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Plant essential oil-based insecticides, with special reference to those that may be obtained from largely available biomasses, represent a valuable tool for Integrated Pest Management. However, the sublethal effects and the potential effects on aggressive insect traits of these green insecticides are understudied. Herein, the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the carlina oxide, constituting more than 97% of the whole Carlina acaulis (Asteraceae) root essential oil (EO), were determined against an invasive polyphagous tephritid pest, Ceratitis capitata (medfly). The carlina oxide was formulated in a mucilaginous solution containing carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, sucrose, and hydrolysed proteins, showing high ingestion toxicity on medfly adults. The behavioural effects of carlina oxide at LC10 and LC30 were evaluated on the medfly aggressive traits, which are crucial for securing reproductive success in both sexes. Insecticide exposure affected the directionality of aggressive actions, but not the aggression escalation intensity and duration. The EO safety to mammals was investigated by studying its acute toxicity on the stomach, liver, and kidney of rats after oral administration. Only the highest dose (1000 mg/kg, slightly lower than the LD50 calculated on medflies) of the EO caused modest neurological signs and moderate effects on the stomach, liver, and kidney. The other doses, which are closer to the practical use of the EO when formulated in protein baits, did not cause side effects. Overall, C. acaulis-based products are effective and safe to non-target mammals, deserving further consideration for eco-friendly pesticide formulations.
Giovanni Benelli; Camilla Ceccarelli; Valeria Zeni; Roberto Rizzo; Gabriella Lo Verde; Milko Sinacori; Maria C. Boukouvala; Nickolas G. Kavalieratos; Massimo Ubaldi; Daniele Tomassoni; Federica Benvenuti; Proshanta Roy; Riccardo Petrelli; Loredana Cappellacci; Eleonora Spinozzi; Filippo Maggi; Angelo Canale. Lethal and behavioural effects of a green insecticide against an invasive polyphagous fruit fly pest and its safety to mammals. Chemosphere 2021, 132089 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli, Camilla Ceccarelli, Valeria Zeni, Roberto Rizzo, Gabriella Lo Verde, Milko Sinacori, Maria C. Boukouvala, Nickolas G. Kavalieratos, Massimo Ubaldi, Daniele Tomassoni, Federica Benvenuti, Proshanta Roy, Riccardo Petrelli, Loredana Cappellacci, Eleonora Spinozzi, Filippo Maggi, Angelo Canale. Lethal and behavioural effects of a green insecticide against an invasive polyphagous fruit fly pest and its safety to mammals. Chemosphere. 2021; ():132089.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli; Camilla Ceccarelli; Valeria Zeni; Roberto Rizzo; Gabriella Lo Verde; Milko Sinacori; Maria C. Boukouvala; Nickolas G. Kavalieratos; Massimo Ubaldi; Daniele Tomassoni; Federica Benvenuti; Proshanta Roy; Riccardo Petrelli; Loredana Cappellacci; Eleonora Spinozzi; Filippo Maggi; Angelo Canale. 2021. "Lethal and behavioural effects of a green insecticide against an invasive polyphagous fruit fly pest and its safety to mammals." Chemosphere , no. : 132089.
Apiaceae is a family encompassing medicinal and aromatic plants. They produce essential oils (EOs) inside oil canals, known as ducts and vittae, which occur in their vegetative and reproductive organs. Given the high EO yields and the availability of raw material from cultivations widespread all over the world, Apiaceae are exploitable for different industrial applications. An interesting perspective is their utilization in the fabrication of botanical insecticides effective against insect vectors of public importance such as mosquitoes, aiming to be eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. On this basis, in the current review, we collected scientific evidence supporting the use of Apiaceae EOs and their major constituents as active ingredients in insecticidal formulations against larvae and adults of several mosquitoes that are important pathogen vectors (e.g., Anopheles, Aedes and Culex species). For this purpose, we analysed the published data on their larvicidal, ovicidal, oviposition deterrent, pupicidal, adulticidal, and repellent effects, using efficacy thresholds as in the case of larvicidal activity (LC50 (lethal concentration killing 50 % of the exposed population) < 50 ppm). Toxicity to non-target organisms, including vertebrates, has also been reviewed. The major EO constituents have been highlighted, each with its spectrum of mosquitocidal activity, providing insights on their multiple modes of action. The urgent need to develop highly stable micro/nano-formulations for real-world use has been outlined. Current weaknesses and strengths in the steps toward the development of botanical insecticides have been analysed to increase awareness of the future challenges necessary to open the doors to the industrial utilization of Apiaceae EOs by agrochemical companies.
Eleonora Spinozzi; Filippo Maggi; Giulia Bonacucina; Roman Pavela; Maria C. Boukouvala; Nickolas G. Kavallieratos; Angelo Canale; Donato Romano; Nicolas Desneux; André B.B. Wilke; John C. Beier; Giovanni Benelli. Apiaceae essential oils and their constituents as insecticides against mosquitoes—A review. Industrial Crops and Products 2021, 171, 113892 .
AMA StyleEleonora Spinozzi, Filippo Maggi, Giulia Bonacucina, Roman Pavela, Maria C. Boukouvala, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Angelo Canale, Donato Romano, Nicolas Desneux, André B.B. Wilke, John C. Beier, Giovanni Benelli. Apiaceae essential oils and their constituents as insecticides against mosquitoes—A review. Industrial Crops and Products. 2021; 171 ():113892.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleonora Spinozzi; Filippo Maggi; Giulia Bonacucina; Roman Pavela; Maria C. Boukouvala; Nickolas G. Kavallieratos; Angelo Canale; Donato Romano; Nicolas Desneux; André B.B. Wilke; John C. Beier; Giovanni Benelli. 2021. "Apiaceae essential oils and their constituents as insecticides against mosquitoes—A review." Industrial Crops and Products 171, no. : 113892.
