturi. 2021. "Effects of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life, and its possible use as feed for Tenebrio molitor larvae in a circular economy perspective. Preliminary results." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture , no. : 1.
Ferulago campestris is an aromatic plant, distributed in Mediterranean Europe, and a source of essential oils (EOs) regarded as promising alternatives to synthetic herbicides and pesticides. F. campestris EO, hydrodistilled and analyzed, was tested for its antigerminative activity and for its effect on radicle elongation, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and lipid peroxidation on four infesting weed species (Papaver rhoeas, Taraxacum campylodes, Poa annua, and Setaria verticillata) and on Phaseolus vulgaris. Its repellent ability was also tested against Acanthoscelides obtectus, a pest commonly affecting P. vulgaris during storage. Moreover, a chitosan coating layer was developed with the addition of F. campestris EO and tested for its toxic and oviposition-deterring effects against A. obtectus. Myrcene, α-pinene, and γ-terpinene were detected as the main compounds in F. campestris EO. The EO demonstrated a selective in vitro antigerminative activity towards the weed species, without affecting the bean seeds. Moreover, the chitosan coating layer exerted a dose-dependent repellent effect against A. obtectus adults, thus effectively protecting the bean seeds, while preserving their germinative ability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a chitosan–EO coating proposed with the aim of protecting bean seeds for sowing from insect attack.
Roberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Stefano Bedini; Camilla Tani; Paolo Giannotti; Tiziana Lombardi; Barbara Conti; Daniele Fraternale. Ferulago campestris Essential Oil as Active Ingredient in Chitosan Seed-Coating: Chemical Analyses, Allelopathic Effects, and Protective Activity against the Common Bean Pest Acanthoscelides obtectus. Agronomy 2021, 11, 1578 .
AMA StyleRoberta Ascrizzi, Guido Flamini, Stefano Bedini, Camilla Tani, Paolo Giannotti, Tiziana Lombardi, Barbara Conti, Daniele Fraternale. Ferulago campestris Essential Oil as Active Ingredient in Chitosan Seed-Coating: Chemical Analyses, Allelopathic Effects, and Protective Activity against the Common Bean Pest Acanthoscelides obtectus. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (8):1578.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Stefano Bedini; Camilla Tani; Paolo Giannotti; Tiziana Lombardi; Barbara Conti; Daniele Fraternale. 2021. "Ferulago campestris Essential Oil as Active Ingredient in Chitosan Seed-Coating: Chemical Analyses, Allelopathic Effects, and Protective Activity against the Common Bean Pest Acanthoscelides obtectus." Agronomy 11, no. 8: 1578.
The biocidal potential of Brevibacillus laterosporus against mosquitoes of major medical importance has been widely documented, but its effects on non-target invertebrates are still poorly known. In this study, we determined the lethal and sub-lethal effects of B. laterosporus strain UNISS 18, an entomopathogenic bacterium known for its effectiveness against synanthropic Diptera, on the larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, a vector of several pathogens to humans. Moreover, we compared the larvicidal activity with the lethal action on the invasive snail Physella acuta and on two non-target water-dwelling species: the mayfly Cloeon dipterum, and the harlequin fly Chironomus riparius. B. laterosporus exhibited significant lethal effects on all the tested species with a concentration-dependent activity. However, the susceptibility varied among species, with a higher susceptibility of Ae. albopictus (LC50 = 0.16 × 107 spores mL−1) than the other species (LC50 = 0.31, 0.33, and 0.30 × 107 spores mL−1 for C. dipterum, C. riparius, and P. acuta, respectively). While 1st instar mosquito larvae were very susceptible to the bacterial infection, no effects on preimaginal development stages and adult emergence were observed at sub-lethal spores’ concentrations. Even if the efficacy of B. laterosporus against Ae. albopictus and the invasive freshwater snail P. acuta is promising for their control, the susceptibility of non-target beneficial aquatic insects, highlights the need of accurate evaluations before applying B. laterosporus for pest management in water environments.
Stefano Bedini; Barbara Conti; Rim Hamze; Elen Regozino Muniz; Éverton K.K. Fernandes; Luca Ruiu. Lethal and sub-lethal activity of Brevibacillus laterosporus on the mosquito Aedes albopictus and side effects on non-target water-dwelling invertebrates. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 2021, 184, 107645 .
AMA StyleStefano Bedini, Barbara Conti, Rim Hamze, Elen Regozino Muniz, Éverton K.K. Fernandes, Luca Ruiu. Lethal and sub-lethal activity of Brevibacillus laterosporus on the mosquito Aedes albopictus and side effects on non-target water-dwelling invertebrates. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 2021; 184 ():107645.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Bedini; Barbara Conti; Rim Hamze; Elen Regozino Muniz; Éverton K.K. Fernandes; Luca Ruiu. 2021. "Lethal and sub-lethal activity of Brevibacillus laterosporus on the mosquito Aedes albopictus and side effects on non-target water-dwelling invertebrates." Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 184, no. : 107645.
