This study evaluated the effects of ZnO and green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Sargassum ilicifolium extract on the biochemical interactions between tomato leaves and the destructive pest Tuta absoluta. The average size and stability of ZnO-NPs were characterized using DLS, X-RD, and FE-SEM. Peaks in the FT-IR spectrum of the extract of the algae and ZnO-NPs, indicated the presence of carboxyl groups, amines, alkynes and alcohols. Treated tomato leaves exhibited increased total chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, particularly at 100 and 50 ppm, compared to the control. A significant increase in total flavonoid content was observed at 100 ppm, while total phenolic content was also enhanced at 50 ppm. In T. absoluta larvae, exposure to 50 and 100 ppm ZnO-NPs led to a reduction in α-amylase, total protease, total protein, and TAG levels, alongside increased catalase activity. Additionally, G₆PD and ALT activities decreased at 50 ppm compared to the control. Lactate, MDA, and the RSSR/RSH increased at 100 ppm. Furthermore, ZnO-NPs at 50 and 100 ppm elevated larval aldolase activity, while AST and γ-GT activities declined. These findings indicate that ZnO-NPs enhance tomato defense mechanisms and mitigate larval damage, supporting their potential use in integrated pest management strategies against T. absoluta.

The tomato looper,Chrysodeixis chalcites(Esper) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major pest that feeds on some fodder crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants in diverse plant families. We studied the effect of different cultivars of tomato including: Cal.JN3, Hed Rio Grande, Rio Grande UG, SUN 6108 f1, Super crystal, and Super strain B on the life history ofC. chalcitesunder laboratory conditions (25±1 °C, 65±5% relative humidity, and 16:8 (light:dark hours). Data were analysed using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. Tomato cultivars had significant effects on developmental time of larvae, pupae, and total preadult stages ofC. chalcites. The longest (17.39 days) and the shortest (13.93 days) larval period were observed on Hed Rio Grande and SUN 6108 f1, respectively. The longest pupal period was observed on Cal.JN3 (12.16 days) and Hed Rio Grande (12.11 days) compared with other cultivars. The lowest amount of larval growth index and rate of ovipositon days was observed on Cal.JN3. The results of this study revealed that Cal.JN3 and Hed Rio Grande were the less suitable cultivars toC. chalcitescompared with other cultivars studied and can be used in integrated pest management programme of this pest.

The predatory ladybird, Adalia bipunctata (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is a polyphagous species that primarily feeds on aphids. In this study, we assessed the demographic parameters and antioxidant activities of A. bipunctata individuals that were fed on Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) reared on wheat treated with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) (Biofarm and Probio96) and micronutrients (Librel Zinc and Alpha-Iron). The results showed that the shortest preadult period of A. bipunctata was recorded for individuals reared under Probio96 and Biofarm treatments. Additionally, the highest values of intrinsic rate (r) and net reproductive rate (R ₀ ) of the predator were recorded under the Probio96 treatment, while the lowest values were observed with Alpha-Iron. The lowest activity levels of catalase, oxidized/reduced thiols ratio, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were found in 4th instar larvae. In contrast, the lowest antioxidant activities, except ascorbate peroxidase, were observed in adults. These findings were attributed to aphids reared on wheat fertilized with Probio96. It can be concluded that combining host plant resistance with Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and biological control may offer an effective strategy for the integrated management of aphids.

The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, is a cosmopolitan pest of stored commodities worldwide, causing substantial postharvest losses in date fruits. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying cultivar-dependent resistance and their sex-specific responses remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the influence of seven date palm cultivars, four dry (Zahedi, Deyri, Tori, Daglatnour) and three semi-dry (Estamaran, Khasouee, Pyaram), on digestive enzyme activities, metabolic profiles, energy reserves, oxidative stress biomarkers, and sex-dependent variations in larval stages. Larvae reared on dry cultivars, particularly Daglatnour and Zahedi, exhibited significantly higher activities of digestive enzymes (total protease and α-amylase) and aminotransferases (ALT, AST, and γ-GT), along with greater accumulation of protein and triacylglyceride reserves, indicating superior nutritional quality and efficient nutrient assimilation. In contrast, semi-dry varieties (Estamaran, Khasouee, and Pyaram) induced marked increases in aldolase activity, lactate production, and oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and RSSR/RSH ratio), indicative of metabolic impairment, enhanced glycolytic flux, and compromised redox homeostasis. Hierarchical clustering based on all biochemical parameters clearly segregated cultivars into two major clusters corresponding to dry and semi-dry categories, confirming that fruit moisture content serves as a reliable proxy for nutritional quality and resistance potential. Notably, female larvae consistently exhibited higher enzymatic activities and greater macromolecular content than males across all cultivars, revealing sex-specific metabolic adaptations driven by the elevated energetic demands of oogenesis. Collectively, these findings establish that cultivar-dependent nutritional variability critically modulates digestive physiology, redox balance, and energy metabolism in P. interpunctella, with dry cultivars providing superior nutritive support relative to semi-dry ones. These results provide essential baseline data for integrating host plant resistance into integrated pest management (IPM) programs, offering a sustainable, non-chemical strategy for postharvest protection of dates.