Insects perceive and integrate a hierarchy of visual, chemical and tactile cues for feeding and reproductive purposes, as well as for predator and parasitoid avoidance
Giovanni Benelli; Andrea Lucchi. From Insect Pheromones to Mating Disruption: Theory and Practice. Insects 2021, 12, 698 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli, Andrea Lucchi. From Insect Pheromones to Mating Disruption: Theory and Practice. Insects. 2021; 12 (8):698.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli; Andrea Lucchi. 2021. "From Insect Pheromones to Mating Disruption: Theory and Practice." Insects 12, no. 8: 698.
Populations of pollinating insects are in concrete decline globally
Angelo Canale; Giovanni Benelli. Bee and Beekeeping Research in a Rapidly Changing World: Advancements and Challenges. Molecules 2021, 26, 3066 .
AMA StyleAngelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli. Bee and Beekeeping Research in a Rapidly Changing World: Advancements and Challenges. Molecules. 2021; 26 (11):3066.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelo Canale; Giovanni Benelli. 2021. "Bee and Beekeeping Research in a Rapidly Changing World: Advancements and Challenges." Molecules 26, no. 11: 3066.
Conifers are of high economic importance due to their exploitation for timber, gardening and landscaping, construction and paper, varnishes, adhesives and waterproof coatings, perfumes and pharmaceuticals, bioplastics and biodiesel. They are endowed in all parts with secretory channels producing a semi-solid resin and a liquid fraction composed of a mixture of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are obtainable as a steam distillable essential oil. In most of industrial processes involving conifers, a huge biomass, made up mostly of green twigs, is produced, causing a waste disposal concern. The reuse of this material to produce essential oils may be important in a circular economy scenario. On this basis, in the present study we selected nine conifer species grown in central Italy (Abruzzo), namely Cupressus arizonica, x Cupressocyparis leylandii, Cupressus lusitanica, Juniperus chinensis cv. ‘stricta’, Juniperus communis, Juniperus × pfitzeriana, Picea abies, Pinus halepensis, and Pinus sylvestris, and evaluated the insecticidal potential of their essential oils from the non-wood renewable parts (twigs). For comparative purposes, in the case of J. communis two essential oils obtained from both male and female individuals were considered. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation (yield in the range 0.3–2.0 %), and analyzed for chemical composition by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and for the enantiomeric distribution of the main optically active isomers by chiral chromatography. The essential oils were assessed for their insecticidal activity against three important insect species, i.e. the larvae of a moth pest, Spodoptera littoralis, the larvae of the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus, and the adults of the housefly, Musca domestica. Pyrethrum extract was the positive control. The essential oils with the highest potential as insecticide were those obtained from twigs of x C. leylandii, P. abies and P. sylvestris. These oils were made up mainly of monoterpenes, with δ-3-carene (20.5 %), α-pinene (16.7 %), limonene (15.4 %) and sabinene (10.4 %); camphene (14.5 %) and limonene (13.4 %), bornyl acetate (15.6 %) and borneol (11.2 %); α-pinene (25.7 %), limonene (15.6 %) and δ-cadinene (11.4 %), as the main constituents, respectively. α-Pinene occurred in these oils mostly with the (+) enantiomeric form; limonene was present mainly as (-)-enantiomer in C. leylandii whereas in P. abies and P. sylvestris the (+)-enantiomer prevailed. Furthermore, being exposed to LD20-30/LC30 of these three essential oils significantly reduced the longevity, development and vitality of the target insects. Overall, our findings showed that the x C. leylandii, P. abies and P. sylvestris essential oil bioactivity fairly overpassed that of the large majority of essential oils considered in earlier studies, allowing us to successfully candidate these botanical byproducts for further insecticide formulations.
Roman Pavela; Filippo Maggi; Eugenia Mazzara; Jacopo Torresi; Kevin Cianfaglione; Giovanni Benelli; Angelo Canale. Prolonged sublethal effects of essential oils from non-wood parts of nine conifers on key insect pests and vectors. Industrial Crops and Products 2021, 168, 113590 .
AMA StyleRoman Pavela, Filippo Maggi, Eugenia Mazzara, Jacopo Torresi, Kevin Cianfaglione, Giovanni Benelli, Angelo Canale. Prolonged sublethal effects of essential oils from non-wood parts of nine conifers on key insect pests and vectors. Industrial Crops and Products. 2021; 168 ():113590.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoman Pavela; Filippo Maggi; Eugenia Mazzara; Jacopo Torresi; Kevin Cianfaglione; Giovanni Benelli; Angelo Canale. 2021. "Prolonged sublethal effects of essential oils from non-wood parts of nine conifers on key insect pests and vectors." Industrial Crops and Products 168, no. : 113590.