Ozone (O3)-induced metabolic changes in leaves are relevant and may have several ecological significances. Here, variations in foliar chemistry of two poplar clones (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii, Eridano, and P. × euramericana, I-214) under a chronic O3 treatment (80 ppb, 5 h d−1 for 10 consecutive days) were investigated. The aim was to elucidate if leaf age and/or O3-sensitivity (considering Eridano and I-214 as O3-sensitive and O3-resistant, respectively) can affect suitability of poplar foliage for Chrysomela populi L. (Coleoptera Chrysomelidae), in terms of palatability. Comparing controls, only low amino acid (AA) contents were reported in Eridano [about 3- and 4-fold in mature and young leaves (ML and YL, respectively)], and all the investigated primary metabolites [i.e. water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), proteins (Prot) and AA] were higher in YL than in ML of I-214 (+23, +54 and + 20%, respectively). Ozone increased WSC only in YL of Eridano (+24%, i.e. highest values among samples; O3 effects are always reported comparing O3-treated plants with the related controls). A concomitant decrease of Prot was observed in both ML and YL of Eridano, while only in YL of I-214 (−41, −45 and −51%, respectively). In addition, O3 decreased AA in YL of Eridano and in ML of I-214 (−40 and −14%, respectively). Comparing plants maintained under charcoal-filtered air, total ascorbate (Asc) was lower in Eridano in both ML and YL (around −22%), and abscisic acid (ABA) was similar between clones; furthermore, higher levels of Asc were reported in YL than in ML of Eridano (+19%). Ozone increased Asc and ABA (about 2- and 3-fold, respectively) in both ML and YL of Eridano, as well as ABA in YL of I-214 (about 2-fold). Comparing leaves maintained under charcoal-filtered air, the choice feeding test showed that the 2nd instar larvae preferred YL, and the quantity of YL consumed was 9 and 4-fold higher than ML in Eridano and I-214, respectively. Comparing leaves exposed to O3-treatment, a significant feeding preference for YL disks was also observed, regardless of the clone. The no-choice feeding test showed that larval growth was slightly higher on untreated YL than on untreated ML (+19 and + 10% in Eridano and I-214, respectively). The body mass of larvae fed with O3-treated YL was also significantly higher than that of larvae fed with untreated YL (3- and 2-fold in Eridano and I-214). This study highlights that realistic O3 concentrations can significantly impact the host/insect interactions, a phenomenon dependent on leaf age and O3-sensitivity of the host.
Lorenzo Cotrozzi; Barbara Conti; Giacomo Lorenzini; Elisa Pellegrini; Cristina Nali. In the tripartite combination ozone-poplar-Chrysomela populi, the pollutant alters the plant-insect interaction via primary metabolites of foliage. Environmental Research 2021, 201, 111581 .
AMA StyleLorenzo Cotrozzi, Barbara Conti, Giacomo Lorenzini, Elisa Pellegrini, Cristina Nali. In the tripartite combination ozone-poplar-Chrysomela populi, the pollutant alters the plant-insect interaction via primary metabolites of foliage. Environmental Research. 2021; 201 ():111581.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLorenzo Cotrozzi; Barbara Conti; Giacomo Lorenzini; Elisa Pellegrini; Cristina Nali. 2021. "In the tripartite combination ozone-poplar-Chrysomela populi, the pollutant alters the plant-insect interaction via primary metabolites of foliage." Environmental Research 201, no. : 111581.
Many insect pests directly compete with humans for food, damaging several crops in the field and during the processing and storage
Barbara Conti. Special Issue: Natural Substances against Insect Pests: Assets and Liabilities. Insects 2021, 12, 244 .
AMA StyleBarbara Conti. Special Issue: Natural Substances against Insect Pests: Assets and Liabilities. Insects. 2021; 12 (3):244.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbara Conti. 2021. "Special Issue: Natural Substances against Insect Pests: Assets and Liabilities." Insects 12, no. 3: 244.
In developing countries, crop deterioration is mainly caused by inappropriate storage conditions that promote insect infestation. Synthetic pesticides are associated with serious adverse effects on humans and the environment. Thus, finding alternative “green” insecticides is a very pressing need. Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (Apocynaceae) growing in Saudi Arabia was selected for this purpose. LC-MS/MS analysis was applied to investigate the metabolic composition of different C. procera extracts. Particularly, C. procera latex and leaves showed a high presence of cardenolides including calactin, uscharidin, 15β-hydroxy-calactin, 16β-hydroxy-calactin, and 12β-hydroxy-calactin. The ovicidal activity of the extracts from different plant organs (flowers, leaves, branches, roots), and of the latex, against Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) was assessed. Extracts of C. procera roots displayed the most potent activity with 50% of C. cautella eggs not hatching at 10.000 ppm (1%).
Ammar Bader; Ziad Omran; Ahmed Al-Asmari; Valentina Santoro; Nunziatina De Tommasi; Massimiliano D’Ambola; Fabrizio Dal Piaz; Barbara Conti; Stefano Bedini; Majed Halwani. Systematic Phytochemical Screening of Different Organs of Calotropis procera and the Ovicidal Effect of Their Extracts to the Foodstuff Pest Cadra cautella. Molecules 2021, 26, 905 .
AMA StyleAmmar Bader, Ziad Omran, Ahmed Al-Asmari, Valentina Santoro, Nunziatina De Tommasi, Massimiliano D’Ambola, Fabrizio Dal Piaz, Barbara Conti, Stefano Bedini, Majed Halwani. Systematic Phytochemical Screening of Different Organs of Calotropis procera and the Ovicidal Effect of Their Extracts to the Foodstuff Pest Cadra cautella. Molecules. 2021; 26 (4):905.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAmmar Bader; Ziad Omran; Ahmed Al-Asmari; Valentina Santoro; Nunziatina De Tommasi; Massimiliano D’Ambola; Fabrizio Dal Piaz; Barbara Conti; Stefano Bedini; Majed Halwani. 2021. "Systematic Phytochemical Screening of Different Organs of Calotropis procera and the Ovicidal Effect of Their Extracts to the Foodstuff Pest Cadra cautella." Molecules 26, no. 4: 905.
