The aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) causes significant crop damage by feeding on plant tissues, transmitting viruses, and reducing agricultural productivity. Challenges associated with chemical control methods, such as the development of pest resistance and adverse environmental impacts, highlight the need to enhance the efficacy of natural enemies for sustainable pest management. Methyl salicylate (MeSA) has been extensively studied in pest management using baited traps and slow-release packets; however, its role in enhancing natural enemy behavior through induced plant defenses remains underexplored. This study examines the effect of MeSA applied to Brassica rapa (Brassicales: Brassicaceae) on the behavior and performance of 2 key biocontrol agents, Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). We hypothesized that MeSA enhances the attraction of natural enemies in a concentration-dependent manner. To test this, 4 MeSA concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L) were applied, with control plants treated using deionized water. Bioassays were then conducted to evaluate predator preferences, parasitism rates, foraging behavior, and behavioral responses in the olfactometer. Results showed that MeSA-treated plants significantly attract natural enemies, with pronounced effects at higher concentrations. Specifically, MeSA increased parasitism rates, improved predator foraging efficiency, and heightened predator preference for treated plants. This study demonstrates the potential of MeSA in enhancing biological control strategies against M. persicae by improving the efficacy of natural enemies. The findings highlight the potential of applying MeSA treatment to enhance the recruitment of biological control agents by inducing plant defenses, offering a sustainable approach to reducing aphid infestations in pest management programs.

Sarcomyxa edulis is a characteristic edible and medicinal mushroom found in Northeast China that is highly valued by consumers for its tender texture, pleasant flavor, and high nutritional value. To gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of S. edulis fruiting bodies, this study utilized the Illumina NovaSeq platform to perform transcriptome sequencing at three growth and development stages of S. edulis strain SE8, namely primordia (SE8–P), fruiting body differentiation (SE8–F), and mature fruiting body (SE8–M). A total of 54.67 Gb of clean data was obtained, with a GC content of around 51%. After assembly, 36,423 Unigenes were obtained. Functional annotation was performed on the Unigenes, resulting in 21,206 Unigene annotation results. Differential expression gene analysis showed that 79,606 and 523 DEGs were annotated in at least one database during the SE8–P vs. SE8–F, SE8–F vs. SE8–M, and SE8–P vs. SE8–M processes, respectively. Among these, the genes encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase and fungal hydrophobins were consistently downregulated, playing a negative regulatory role in the growth and development of S. edulis. The genes encoding glycoside hydrolase and AB hydrolase superfamily proteins were consistently upregulated, playing a positive regulatory role in growth and development. Among these, the genes encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase were annotated to the Tryptophan metabolism (ko00380) pathway through KEGG, suggesting that aldehyde dehydrogenase regulates indoacetate formation in the fruiting body of S. edulis. The accuracy of RNA–Seq and DEG analysis was validated using quantitative PCR. This study enriches our knowledge of the genetic information and provides a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanisms of fruiting body development of S. edulis.