Taeniosis/cysticercosis and echinococcosis are neglected zoonotic helminth infections with high disease burden caused by tapeworms which circulate between definitive and intermediate host reflecting a predator-prey interaction. Taeniid eggs can remain vital for months, allowing arthropods to mechanically transport them to intermediate hosts. However, the multiple routes that arthropods provide as carriers of taeniid eggs are still often unregarded or not considered. This review focuses on the prevalence and importance of arthropods as carriers and spreaders of taeniid eggs in the epidemiology of taeniosis/cysticercosis and echinococcosis. Current scientific knowledge showed a relevant role of houseflies (Muscidae), blowflies (Calliphoridae), dung beetles (Scarabaeoidea), darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae), ground beetles (Carabidae) and skin beetles (Dermestidae) in the spread of taeniid eggs in the environment, which may favor the infection of new hosts through the direct ingestion of an insect or of contaminated food and water. At last, key research challenges are highlighted, illustrating that further knowledge on the topic is needed to develop and improve guidelines and actions to prevent taeniid infections worldwide.
Giovanni Benelli; Marion Wassermann; Norbert W. Brattig. Insects dispersing taeniid eggs: Who and how? Veterinary Parasitology 2021, 295, 109450 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli, Marion Wassermann, Norbert W. Brattig. Insects dispersing taeniid eggs: Who and how? Veterinary Parasitology. 2021; 295 ():109450.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli; Marion Wassermann; Norbert W. Brattig. 2021. "Insects dispersing taeniid eggs: Who and how?" Veterinary Parasitology 295, no. : 109450.
The Dipteran family Tephritidae (true fruit flies) comprises more than 5000 species classified in 500 genera distributed worldwide. Tephritidae include devastating agricultural pests and highly invasive species whose spread is currently facilitated by globalization, international trade and human mobility. The ability to identify and exploit a wide range of host plants for oviposition, as well as effective and diversified reproductive strategies, are among the key features supporting tephritid biological success. Intraspecific communication involves the exchange of a complex set of sensory cues that are species- and sex-specific. Chemical signals, which are standing out in tephritid communication, comprise long-distance pheromones emitted by one or both sexes, cuticular hydrocarbons with limited volatility deposited on the surrounding substrate or on the insect body regulating medium- to short-distance communication, and host-marking compounds deposited on the fruit after oviposition. In this review, the current knowledge on tephritid chemical communication was analysed with a special emphasis on fruit fly pest species belonging to the Anastrepha, Bactrocera,Ceratitis, Rhagoletis and Zeugodacus genera. The multidisciplinary approaches adopted for characterising tephritid semiochemicals, and the real-world applications and challenges for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological control strategies are critically discussed. Future perspectives for targeted research on fruit fly chemical communication are highlighted.
Francesca Scolari; Federica Valerio; Giovanni Benelli; Nikos Papadopoulos; Lucie Vaníčková. Tephritid Fruit Fly Semiochemicals: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Insects 2021, 12, 408 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Scolari, Federica Valerio, Giovanni Benelli, Nikos Papadopoulos, Lucie Vaníčková. Tephritid Fruit Fly Semiochemicals: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Insects. 2021; 12 (5):408.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Scolari; Federica Valerio; Giovanni Benelli; Nikos Papadopoulos; Lucie Vaníčková. 2021. "Tephritid Fruit Fly Semiochemicals: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives." Insects 12, no. 5: 408.
The demand for a reduced use of pesticides in agriculture requires the development of specific strategies for managing arthropod pests. Among eco-friendly pest control tools, pheromone-based mating disruption (MD) is promising for controlling several key insect pests of economic importance, including many lepidopteran species. In our study, we evaluated an MD approach for managing the honeydew moth (HM), Cryptoblabes gnidiella, an emerging threat for the grapevine in the Mediterranean basin. The trials were carried out in two study sites, located in Tuscany (central Italy, years 2017–2019) and Apulia (southern Italy, years 2016 and 2018–2019), and by applying MD dispensers only in April, in April and July, and only in July. To evaluate the effects of MD, infested bunches (%), damaged area (%) per bunch, and number of living larvae per bunch were compared among plots covered with MD dispensers, insecticide-treated plots (Apulia only), and untreated control plots. Male flights were monitored using pheromone-baited sticky traps. Except for the sampling carried out in Tuscany in 2018, where HM infestation level was very low, a significant difference was recorded between MD and control plots, both in terms of HM damage caused to ripening grapes and/or number of living larvae per bunch. Overall, our study highlighted that MD, irrespective of the application timing, significantly reduced HM damage; the levels of control achieved here were similar to those obtained with the application of insecticides (no MD). However, MD used as stand-alone strategy was not able to provide complete pest control, which may instead be pursued by growers with an IPM approach.
Renato Ricciardi; Filippo Di Giovanni; Francesca Cosci; Edith Ladurner; Francesco Savino; Andrea Iodice; Giovanni Benelli; Andrea Lucchi. Mating Disruption for Managing the Honeydew Moth, Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière), in Mediterranean Vineyards. Insects 2021, 12, 390 .
AMA StyleRenato Ricciardi, Filippo Di Giovanni, Francesca Cosci, Edith Ladurner, Francesco Savino, Andrea Iodice, Giovanni Benelli, Andrea Lucchi. Mating Disruption for Managing the Honeydew Moth, Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière), in Mediterranean Vineyards. Insects. 2021; 12 (5):390.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenato Ricciardi; Filippo Di Giovanni; Francesca Cosci; Edith Ladurner; Francesco Savino; Andrea Iodice; Giovanni Benelli; Andrea Lucchi. 2021. "Mating Disruption for Managing the Honeydew Moth, Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière), in Mediterranean Vineyards." Insects 12, no. 5: 390.