Blowflies play a substantial role as vectors of microorganisms, including human pathogens. The control of these insect pests is an important aspect of the prevention of foodborne diseases, which represent a significant public health threat worldwide. Among aromatic plants, spices essential oils (EOs) are the most suitable to protect food from insect pests. In this study, we determined the chemical composition of three oregano EOs and assessed their toxicity and deterrence to oviposition against the blowfly Calliphora vomitoria L. The chemical analyses showed that the EOs belonged to three chemotypes: one with a prevalence of carvacrol, the carvacrol chemotype (CC; carvacrol, 81.5%), and two with a prevalence of thymol, the thymol/p-cymene and thymol/γ-terpinene chemotypes (TCC and TTC; thymol, 43.8, and 36.7%, respectively). The bioassays showed that although all the three EOs chemotypes are able to exert a toxic activity against C. vomitoria adults (LD50 from 0.14 to 0.31 μL insect−1) and eggs (LC50 from 0.008 to 0.038 μL cm−2) as well as deter the oviposition (Oviposition Activity Index, OAI, from 0.40 ± 0.04 to 0.87 ± 0.02), the bioactivity of oregano EOs significantly varies among the chemotypes, with the thymol-rich EOs (TCC and TTC) overall demonstrating more effectiveness than the carvacrol-rich (CC) EO.
Stefano Bedini; Priscilla Farina; Edoardo Napoli; Guido Flamini; Roberta Ascrizzi; Antonella Verzera; Barbara Conti; Lucia Zappalà. Bioactivity of Different Chemotypes of Oregano Essential Oil against the Blowfly Calliphora vomitoria Vector of Foodborne Pathogens. Insects 2021, 12, 52 .
AMA StyleStefano Bedini, Priscilla Farina, Edoardo Napoli, Guido Flamini, Roberta Ascrizzi, Antonella Verzera, Barbara Conti, Lucia Zappalà. Bioactivity of Different Chemotypes of Oregano Essential Oil against the Blowfly Calliphora vomitoria Vector of Foodborne Pathogens. Insects. 2021; 12 (1):52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Bedini; Priscilla Farina; Edoardo Napoli; Guido Flamini; Roberta Ascrizzi; Antonella Verzera; Barbara Conti; Lucia Zappalà. 2021. "Bioactivity of Different Chemotypes of Oregano Essential Oil against the Blowfly Calliphora vomitoria Vector of Foodborne Pathogens." Insects 12, no. 1: 52.
Ficus carica L. is one of the earliest cultivated fruit trees, and figs are a typical fruit of the Mediterranean diet and traditional medicine as well. In recent years, a new pest, the black weevil Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) native to Asia, has been recorded in France and Italy. Aclees taiwanensis causes the rapid death of the fig tree by its larvae that dig alimentation galleries in the trunk and surface roots, compromising the phloem flux. In Italy, from 2005, the year of the first detection of A. taiwanensis, the fig production has nearly halved, decreasing from 20.09 t to 10.65 t. To date, no specific EU regulation has been applied to prevent the A. taiwanensis spread, and we can reasonably expect a rapid diffusion of this pest all over the Mediterranean area. To avoid the loss of the Mediterranean fig orchards, effective strategies to detect and control the black weevil are required. Such strategies need a detailed knowledge of A. taiwanensis distribution, biology, and physiology. This paper updates the known distribution of this species in Southern Europe, using a citizen science approach, and describes, under laboratory and field conditions, its main biological traits.
Priscilla Farina; Giuseppe Mazza; Claudia Benvenuti; Ilaria Cutino; Paolo Giannotti; Barbara Conti; Stefano Bedini; Elisabetta Gargani. Biological Notes and Distribution in Southern Europe of Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New Pest of the Fig Tree. Insects 2020, 12, 5 .
AMA StylePriscilla Farina, Giuseppe Mazza, Claudia Benvenuti, Ilaria Cutino, Paolo Giannotti, Barbara Conti, Stefano Bedini, Elisabetta Gargani. Biological Notes and Distribution in Southern Europe of Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New Pest of the Fig Tree. Insects. 2020; 12 (1):5.
Chicago/Turabian StylePriscilla Farina; Giuseppe Mazza; Claudia Benvenuti; Ilaria Cutino; Paolo Giannotti; Barbara Conti; Stefano Bedini; Elisabetta Gargani. 2020. "Biological Notes and Distribution in Southern Europe of Aclees taiwanensis Kȏno, 1933 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New Pest of the Fig Tree." Insects 12, no. 1: 5.
