Sustaining maize–cereal production under intensive agricultural systems is becoming increasingly challenging because of declining soil quality, low nutrient-use efficiency, and escalating abiotic and biotic stresses. In many regions, long-term rice–wheat cultivation has intensified these constraints, prompting greater interest in diversified production systems such as maize–wheat rotations. Within this context, bio-organic fertilizers (BOF) and microbial biostimulants are increasingly recognized not merely as nutrient inputs but as biologically active regulators of plant–soil interactions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of BOF in maize–cereal production systems, with particular emphasis on maize–wheat rotations. It examines their effects on crop productivity, soil health, nutrient dynamics, and resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. Current evidence indicates that BOF and microbial biostimulants improve crop performance through interconnected mechanisms, including nutrient mobilization, root development, rhizosphere regulation, and microbial-mediated soil processes. Collectively, these mechanisms enhance nutrient-use efficiency, strengthen stress tolerance, and contribute to more stable crop yields. Importantly, the benefits of BOF extend beyond single growing seasons by promoting soil biological activity, nutrient availability, and system resilience across successive crop cycles. Overall, BOF should be regarded not simply as alternatives to mineral fertilizers but as multifunctional regulators of plant–soil processes that support the sustainability of maize–wheat and other cereal-based cropping systems.

Host plant diversity causes differences in the biology and adaptation of insects. In this study, variations in some biological properties and adaptive antioxidative response of Myzus persicae (Sulzer,1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on five Charleston pepper, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) cultivars were investigated under laboratory conditions (25±1°C, 60±5% RH). The lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.193 d-1) of M. persicae was estimated in the tested cohort fed with the Kanyon cultivar, while the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.248 d-1) was found on the Tufan cultivar. The cohort fed with Safkan cultivar exhibited the highest levels of GST-CDNB and EST-PNPA at 562.80 and 207.64 nmol/mg protein, respectively, whereas the cohort fed with Kanyon cultivar showed the lowest levels at 317.04 and 132.14 nmol/mg protein, respectively. Analysis of life table parameters and enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant levels of M. persicae showed that among the cultivars we tested, the Tufan cultivar was the most preferred host by M. persicae, while Kanyon cultivar was a less suitable host.

Plants, microorganisms, and arthropods continuously interact within the intricate system of the environment. These interactions can often lead to significant crop damage due to diseases and pests; however, there are also circumstances where microorganisms serve as necessary symbiotic plant partners. A range of beneficial microbes in the soil support plant development and health through direct and indirect mechanisms. These beneficial microorganisms, also known as "little helpers" are vital due to their ability to colonize various niches and their ubiquitous presence. Increasingly, such microorganisms are used as biological control agents and microbial fertilizers. They are specific to pests and diseases, with a minimal negative impact on humans and the environment. Plants face numerous environmental challenges and must respond appropriately to survive. Recent studies suggest that beneficial microbial biota in the soil can affect herbivores, highlighting the importance of these biological agents. Specifically, they can reduce the harmful effects of herbivorous insect pests, which damage plants are a major factor in global yield losses. Therefore, they are expected to be essential candidates to replace chemical insecticides in the near future. This review includes recent findings on many aspects of below-ground and above-ground plant-mediated interactions.

Anomalini beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) constitute a significant pest group responsible for substantial crop losses in wheat cultivation areas worldwide, including Turkey. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the phylogeny, diversity, abundance, and distribution of Anomalini beetles in wheat fields of Van province, Turkey. Surveys were conducted between April and August 2021, involving monthly sample collection at predetermined locations within six districts: Başkale, Çaldıran, Erciş, Gevaş, İpekyolu, and Tuşba. Standard traps and hand collection methods were employed to gather samples. In molecular studies, the mitochondrial COI gene region has been amplified and sequenced using universal primers. Anomalini beetles were detected in all sampling areas except Çatak district. Seven species were identified: Anisoplia austriaca, A. signata, A. lata, Brancoplia leucaspis, Blitopertha nigripennis, Chaetopteroplia segetum, and an unidentified Anisoplia sp. Chaetopteroplia segetum emerged as the most prevalent and abundant species across all districts. Notably, all identified Anomalini species represent the first records for Van province and its environs. While Anomalini beetles were present in the region, their population densities were not considered high enough to cause economic damage.