Several species of the family Apiaceae are aromatic herbs that produce essential oils usable on an industrial scale for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food purposes. In particular, some essential oils, such as green insecticides for example, may replace synthetic insecticides, keeping most of their efficacy and avoiding environmental pollution or human poisoning. In the present study, we explored the insecticidal potential of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris essential oil (EO) against three different pests: Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Musca domestica L., and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval). For this purpose, the EO was obtained by hydrodistillation of flowers and its composition was achieved by gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This EO was rich in α-phellandrene (49.3%), β-phellandrene (9.2%), terpinolene (20.7%), and piperitenone oxide (5.9%). Concerning the mosquitocidal efficacy, the EO showed noteworthy toxicity against C. quinquefasciatus 3rd instar larvae, with a LC50 = 27.1 µL L−1 and LC90 = 42.5 µL L−1. Regarding M. domestica, a different toxicity of the R. segetum EO was found on male and female flies, calculating LD50 values of 10.5 and 50.8 µg adult−1, respectively. The EO was also toxic to S. littoralis 3rd instar larvae, achieving LD50 and LD90 values of 37.9 and 99.6 µg larva−1, respectively. Overall, this flower EO, extracted from a traditional Sicilian food plant, merits further investigation for the development of green insecticide formulations to be used in real world conditions, pending a careful assessment of non-target toxicity on beneficial organisms.
Natale Badalamenti; Vincenzo Ilardi; Maurizio Bruno; Roman Pavela; Maria Boukouvala; Nickolas Kavallieratos; Filippo Maggi; Angelo Canale; Giovanni Benelli. Chemical Composition and Broad-Spectrum Insecticidal Activity of the Flower Essential Oil from an Ancient Sicilian Food Plant, Ridolfia segetum. Agriculture 2021, 11, 304 .
AMA StyleNatale Badalamenti, Vincenzo Ilardi, Maurizio Bruno, Roman Pavela, Maria Boukouvala, Nickolas Kavallieratos, Filippo Maggi, Angelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli. Chemical Composition and Broad-Spectrum Insecticidal Activity of the Flower Essential Oil from an Ancient Sicilian Food Plant, Ridolfia segetum. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (4):304.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNatale Badalamenti; Vincenzo Ilardi; Maurizio Bruno; Roman Pavela; Maria Boukouvala; Nickolas Kavallieratos; Filippo Maggi; Angelo Canale; Giovanni Benelli. 2021. "Chemical Composition and Broad-Spectrum Insecticidal Activity of the Flower Essential Oil from an Ancient Sicilian Food Plant, Ridolfia segetum." Agriculture 11, no. 4: 304.
Most insecticides commonly used in storage facilities are synthetic, an issue that generates concerns about food safety and public health. Therefore, the development of eco-friendly pest management tools is urgently needed. In the present study, a 6% (w/w) Hazomalania voyronii essential oil-based nanoemulsion (HvNE) was developed and evaluated for managing Tribolium confusum, T. castaneum, and Tenebrio molitor, as an eco-friendly wheat protectant. Larval and adult mortality was evaluated after 4, 8, and 16 h, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days, testing two HvNE concentrations (500 ppm and 1000 ppm). T. confusum and T. castaneum adults and T. molitor larvae were tolerant to both concentrations of the HvNE, reaching 13.0%, 18.7%, and 10.3% mortality, respectively, at 1000 ppm after 7 days of exposure. However, testing HvNE at 1000 ppm, the mortality of T. confusum and T. castaneum larvae and T. molitor adults 7 days post-exposure reached 92.1%, 97.4%, and 100.0%, respectively. Overall, the HvNE can be considered as an effective adulticide or larvicide, depending on the target species. Our results highlight the potential of H. voyronii essential oil for developing green nanoinsecticides to be used in real-world conditions against key stored-product pests.
Nickolas Kavallieratos; Erifili Nika; Anna Skourti; Nikoletta Ntalli; Maria Boukouvala; Catherine Ntalaka; Filippo Maggi; Rianasoambolanoro Rakotosaona; Marco Cespi; Diego Perinelli; Angelo Canale; Giulia Bonacucina; Giovanni Benelli. Developing a Hazomalania voyronii Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for the Eco-Friendly Management of Tribolium confusum, Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Adults on Stored Wheat. Molecules 2021, 26, 1812 .
AMA StyleNickolas Kavallieratos, Erifili Nika, Anna Skourti, Nikoletta Ntalli, Maria Boukouvala, Catherine Ntalaka, Filippo Maggi, Rianasoambolanoro Rakotosaona, Marco Cespi, Diego Perinelli, Angelo Canale, Giulia Bonacucina, Giovanni Benelli. Developing a Hazomalania voyronii Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for the Eco-Friendly Management of Tribolium confusum, Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Adults on Stored Wheat. Molecules. 2021; 26 (6):1812.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNickolas Kavallieratos; Erifili Nika; Anna Skourti; Nikoletta Ntalli; Maria Boukouvala; Catherine Ntalaka; Filippo Maggi; Rianasoambolanoro Rakotosaona; Marco Cespi; Diego Perinelli; Angelo Canale; Giulia Bonacucina; Giovanni Benelli. 2021. "Developing a Hazomalania voyronii Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for the Eco-Friendly Management of Tribolium confusum, Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Adults on Stored Wheat." Molecules 26, no. 6: 1812.