The honeybee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), a keystone pollinator of wild plant species and agricultural crops, is disappearing globally due to parasites and diseases, habitat loss, genetic constraints, beekeeper management issues and to the widespread use of pesticides. Besides insecticides, widely studied in this species, honeybees are also exposed to herbicides and fungicides and heavy metals whose lethal and sublethal effects need to be investigated. In this context, our study aimed to evaluate the effects of fungicides and of heavy metals on honeybees and to develop and apply a multi-biomarker approach that include an Integrated Biological Index (IBRv2) to assess the toxicological status of this species. Biomarkers of neurotoxicity (AChE and CaE), metabolic alteration (ALP, and GST) and immune system (LYS, granulocytes) were measured, following honeybees’ exposure to cadmium or to a crop fungicide, using the genotoxic compound EMS as positive control. A biomarker of genotoxicity (NA assay) was developed and applied for the first time in honeybees. At the doses tested, all the contaminants showed sublethal toxicity to the bees, highlighting in particular genotoxic effects. The data collected were analyzed by an IBRv2 index, which integrated the seven biomarkers used in this study. IBRv2 index increased with increasing cadmium or fungicide concentrations. The IBRv2 represents a simple tool for a general description of honeybees ecotoxicological health status. Results highlight the need for more in-depth investigations on the effects of fungicides on non-target organisms, such as honeybees, using sensitive methods for the determination of sublethal effects. This study contributes to the development of a multi-biomarker approach to be used for a more accurate ecotoxicological environmental monitoring of these animals.
Ilaria Caliani; Tommaso Campani; Barbara Conti; Francesca Cosci; Stefano Bedini; Antonella D’Agostino; Anna Ammendola; Agata Di Noi; Alessandro Gori; Silvia Casini. Multi-biomarker approach and IBR index to evaluate the effects of different contaminants on the ecotoxicological status of Apis mellifera. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2020, 208, 111486 .
AMA StyleIlaria Caliani, Tommaso Campani, Barbara Conti, Francesca Cosci, Stefano Bedini, Antonella D’Agostino, Anna Ammendola, Agata Di Noi, Alessandro Gori, Silvia Casini. Multi-biomarker approach and IBR index to evaluate the effects of different contaminants on the ecotoxicological status of Apis mellifera. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2020; 208 ():111486.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIlaria Caliani; Tommaso Campani; Barbara Conti; Francesca Cosci; Stefano Bedini; Antonella D’Agostino; Anna Ammendola; Agata Di Noi; Alessandro Gori; Silvia Casini. 2020. "Multi-biomarker approach and IBR index to evaluate the effects of different contaminants on the ecotoxicological status of Apis mellifera." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 208, no. : 111486.
In order to increase our understanding of the insecticidal potential of the entomopathogenic bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus strain UNISS 18 against insect pests, investigations were conducted on a selection of dipteran species including fruit flies, house flies, blow flies, and mosquitoes, characterized by adaptations to very diverse habitats. According to lethal concentration (LC50) values, the common house mosquito Culex pipiens (LC50 = 0.10 × 106 spores/mL) and the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (LC50 = 0.18 × 106 spores/mL) were significantly more susceptible than the flies. The blow flies were the second taxon in term of susceptibility to B. laterosporus spores, with a higher mortality in Calliphora vomitoria (LC50 = 78.84 × 106 spores/mL) than Lucilia caesar (LC50 = 148.30 × 106 spores/mL). The effectiveness of B. laterosporus spores was reduced by half in the house fly Musca domestica (LC50 = 82.41 × 106 spores/mL). The lowest susceptibility was observed in the fruit flies, among which the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, was the most susceptible (LC50 = 217.51 × 106 spores/mL) in comparison with the medfly Ceratitis capitata and the olive fly Bactrocera oleae (LC50 = 2567.32 and 2567.36 × 106 spores/mL, respectively). The present study demonstrated that significantly different degrees of susceptibility are associated with diverse dipteran species including plant and animal parasites, and we suggest that B. laterosporus established different relationships with dipteran species in different ecosystems.
Stefano Bedini; Elen Regozino Muniz; Camilla Tani; Barbara Conti; Luca Ruiu. Insecticidal potential of Brevibacillus laterosporus against dipteran pest species in a wide ecological range. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 2020, 177, 107493 .
AMA StyleStefano Bedini, Elen Regozino Muniz, Camilla Tani, Barbara Conti, Luca Ruiu. Insecticidal potential of Brevibacillus laterosporus against dipteran pest species in a wide ecological range. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 2020; 177 ():107493.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Bedini; Elen Regozino Muniz; Camilla Tani; Barbara Conti; Luca Ruiu. 2020. "Insecticidal potential of Brevibacillus laterosporus against dipteran pest species in a wide ecological range." Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 177, no. : 107493.
The essential oils extracted from mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) fruits, and from tea tree (Maleleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel) leaves have been chemically analyzed and tested for their bioactivity against D. suzukii. Besides, to estimate consumers’ acceptability of the essential oil (EO) treatments, we evaluated their impact on the organoleptic characteristics of the EO-treated fruits. The main chemical constituents of the two EOs were 1,8-cineole and 4-terpineol for M. alternifolia (22.4% and 17.6% of the total components, respectively), and limonene (83.6% of the total components) for C. reticulata. The behavioral tests indicate that the two EOs are able to deter D. suzukii oviposition and that D. suzukii shows positive chemotaxis to low concentrations of the EOs and negative chemotaxis when the EO concentration increases. While no negative effects on the organoleptic profiles were detected for fruits treated with C. reticulata EO, the olfactory profile of fruits treated with M. alternifolia EO was so negative that they were defined as “not suitable for consumption” by panellists. Overall, our findings indicate that the use of EOs for the post-harvest protection of small fruits is feasible, provided that the essential oils are selected not only for their bioactivity against the insect pest but also for their affinity with the consumers’ sensorial system.
