In order to explore the influence of stored cereal volatiles on the behavior of Sitophilus oryzae, the olfactory responses of adult rice weevils to the volatiles of different rice cultivars [Red brown rice (RBR), Daohuaxiangmi (DHXM), Baishuigongmi (BSGM), Yashuixinmi (YSXM), and white glutinous rice (WGR)] were studied using electroantennography (EAG) and behavioural bioassays in different types of olfactometers. S. oryzae showed significantly different preferences for these rice cultivars, in the order RBR > DHXM = YSXM ≥ BSGM > WGR. Furthermore, 26 components were identified in the volatile profile of RBR. Nonanal (29.37%), hexanal (16.08%), and 1-octen-3-ol (8.83%) were the most abundant compounds. EAG recordings showed that the antennae of S. oryzae were able to perceive these three compounds in a dose-dependent manner. The compounds elicited significant EAG responses at various concentrations, with the strongest responses at 100 μg μL⁻¹. S. oryzae had a significant positive behavioural response to nonanal, hexanal, and 1-octen-3-ol at various concentrations, with the most attractive being 50, 100, and 100 µg µL⁻¹, respectively. The olfactory preferences of S. oryzae, based on a comparison of these compounds at their optimal concentrations, were nonanal > 1-octen-3-ol = hexanal. These results indicated that the volatiles of the preferred rice cultivar (RBR) were perceived by the peripheral olfactory system of S. oryzae adults and individually elicited positive chemotaxis. These findings offer new insights into the mechanism of host preferences of stored-grain pests. Nonanal showed the greatest potential for use as a novel monitoring and control tool against this storage-beetle pest.

Behavioral manipulation (BM) is a multimodal control approach based on the interference with the stimuli mediating insect perception and interaction with the surroundings. BM could represent a win–win strategy for the management of vector-borne plant pathogens as the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, since it could reduce the number of vectors alighting on host plants and, consequently, the chances for transmission to occur. In this review, we summarized current knowledge and highlighted gaps in information on (i) how insect vectors of X. fastidiosa in general, and more specifically the meadow spittlebug Philaenus spumarius, locate and accept the host plant; and (ii) how behavioral manipulation techniques could be applied to disrupt the vector–host plant interaction. Finally, we discussed how diverse BM strategies could be combined with other integrated pest management tools to protect olive groves from inoculation with the fastidious bacterium.

Pathogens and pests constantly challenge food security and safety worldwide. The use of plant protection products to manage them raises concerns related to human health, the environment, and economic costs. Basic substances are active, non-toxic compounds that are not predominantly used as plant protection products but hold potential in crop protection. Basic substances’ attention is rising due to their safety and cost-effectiveness. However, data on their protection levels in crop protection strategies are lacking. In this review, we critically analyzed the literature concerning the field application of known and potential basic substances for managing diseases and pests, investigating their efficacy and potential integration into plant protection programs. Case studies related to grapevine, potato, and fruit protection from pre- and post-harvest diseases and pests were considered. In specific cases, basic substances and chitosan in particular, could complement or even substitute plant protection products, either chemicals or biologicals, but their efficacy varied greatly according to various factors, including the origin of the substance, the crop, the pathogen or pest, and the timing and method of application. Therefore, a careful evaluation of the field application is needed to promote the successful use of basic substances in sustainable pest management strategies in specific contexts.

The use of bioinsecticides, rather than synthetic compounds, appears a goal to be pursued in pest control, especially for species such as Sitophilus granarius (L.) which attack stored products. Since Humulus lupulus (L.) is a remarkable source of bioactive compounds, this study investigated the bioactivity of hop flower extracts against S. granarius adults by evaluating toxic (contact, inhalation, and ingestion), repellent, antifeedant, and nutritional effects as well as their anticholinesterase activity and olfactory sensitivity. Hop extracts were obtained by soaking dried and ground hop cones in solvents of decreasing polarity: methanol, acetone, and n-hexane. Dried crude extracts were resuspended in each solvent, and used in topical application, ingestion, and fumigation toxicity assays, as well as in contact and short-range repellency tests, in vitro anticholinesterase activity evaluation, and electroantennographic tests. No inhalation toxicity for the extracts was found. On the contrary, all extracts showed adult contact toxicity 24 h after treatment (LD_50/LD₉₀ 16.17/33.20, 25.77/42.64, and 31.07/49.48 µg/adult for acetone, n-hexane, and methanol extracts, respectively); negligible variations for these values at 48 h were found. The anticholinesterase activity shown by all extracts suggested that the inhibition of this enzyme was one of the mechanisms of action. Interestingly, flour disk bioassays revealed a significant ingestion toxicity for the acetone extract and a lower toxicity for the other two extracts. Moreover, all extracts affected insect nutritional parameters, at the highest dose checked. Filter paper and two-choice pitfall bioassays showed repellent activity and a strong reduction of insect orientation to a highly attractive food odor source, with minor differences among extracts, respectively. Finally, the presence of volatile compounds in the different extracts that are perceived by insect antennae was confirmed by electroantennography. All these findings strongly suggest a possible use of hop cone extracts against S. granarius, thus further confirming this plant as an interesting species for pest control.