The Comstock mealybug, Pseudococcus comstocki (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a primary pest of orchards in the North and Northwest of China. This pest appeared recently in Europe, including Italy, where it is infesting mainly vineyards as well as apple and pear orchards. The present study investigated the efficacy of Anagyrus vladimiri, a known biological control agent (BCA) of Planococcus ficus, on P. comstocki to evaluate a potential use for the management of this new pest. No-choice tests were conducted to quantify the parasitoid behavior against P. ficus and P. comstocki. The parasitoid successfully parasitized both species (parasitization rate: 51% and 67% on P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively). The A.vladimiri developmental time (19.67 ± 1.12 vs. 19.70 ± 1.07 days), sex ratio (1.16 ± 1.12 vs. 1.58 ± 1.07) and hind tibia length of the progeny showed no differences when P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively, were exploited as hosts. Two-choice tests, conducted by providing the parasitoid with a mixed population of P. ficus and P. comstocki, showed no host preference for either of the two mealybug species (23 vs. 27 first choices on P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively). The parasitization rate (61.5% and 64.5% in P. comstocki and P. ficus, respectively) did not differ between the two hosts. Overall, our study adds basic knowledge on parasitoid behavior and host preferences and confirms the use of this economically important encyrtid species as an effective BCA against the invasive Comstock mealybug.
Renato Ricciardi; Valeria Zeni; Davide Michelotti; Filippo Di Giovanni; Francesca Cosci; Angelo Canale; Lian-Sheng Zang; Andrea Lucchi; Giovanni Benelli. Old Parasitoids for New Mealybugs: Host Location Behavior and Parasitization Efficacy of Anagyrusvladimiri on Pseudococcuscomstocki. Insects 2021, 12, 257 .
AMA StyleRenato Ricciardi, Valeria Zeni, Davide Michelotti, Filippo Di Giovanni, Francesca Cosci, Angelo Canale, Lian-Sheng Zang, Andrea Lucchi, Giovanni Benelli. Old Parasitoids for New Mealybugs: Host Location Behavior and Parasitization Efficacy of Anagyrusvladimiri on Pseudococcuscomstocki. Insects. 2021; 12 (3):257.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenato Ricciardi; Valeria Zeni; Davide Michelotti; Filippo Di Giovanni; Francesca Cosci; Angelo Canale; Lian-Sheng Zang; Andrea Lucchi; Giovanni Benelli. 2021. "Old Parasitoids for New Mealybugs: Host Location Behavior and Parasitization Efficacy of Anagyrusvladimiri on Pseudococcuscomstocki." Insects 12, no. 3: 257.
Carlina acaulis root essential oil (EO) is one of the most potent mosquito larvicides (LC50 < 2 ppm). This EO is mainly composed of carlina oxide (> 90%). Poor water solubility and rapid degradation from UV light and oxygen in the environment limit the real-world use of this EO. Herein, we developed nanocarrier-based formulations, namely micro- and nanoemulsions (ME and NE, respectively) containing C. acaulis EO or carlina oxide (both at 0.5%) as active ingredients (a.i.). The larvicidal activity of ME and NE was evaluated against Culex quinquefasciatus. The highest larvicidal activity was achieved by the ME containing 0.5% of the EO (M1); its LC50(90) was 579.1 (791.3) µL L−1. Sublethal effects of this ME and its a.i. were assessed testing both at the LC16, LC30, LC50 and LC90 on mosquito larvae exposed to each product for 1–7 h, and then monitoring mortality for 18 days. At variance with the EO, ME application, even at LC16, led to 100% mortality at 18 days. The EO and its encapsulated form were scarcely toxic to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human fibroblast (NHF A12) cell lines. The acute toxicity of C. acaulis EO and its ME (M1) was also evaluated in Wistar rats through oral administration; EO LD50 was 1098 mg kg−1 bw, whereas its ME, even at 5000 mg kg−1 bw (considered the upper testing limit to establish safety to mammals), was not toxic. This study highlights the outstanding efficacy of C. acaulis EO ME for developing long-lasting and safe larvicides against Cx. quinquefasciatus.
Roman Pavela; Lucia Pavoni; Giulia Bonacucina; Marco Cespi; Loredana Cappellacci; Riccardo Petrelli; Eleonora Spinozzi; Cristina Aguzzi; Laura Zeppa; Massimo Ubaldi; Nicolas Desneux; Angelo Canale; Filippo Maggi; Giovanni Benelli. Encapsulation of Carlina acaulis essential oil and carlina oxide to develop long-lasting mosquito larvicides: microemulsions versus nanoemulsions. Journal of Pest Science 2021, 1 -17.
AMA StyleRoman Pavela, Lucia Pavoni, Giulia Bonacucina, Marco Cespi, Loredana Cappellacci, Riccardo Petrelli, Eleonora Spinozzi, Cristina Aguzzi, Laura Zeppa, Massimo Ubaldi, Nicolas Desneux, Angelo Canale, Filippo Maggi, Giovanni Benelli. Encapsulation of Carlina acaulis essential oil and carlina oxide to develop long-lasting mosquito larvicides: microemulsions versus nanoemulsions. Journal of Pest Science. 2021; ():1-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoman Pavela; Lucia Pavoni; Giulia Bonacucina; Marco Cespi; Loredana Cappellacci; Riccardo Petrelli; Eleonora Spinozzi; Cristina Aguzzi; Laura Zeppa; Massimo Ubaldi; Nicolas Desneux; Angelo Canale; Filippo Maggi; Giovanni Benelli. 2021. "Encapsulation of Carlina acaulis essential oil and carlina oxide to develop long-lasting mosquito larvicides: microemulsions versus nanoemulsions." Journal of Pest Science , no. : 1-17.