Stefano Bedini; Francesca Cosci; Camilla Tani; Erika Carla Pierattini; Francesca Venturi; Andrea Lucchi; Claudio Ioriatti; Roberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Giuseppe Ferroni; Isabella Taglieri; Barbara Conti. Essential Oils as Post-Harvest Crop Protectants against the Fruit Fly Drosophila suzukii: Bioactivity and Organoleptic Profile. Insects 2020, 11, 508 .
AMA StyleStefano Bedini, Francesca Cosci, Camilla Tani, Erika Carla Pierattini, Francesca Venturi, Andrea Lucchi, Claudio Ioriatti, Roberta Ascrizzi, Guido Flamini, Giuseppe Ferroni, Isabella Taglieri, Barbara Conti. Essential Oils as Post-Harvest Crop Protectants against the Fruit Fly Drosophila suzukii: Bioactivity and Organoleptic Profile. Insects. 2020; 11 (8):508.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Bedini; Francesca Cosci; Camilla Tani; Erika Carla Pierattini; Francesca Venturi; Andrea Lucchi; Claudio Ioriatti; Roberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Giuseppe Ferroni; Isabella Taglieri; Barbara Conti. 2020. "Essential Oils as Post-Harvest Crop Protectants against the Fruit Fly Drosophila suzukii: Bioactivity and Organoleptic Profile." Insects 11, no. 8: 508.
Mosquito-borne arboviruses diseases cause a substantial public health burden within their expanding range. To date, their control relies on synthetic insecticides and repellents aimed to control the competent mosquito vectors. However, their use is hampered by their high economic, environmental, and human health impacts. Natural products may represent a valid eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides to control mosquitoes, and mosquito-borne parasitic diseases. The aim of this work was to combine the chemical and sensorial profiles with the bioactivity data of Salvia spp. essential oils (EOs) to select the most suitable EO to be used as a repellent and insecticide against the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), vector of pathogens and parasites, and to describe the EOs smell profile. To do this, the EOs of four Salvia species, namely S. dolomitica, S. dorisiana, S. sclarea, and S. somalensis were extracted, chemically analyzed and tested for their bioactivity as larvicides and repellents against Ae. albopictus. Then, the smell profiles of the EOs were described by a panel of assessors. The LC50 of the EOs ranged from 71.08 to 559.77 μL L−1 for S. dorisiana and S. sclarea, respectively. S. sclarea EO showed the highest repellence among the tested EOs against Ae. albopictus females (RD95 = 12.65 nL cm−2), while the most long-lasting, at the dose of 20 nL cm−2, was S. dorisiana (Complete Protection Time = 43.28 ± 3.43 min). S. sclarea EO showed the best smell profile, while S. dolomitica EO the worst one with a high number of off-flavors. Overall, all the EOs, with the exception of the S. dolomitica one, were indicated as suitable for “environmental protection”, while S. dorisiana and S. sclarea were indicated as suitable also for “Body care”.
Basma Najar; Luisa Pistelli; Francesca Venturi; Giuseppe Ferroni; Silvia Giovanelli; Claudio Cervelli; Stefano Bedini; Barbara Conti. Salvia Spp. Essential Oils against the Arboviruses Vector Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae): Bioactivity, Composition, and Sensorial Profile—Stage 1. Biology 2020, 9, 206 .
AMA StyleBasma Najar, Luisa Pistelli, Francesca Venturi, Giuseppe Ferroni, Silvia Giovanelli, Claudio Cervelli, Stefano Bedini, Barbara Conti. Salvia Spp. Essential Oils against the Arboviruses Vector Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae): Bioactivity, Composition, and Sensorial Profile—Stage 1. Biology. 2020; 9 (8):206.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBasma Najar; Luisa Pistelli; Francesca Venturi; Giuseppe Ferroni; Silvia Giovanelli; Claudio Cervelli; Stefano Bedini; Barbara Conti. 2020. "Salvia Spp. Essential Oils against the Arboviruses Vector Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae): Bioactivity, Composition, and Sensorial Profile—Stage 1." Biology 9, no. 8: 206.
Blowfly, Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a problematic synanthropic insect pest, a vector of microbial pathogens, and the causal agent of secondary myiasis. Fungal biopesticides are considered eco-friendly tools, alternative to synthetic pesticides, for the control of arthropod pests; however, to date, little is known about their bioactivity against blowflies. In this study, we assessed the insecticidal activity of three well-known entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria pseudobassiana and Akanthomyces muscarius against L. sericata. In addition, we tested powdered carnauba wax as an electrically charged dust carrier in an attempt to enhance the virulence of fungal spores. Pathogenicity tests on adult flies, by adult immersion in conidial suspension (108 conidia mL−1), showed that the median lethal time (LT50) was 5.3, 5.9, and 6.2 days for B. bassiana, A. muscarius and B. pseudobassiana, respectively. In topical tests, when 108 dry conidia were mixed with or without carnauba wax, the LT50 was 7.7, 10.2, and 14 days without this carrier and 6.9, 8.6, and 13.8 days with it for B. bassiana, B. pseudobassiana and A. muscarius, respectively. Overall, our findings showed that, among the tested fungi, B. bassiana was the most virulent when formulated as a dry powder with carnauba wax, which greatly improved fungal efficacy against the blowfly. We discuss the utility of carnauba wax for electrostatic formulation powder of fungal spores in the integrated management of blowflies as an environmentally sustainable tool to reduce the over-reliance on chemical insecticides and their risk of resistance.
Elen R. Muniz; Stefano Bedini; Sabrina Sarrocco; Giovanni Vannacci; Gabriel M. Mascarin; Éverton K.K. Fernandes; Barbara Conti. Carnauba wax enhances the insecticidal activity of entomopathogenic fungi against the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 2020, 174, 107391 .
AMA StyleElen R. Muniz, Stefano Bedini, Sabrina Sarrocco, Giovanni Vannacci, Gabriel M. Mascarin, Éverton K.K. Fernandes, Barbara Conti. Carnauba wax enhances the insecticidal activity of entomopathogenic fungi against the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 2020; 174 ():107391.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElen R. Muniz; Stefano Bedini; Sabrina Sarrocco; Giovanni Vannacci; Gabriel M. Mascarin; Éverton K.K. Fernandes; Barbara Conti. 2020. "Carnauba wax enhances the insecticidal activity of entomopathogenic fungi against the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae)." Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 174, no. : 107391.
The present work evaluates for the first time two Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) aromatic waters obtained from different plant organs, the flowers and the stems. Both extracts were analysed by GC-MS, which indicates semi-quantitative differences between the major metabolites including linalool, 1,8-cineole, camphor, linalyl acetate and 4-terpineol. 1H-NMR and LC-MS investigation confirmed the presence of these compounds. Moreover, behavioural tests with the food insect pest Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) showed a good repellency for both hydrosols extracts with RD50 values of 3.6 and 3.3 µL·cm−2 for the flowers and stems, respectively; at the higher concentrations, however, the hydrosol extract from the flowers is expected to be more effective than the one from the stems. The effect of the flowers and stems aromatic water of Lavandin on seed germination of Raphanus sativus was also evaluated. Results showed that seed germination was completely inhibited by flowers hydrolate, having a possible application as natural herbicide. The overall experience with these Lavandin extracts indicates the potential of improved hydrolates to become the main distillation products, rather than by-products, of the aromatic plants manufacturing; this stimulates further discussions about the potential positive impacts that such a shift could have in the context of ecopharmacognosy.
Matteo Politi; Luigi Menghini; Barbara Conti; Stefano Bedini; Priscilla Farina; Pier Luigi Cioni; Alessandra Braca; Marinella De Leo. Reconsidering Hydrosols as Main Products of Aromatic Plants Manufactory: The Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) Case Study in Tuscany. Molecules 2020, 25, 2225 .
AMA StyleMatteo Politi, Luigi Menghini, Barbara Conti, Stefano Bedini, Priscilla Farina, Pier Luigi Cioni, Alessandra Braca, Marinella De Leo. Reconsidering Hydrosols as Main Products of Aromatic Plants Manufactory: The Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) Case Study in Tuscany. Molecules. 2020; 25 (9):2225.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatteo Politi; Luigi Menghini; Barbara Conti; Stefano Bedini; Priscilla Farina; Pier Luigi Cioni; Alessandra Braca; Marinella De Leo. 2020. "Reconsidering Hydrosols as Main Products of Aromatic Plants Manufactory: The Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) Case Study in Tuscany." Molecules 25, no. 9: 2225.
Nanoparticles represent a promising technology to enhance the efficacy of bioactive materials and a large number of studies showed the effectiveness of nanostructured materials against various arthropod species of economic importance. In this work nanostructured alumina (NSA) was prepared using sol-gel method and the effect of NSA was evaluated as seed protectant against the main seed-infesting insect pests Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) Stegobium paniceum (L.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Besides, we tested the effects of NSA on seed germination and plant growth and finally, we assessed the presence of NSA as a contaminant in the leaves of bean plants germinated from NSA-treated seeds. The results showed significant insecticidal activity of NSA against the three tested species. After sixteen days, the percentage of insect mortality at the highest NSA concentration tested (400 mg kg−1) was 100.00% for S. paniceum followed by O. surinamensis (80.64%) and T. confusum (79.41%). Besides, in-vitro tests indicated that NSA has no effects on seeds germination and on radicle and shoot elongation. No effects of NSA were also observed in pot tests on the bean’s plants. No differences were recorded in the leaves area, stoma density and roots length. On the contrary, the shoot of plants from NSA-treated beans was about 66% higher than the one of the non-treated plants (shoot, 15.07 cm for the control and 22.76 cm for NSA-treated plants). Finally, no contamination by alumina particles was found by EDX-system coupled with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on the surface of the P. vulgaris leaves obtained from NSA-treated beans. Overall, the results showed that NSA could be an effective protective agent for the control insect pests during the seeds storage.
Chiraz Belhamel; Lila Boulekbache–Makhlouf; Stefano Bedini; Camilla Tani; Tiziana Lombardi; Paolo Giannotti; Khodir Madani; Kamel Belhamel; Barbara Conti. Nanostructured alumina as seed protectant against three stored-product insect pests. Journal of Stored Products Research 2020, 87, 101607 .