Background Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a broadleaf host plant suitable for rearing the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). Here, the possibility of using yacon as an alternative host plant for production of the parasitoid, Encarsia formosa Gahan, one of the most important natural enemies of whiteflies, was explored. Data on the demographic characteristics, parasitism rate, and host‐feeding rate were collected and analyzed using the TWOSEX‐MSChart, CONSUME‐MSChart, and TIMING‐MSChart computer programs, and then contrasted with comparable data from the more commonly utilized host plant, tobacco. Results Higher fecundity (F) (190.13 eggs/female) and more oviposition days (Od) (16.60 d) were observed in E. formosa when yacon was used as the host plant for rearing T. vaporariorum, compared to when tobacco was used (F = 150.13 eggs/female, Od = 15.27 d). The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproduction rate (R0) were significantly higher in E. formosa parasitizing T. vaporariorum reared on yacon compared to those parasitizing tobacco‐reared T. vaporariorum. Furthermore, the net host feeding rate (C0 = 40.87 prey/parasitoid), net killing rate (Z0 = 239.73 prey/parasitoid), and finite killing rate (υ = 0.2560 d−1) for E. formosa on yacon‐reared whiteflies were significantly higher than those from tobacco‐reared whiteflies. Conclusion Our results showed that yacon is more suitable than tobacco as a host plant for mass‐rearing E. formosa for biological control programs to manage whiteflies. An innovative application of the multinomial theorem for calculating the exact probability of bootstrap samples in life table research was also introduced.
Yue Zhao; Chun‐Li Zhao; Xiangbing Yang; Hsin Chi; Peng Dai; Nicolas Desneux; Giovanni Benelli; Lian‐Sheng Zang. Yacon as an alternative host plant for Encarsia formosa mass‐rearing: validating a multinomial theorem for bootstrap technique in life table research. Pest Management Science 2021, 77, 2324 -2336.
AMA StyleYue Zhao, Chun‐Li Zhao, Xiangbing Yang, Hsin Chi, Peng Dai, Nicolas Desneux, Giovanni Benelli, Lian‐Sheng Zang. Yacon as an alternative host plant for Encarsia formosa mass‐rearing: validating a multinomial theorem for bootstrap technique in life table research. Pest Management Science. 2021; 77 (5):2324-2336.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYue Zhao; Chun‐Li Zhao; Xiangbing Yang; Hsin Chi; Peng Dai; Nicolas Desneux; Giovanni Benelli; Lian‐Sheng Zang. 2021. "Yacon as an alternative host plant for Encarsia formosa mass‐rearing: validating a multinomial theorem for bootstrap technique in life table research." Pest Management Science 77, no. 5: 2324-2336.
The vine mealybug (VMB), Planococcus ficus, is a major grapevine pest worldwide, whose chemical control is often unsatisfactory due to its cryptic behavior, insecticide resistance and high fecundity rate. Recently, increasing restrictions have been applied to insecticides used for managing VMB. This review discusses sustainable VMB management strategies in organic viticulture. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption has been proved to be effective in both organic wine and table-grape vineyards. Biocontrol projects carried out through the release of parasitoids and/or predators have often provided inconclusive results, ranging from effective reduction of mealybug infestation to a marginal impact of parasitoids on VMB density. The latter outcome is likely due to constraints affecting the parasitoid activity, such as the disrupting activity of mealybug-tending ants and broad-spectrum insecticides, or untimely release of parasitoids. Ant suppression should be associated with the release of beneficial organisms, as mealybug-tending ants can severely affect the parasitoid activity. Cultural and physical control and the employment of entomopathogens and natural products mitigate the buildup of VMB populations, but they are not widely applied. VMB control in organic viticulture requires the integration of different strategies, as application of single control tools as a stand-alone treatment may not be effective, especially for high pest infestation. Future research to determine the density action threshold below which sustainable methods are effective and calibrate efforts in relation with pest infestation is needed. A multi-disciplinary approach is required to define the most appropriate sustainable control protocols in different environmental conditions and promote a further spread of organic viticulture.
Arturo Cocco; Vitor Cezar Pacheco da Silva; Giovanni Benelli; Marcos Botton; Andrea Lucchi; Andrea Lentini. Sustainable management of the vine mealybug in organic vineyards. Journal of Pest Science 2020, 94, 153 -185.
AMA StyleArturo Cocco, Vitor Cezar Pacheco da Silva, Giovanni Benelli, Marcos Botton, Andrea Lucchi, Andrea Lentini. Sustainable management of the vine mealybug in organic vineyards. Journal of Pest Science. 2020; 94 (2):153-185.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArturo Cocco; Vitor Cezar Pacheco da Silva; Giovanni Benelli; Marcos Botton; Andrea Lucchi; Andrea Lentini. 2020. "Sustainable management of the vine mealybug in organic vineyards." Journal of Pest Science 94, no. 2: 153-185.