AMA StyleChiraz Belhamel, Lila Boulekbache–Makhlouf, Stefano Bedini, Camilla Tani, Tiziana Lombardi, Paolo Giannotti, Khodir Madani, Kamel Belhamel, Barbara Conti. Nanostructured alumina as seed protectant against three stored-product insect pests. Journal of Stored Products Research. 2020; 87 ():101607.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiraz Belhamel; Lila Boulekbache–Makhlouf; Stefano Bedini; Camilla Tani; Tiziana Lombardi; Paolo Giannotti; Khodir Madani; Kamel Belhamel; Barbara Conti. 2020. "Nanostructured alumina as seed protectant against three stored-product insect pests." Journal of Stored Products Research 87, no. : 101607.
Blowflies are known vectors of many foodborne pathogens and unintentional human ingestion of maggots by meat consumption may lead to intestinal myiasis. In fact, the control of insect pests is an important aspect of industrial and home-made food processing and blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which are among the most important pests involved in the damage of meat products. Most spices, largely used in food preparations and industry, contain essential oils that are toxic and repellent against insects and exert antimicrobial activity. In this study, we assessed the electro-antennographic responses, the oviposition deterrence, the toxicity, and the repellence of the essential oils (EOs) of Allium sativum L., Salvia officinalis L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. against the blowfly Calliphora vomitoria L. We tested the EOs antibacterial and antifungal properties and the efficacy of an A. sativum EO-charged mist sprayed in the tunnel entryway of a meat processing room to form an olfactive barrier against the entrance of flies. The results showed that the EOs are perceived by female blowfly’ antennae and exert an evident repellent activity against them completely deterring the oviposition for up to 24 h starting from the concentration of 2.5 μL cm−2 EO. The EOs also exhibited toxic activity by both topical application (LD50 from 0.44 to 1.97 μL insect−1) and fumigation (LC50 from 1.76 to 31.52 μL L−1) against adults of C. vomitoria and were able to exert a clear antimicrobial activity toward pathogens. Lastly, the EO-charged mist was able to reduce by about 40% the presence of Calliphoridae in the meat processing room of a dry-ham factory.
Stefano Bedini; Salvatore Guarino; Maria Cristina Echeverria; Guido Flamini; Roberta Ascrizzi; Augusto Loni; Barbara Conti. Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Salvia officinalis Essential Oils: A Spiced Shield against Blowflies. Insects 2020, 11, 143 .
AMA StyleStefano Bedini, Salvatore Guarino, Maria Cristina Echeverria, Guido Flamini, Roberta Ascrizzi, Augusto Loni, Barbara Conti. Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Salvia officinalis Essential Oils: A Spiced Shield against Blowflies. Insects. 2020; 11 (3):143.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Bedini; Salvatore Guarino; Maria Cristina Echeverria; Guido Flamini; Roberta Ascrizzi; Augusto Loni; Barbara Conti. 2020. "Allium sativum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Salvia officinalis Essential Oils: A Spiced Shield against Blowflies." Insects 11, no. 3: 143.
The fig tree weevil Aclees sp. cf. foveatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), introduced in Italy in 2005, is currently causing significant economic and environmental losses to fig tree nurseries and orchards in Central Italy. Fig damages are due to the adults feeding on leaves and fruits, and to the galleries dug by the xylophagous larvae in the trunk, which lead the plants to death. To date, no chemical or biological control methods resulted to be effective against this invasive pest. In order to gain information about possible semiochemicals involved in mate recognition and choice, both the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the epicuticular lipids of male and female specimens were analysed. VOCs emissions of specimens were characterized essentially by monoterpenes, while epicuticular lipids contained long chained 2-ketones, alkanes, alkenes, including some methyl alkenes, and several fatty acid propyl esters. The attractiveness of reconstituted VOCs blends of the two sexes was tested in electrophysiological and behavioural assays in laboratory conditions. Both the male and the female reconstituted VOCs drove a significant response towards individuals of the opposite sex, thus demonstrating features of sexual attractants. Our results suggest a possible application of VOCs blends as pheromonic attractants in field monitoring and mass trapping of Aclees sp. cf. foveatus.
Immacolata Iovinella; Erika Carla Pierattini; Stefano Bedini; Francesca Romana Dani; Salvatore Guarino; Andrea Lucchi; Paolo Giannotti; Giorgio Cuzzupoli; Jessica Girardi; Barbara Conti. Semiochemicals for intraspecific communication of the fig weevil Aclees sp. cf. foveatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a first survey. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1092 -8.
AMA StyleImmacolata Iovinella, Erika Carla Pierattini, Stefano Bedini, Francesca Romana Dani, Salvatore Guarino, Andrea Lucchi, Paolo Giannotti, Giorgio Cuzzupoli, Jessica Girardi, Barbara Conti. Semiochemicals for intraspecific communication of the fig weevil Aclees sp. cf. foveatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a first survey. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1092-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleImmacolata Iovinella; Erika Carla Pierattini; Stefano Bedini; Francesca Romana Dani; Salvatore Guarino; Andrea Lucchi; Paolo Giannotti; Giorgio Cuzzupoli; Jessica Girardi; Barbara Conti. 2020. "Semiochemicals for intraspecific communication of the fig weevil Aclees sp. cf. foveatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a first survey." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1092-8.
Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) is considered as one of the most destructive foodstuff pests. Due to their efficiency, low toxicity for mammalians and low environmental impact, plant-derived essential oils (EOs) are promising tools for pest control. In particular, the OEs extracted from Lamiaceae are considered among the most bioactive in terms of repellent and/or insecticidal effect. Here, we investigated the repellence of the EOs extracted from two aromatic plant species typical of the flora of the Ecuadorian Andes, Clinopodium tomentosum and C. nubigeum, against adults of S. zeamais. The behavioral assays carried out at concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 23.9 μL L-1 air in a two-way static olfactometer showed a significant repellent effect starting from the concentration of 8.4 mL L-1 air both for the EO of C. nubigenum and C. tomentosum. We also carried out a complete structural analysis of the antenna of S. zeamais using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in order to characterize the olfactory sensilla equipment. In this species, there is no sexual dimorphism also as regards to the antennal morphology and the sensilla type and distribution. We identified six type of sensilla, among which at least three types (Sensillum Trichoideum 1, Sensillum Trichoideum 2 and Grooved Peg Sensillum) can be considered as olfactory. Electroantennography (EAG) recordings carried out on S. zeamais revealed a positive dose-response to both EOs, without differences between the two sexes.
Roberto Romani; Stefano Bedini; Gianandrea Salerno; Roberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Maria Cristina Echeverria; Priscilla Farina; Barbara Conti. Andean Flora as a Source of New Repellents against Insect Pests: Behavioral, Morphological and Electrophysiological Studies on Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Insects 2019, 10, 171 .
AMA StyleRoberto Romani, Stefano Bedini, Gianandrea Salerno, Roberta Ascrizzi, Guido Flamini, Maria Cristina Echeverria, Priscilla Farina, Barbara Conti. Andean Flora as a Source of New Repellents against Insect Pests: Behavioral, Morphological and Electrophysiological Studies on Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Insects. 2019; 10 (6):171.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoberto Romani; Stefano Bedini; Gianandrea Salerno; Roberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Maria Cristina Echeverria; Priscilla Farina; Barbara Conti. 2019. "Andean Flora as a Source of New Repellents against Insect Pests: Behavioral, Morphological and Electrophysiological Studies on Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)." Insects 10, no. 6: 171.
Essential oils (EOs) have gained increasing interest as a low-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic repellents and insecticides against insect pests. However, they have scarce practical application in the protection of stored grain because of their limited efficacy and their interference with the organoleptic properties of the grain. In this study, we evaluated the olfactory profile of the EOs of Foeniculum vulgare, Pistacia lentiscus, and Ocimum basilicum, and their toxicity against the main stored grain pest Sitophilus granarius. Trained assessors identified O. basilicum and F. vulgare, as more suitable than the P. lentiscus EO for the wheat treatment. In laboratory tests, the most toxic EO was the P. lentiscus (LC50 = 36.36 μL∙kg−1) while, the least toxic, was the F. vulgare one (LC50 = 77.59 μL∙kg−1). The EOs were also tested combined with diatomaceous earths (DEs) showing synergistic effects (co-toxicity coefficient values ranging from 1.36 to 3.35 for O. basilicum and F. vulgare EOs, respectively). Overall, O. basilicum resulted as the best EO for the wheat treatment, considering its insect toxicity and olfactory profile. In real storage conditions, the wheat co-treated with O. basilicum EO and DEs showed a significantly lower mean infestation (1.5 insect kg−1) than the non-treated wheat (7.0 insect kg−1).
Erika Carla Pierattini; Stefano Bedini; Francesca Venturi; Roberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Rossella Bocchino; Jessica Girardi; Paolo Giannotti; Giuseppe Ferroni; Barbara Conti. Sensory Quality of Essential Oils and Their Synergistic Effect with Diatomaceous Earth, for the Control of Stored Grain Insects. Insects 2019, 10, 114 .
AMA StyleErika Carla Pierattini, Stefano Bedini, Francesca Venturi, Roberta Ascrizzi, Guido Flamini, Rossella Bocchino, Jessica Girardi, Paolo Giannotti, Giuseppe Ferroni, Barbara Conti. Sensory Quality of Essential Oils and Their Synergistic Effect with Diatomaceous Earth, for the Control of Stored Grain Insects. Insects. 2019; 10 (4):114.
Chicago/Turabian StyleErika Carla Pierattini; Stefano Bedini; Francesca Venturi; Roberta Ascrizzi; Guido Flamini; Rossella Bocchino; Jessica Girardi; Paolo Giannotti; Giuseppe Ferroni; Barbara Conti. 2019. "Sensory Quality of Essential Oils and Their Synergistic Effect with Diatomaceous Earth, for the Control of Stored Grain Insects." Insects 10, no. 4: 114.
A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
S. Bedini; G. Flamini; R. Ascrizzi; F. Venturi; G. Ferroni; A. Bader; J. Girardi; B. Conti. Author Correction: Essential oils sensory quality and their bioactivity against the mosquito Aedes albopictus. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 6184 .
AMA StyleS. Bedini, G. Flamini, R. Ascrizzi, F. Venturi, G. Ferroni, A. Bader, J. Girardi, B. Conti. Author Correction: Essential oils sensory quality and their bioactivity against the mosquito Aedes albopictus. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):6184.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Bedini; G. Flamini; R. Ascrizzi; F. Venturi; G. Ferroni; A. Bader; J. Girardi; B. Conti. 2019. "Author Correction: Essential oils sensory quality and their bioactivity against the mosquito Aedes albopictus." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 6184.