Essential oil (EO)-based botanical insecticides are considered a promising option for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). However, the sublethal effects of EO-based insecticides are understudied. No information is available on the potential effects of EO exposure on insect aggressive traits. In this study, the toxicity of two EOs with documented efficacy on insect vectors and agricultural pests, and which were obtained from the roots of silver thistle (Carlina acaulis L., Asteraceae) and seeds (i.e. schizocarps) of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague, Apiaceae), was evaluated against adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (medfly), a cosmopolitan frugivorous pest. Both EOs were formulated in a mucilaginous solution containing sucrose and hydrolyzed proteins, suitable for "attract and kill" tests. After testing the EO ingestion toxicity on medflies, lethal concentrations LC10, and LC30 were calculated. Behavioral tests were carried out to assess the effect of EO feeding on the medfly aggressive traits. Both EOs formulated in protein baits showed promising insecticidal activity on medflies. Lethal concentrations 50 (LC50) of C. acaulis and T. ammi EOs were 1094 ppm and 3963 ppm, respectively. Medflies fed on protein baits treated with EO LC10 and LC30 showed a significant reduction in the overall abundance of aggressive interactions at the population level, as well as shorter aggression duration over control flies. Concerning aggression scores, no differences were found between treated and control flies. This study underlines the promising potential of C. acaulis and T. ammi EOs for the development of eco-friendly formulations to be used in medfly “attract and kill” approaches. It also outlined how exploiting food sources contaminated by low EO concentrations can strongly impact medfly aggressiveness, which is of key importance for the successful reproduction of this important fruit pest.
Giovanni Benelli; Roberto Rizzo; Valeria Zeni; Alessandra Govigli; Alena Samková; Milko Sinacori; Gabriella Lo Verde; Roman Pavela; Loredana Cappellacci; Riccardo Petrelli; Eleonora Spinozzi; Mohammad Reza Morshedloo; Filippo Maggi; Angelo Canale. Carlina acaulis and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils formulated in protein baits are highly toxic and reduce aggressiveness in the medfly, Ceratitis capitata. Industrial Crops and Products 2020, 161, 113191 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli, Roberto Rizzo, Valeria Zeni, Alessandra Govigli, Alena Samková, Milko Sinacori, Gabriella Lo Verde, Roman Pavela, Loredana Cappellacci, Riccardo Petrelli, Eleonora Spinozzi, Mohammad Reza Morshedloo, Filippo Maggi, Angelo Canale. Carlina acaulis and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils formulated in protein baits are highly toxic and reduce aggressiveness in the medfly, Ceratitis capitata. Industrial Crops and Products. 2020; 161 ():113191.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli; Roberto Rizzo; Valeria Zeni; Alessandra Govigli; Alena Samková; Milko Sinacori; Gabriella Lo Verde; Roman Pavela; Loredana Cappellacci; Riccardo Petrelli; Eleonora Spinozzi; Mohammad Reza Morshedloo; Filippo Maggi; Angelo Canale. 2020. "Carlina acaulis and Trachyspermum ammi essential oils formulated in protein baits are highly toxic and reduce aggressiveness in the medfly, Ceratitis capitata." Industrial Crops and Products 161, no. : 113191.
Discovering and validating effective drugs to manage arthropod-borne diseases (ABD) is a timely and important research challenge with major impacts on real-world control programs at the time of quick resistance development in the targeted pathogens. This editorial highlights major research advances in the development of drugs for the control of vector-borne diseases, with a significant focus on malaria, Chagas disease, dengue, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and Zika. Broad reviews providing new insights on ABD recently published in Molecules have also been covered in “The Editors’ pick” section.
Giovanni Benelli; Riccardo Petrelli; Angelo Canale. Arthropod-Borne Disease Control at a Glance: What’s New on Drug Development? Molecules 2020, 25, 5175 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli, Riccardo Petrelli, Angelo Canale. Arthropod-Borne Disease Control at a Glance: What’s New on Drug Development? Molecules. 2020; 25 (21):5175.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli; Riccardo Petrelli; Angelo Canale. 2020. "Arthropod-Borne Disease Control at a Glance: What’s New on Drug Development?" Molecules 25, no. 21: 5175.
The Editorial outlines recent research advances in green insecticide research. Particular attention is devoted to studies shedding light on the modes of action and non-target toxicity of natural substances of plant origin. Research focusing on the development of new formulations (including those relating to nano-objects) to magnify the effectiveness and stability of green insecticides in the field represents key advances. Herein, a carefully reviewed selection of cutting edge articles about green pesticide development recently published in Molecules is presented. The impact of sub-lethal doses of green insecticides on insect behavioral traits is still overlooked, representing a timely challenge for further research.
Giovanni Benelli. On a Magical Mystery Tour of Green Insecticide Research: Current Issues and Challenges. Molecules 2020, 25, 5014 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli. On a Magical Mystery Tour of Green Insecticide Research: Current Issues and Challenges. Molecules. 2020; 25 (21):5014.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli. 2020. "On a Magical Mystery Tour of Green Insecticide Research: Current Issues and Challenges." Molecules 25, no. 21: 5014.
In this study, the effect of different drying processes (freeze-drying (FD), microwave-assisted drying (MWD) and classic hot air drying (HAD)) on the polyphenols, flavonoids, and amino acids content was investigated on bee-collected chestnut, willow and ivy pollen for human consumption. Furthermore, the pollen chemical properties were monitored after three and six months of storage, and then analyzed using a multivariate approach. Chestnut pollen was the richest source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and rutin, while ivy pollen contained the highest amount of total and free amino acids, and total and free proline. Drying and storage affected pollen chemical composition with species-dependent effects. MWD allowed the best retention of flavonoids in chestnut pollen for up to six months of storage. All drying techniques led to a depletion of flavonoids in willow pollen; however, MWD ensured the highest flavonoids content after six months. FD and MWD did not lead to flavonoids depletion in ivy pollen during storage. Additionally, storage did not affect the rutin content, which was highest in FD willow samples after six months. Notably, both FD and MWD techniques are efficient in preserving amino acids-related quality of bee pollen up to six months of storage.
Antonella Castagna; Giovanni Benelli; Giuseppe Conte; Cristina Sgherri; Francesca Signorini; Cristiano Nicolella; Annamaria Ranieri; Angelo Canale. Drying Techniques and Storage: Do They Affect the Nutritional Value of Bee-Collected Pollen? Molecules 2020, 25, 4925 .
AMA StyleAntonella Castagna, Giovanni Benelli, Giuseppe Conte, Cristina Sgherri, Francesca Signorini, Cristiano Nicolella, Annamaria Ranieri, Angelo Canale. Drying Techniques and Storage: Do They Affect the Nutritional Value of Bee-Collected Pollen? Molecules. 2020; 25 (21):4925.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonella Castagna; Giovanni Benelli; Giuseppe Conte; Cristina Sgherri; Francesca Signorini; Cristiano Nicolella; Annamaria Ranieri; Angelo Canale. 2020. "Drying Techniques and Storage: Do They Affect the Nutritional Value of Bee-Collected Pollen?" Molecules 25, no. 21: 4925.
The combined effect of global warming and insecticide exposure on the spread of mosquito-borne diseases is poorly studied. In our opinion, more resources should be diverted to this topic to further research efforts and deal with this increasing threat. It is particularly important to determine how Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex vector species cope with insecticide exposure under warming temperatures, as well as how both stressors may impact the activity of mosquito biocontrol agents. Herein, we promote a discussion on the topic, fostering a research agenda with insights for the longer-term implementation of mosquito control strategies under the Integrated Vector Management framework.
Giovanni Benelli; André B.B. Wilke; Jeffrey R. Bloomquist; Nicolas Desneux; John C. Beier. Overexposing mosquitoes to insecticides under global warming: A public health concern? Science of The Total Environment 2020, 762, 143069 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli, André B.B. Wilke, Jeffrey R. Bloomquist, Nicolas Desneux, John C. Beier. Overexposing mosquitoes to insecticides under global warming: A public health concern? Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 762 ():143069.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli; André B.B. Wilke; Jeffrey R. Bloomquist; Nicolas Desneux; John C. Beier. 2020. "Overexposing mosquitoes to insecticides under global warming: A public health concern?" Science of The Total Environment 762, no. : 143069.
The growing interest in the development of green pest management strategies is leading to the exploitation of essential oils (EOs) as promising botanical pesticides. In this respect, nanotechnology could efficiently support the use of EOs through their encapsulation into stable nanoformulations, such as nanoemulsions (NEs), to improve their stability and efficacy. This technology assures the improvement of the chemical stability, hydrophilicity, and environmental persistence of EOs, giving an added value for the fabrication of natural insecticides effective against a wide spectrum of insect vectors and pests of public and agronomical importance. Carlina acaulis (Asteraceae) root EO has been recently proposed as a promising ingredient of a new generation of botanical insecticides. In the present study, a highly stable C. acaulis-based NE was developed. Interestingly, such a nanosystem was able to encapsulate 6% (w/w) of C. acaulis EO, showing a mean diameter of around 140 nm and a SOR (surfactant-to-oil ratio) of 0.6. Its stability was evaluated in a storage period of six months and corroborated by an accelerated stability study. Therefore, the C. acaulis EO and C. acaulis-based NE were evaluated for their toxicity against 1st instar larvae of the European grapevine moth (EGVM), Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a major vineyard pest. The chemical composition of C. acaulis EO was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealing carlina oxide, a polyacetylene, as the main constituent. In toxicity assays, both the C. acaulis EO and the C. acaulis-based NE were highly toxic to L. botrana larvae, with LC50 values of 7.299 and 9.044 µL/mL for C. acaulis EO and NE, respectively. The C. acaulis-based NE represents a promising option to develop highly stable botanical insecticides for pest management. To date, this study represents the first evidence about the insecticidal toxicity of EOs and EO-based NEs against this major grapevine pest.
Giovanni Benelli; Lucia Pavoni; Valeria Zeni; Renato Ricciardi; Francesca Cosci; Gloria Cacopardo; Saverio Gendusa; Eleonora Spinozzi; Riccardo Petrelli; Loredana Cappellacci; Filippo Maggi; Roman Pavela; Giulia Bonacucina; Andrea Lucchi. Developing a Highly Stable Carlina acaulis Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for Managing Lobesia botrana. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 1867 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Benelli, Lucia Pavoni, Valeria Zeni, Renato Ricciardi, Francesca Cosci, Gloria Cacopardo, Saverio Gendusa, Eleonora Spinozzi, Riccardo Petrelli, Loredana Cappellacci, Filippo Maggi, Roman Pavela, Giulia Bonacucina, Andrea Lucchi. Developing a Highly Stable Carlina acaulis Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for Managing Lobesia botrana. Nanomaterials. 2020; 10 (9):1867.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Benelli; Lucia Pavoni; Valeria Zeni; Renato Ricciardi; Francesca Cosci; Gloria Cacopardo; Saverio Gendusa; Eleonora Spinozzi; Riccardo Petrelli; Loredana Cappellacci; Filippo Maggi; Roman Pavela; Giulia Bonacucina; Andrea Lucchi. 2020. "Developing a Highly Stable Carlina acaulis Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for Managing Lobesia botrana." Nanomaterials 10, no. 9: 1867.