Drosophila suzukii is a key invasive pest, and infestation in peach orchards can lead to significant economic losses. This study monitored the spatial distribution and reproductive biology of D. suzukii in central Italy to inform integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. In the surveyed orchard, the pest exhibited multiple generations, with captures highest along mixed-species-orchard edges, highlighting these margins as potential hotspots for targeted mass trapping. Seasonal dissections of females revealed delayed ovarian development during winter, while maturation progressed during fruit ripening and post-harvest periods. This result provides relevant information on the likely timing of oviposition, useful for informing pest management. A laboratory oviposition trial on nectarines revealed a clear preference for healthy, mechanically damaged fruits, whereas fungal infection reduced the attractiveness. This suggests that field sanitation, especially the timely removal of damaged or fallen fruits, could reduce pest presence and inoculum for the following season. Overall, these findings offer practical insights to support sustainable IPM approaches against D. suzukii in peach production systems.

Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are major maize pests in the central-eastern Mediterranean area, responsible for both quantitative and qualitative yield losses. This study investigated the corn borer species present in central-eastern Italy, the presence and prevalence of O. nubilalis pheromone races, and the within-plant larval distribution. Traps baited with E, Z, or E/Z pheromone lures were used to investigate O. nubilalis pheromone races, while 596 maize plants were sampled at harvest and dissected to determine species composition, relative abundance, and larval distribution across three plant sections (lower and upper stalk and ear). Males were captured in traps baited with each pheromone lure, with no significant differences among catches. Larval sampling revealed the co-occurrence of O. nubilalis and S. nonagrioides, with O. nubilalis being the prevalent species. For both species, larvae were significantly more abundant in the lower plant section, and co-occurrence did not appear to influence their within-plant distribution. Comparing the species-specific larval distribution, a significantly higher proportion of S. nonagrioides occurred in the lower plant section, whereas O. nubilalis was significantly more frequent in the ears. However, the presence of both species in the ears highlights the need to consider both pests in management. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring activities in the area, using traps baited with each pheromone lure for O. nubilalis. Knowledge of the co-occurrence between the two species can be considered fundamental for developing Integrated Pest Management strategies, as it can influence the timing and effectiveness of control methods.

Food waste is a major global challenge and its bioconversion through insect farming offers a sustainable solution. Black soldier fly larvae ( Hermetia illucens ; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) efficiently convert organic residues into protein- and lipid-rich biomass for animal feed and frass for use as a biofertiliser. This study formulated nutritionally balanced diets by combining seasonal vegetable by-products (spinach, peas, green beans, tomatoes) with dry legume- and cereal-based residues (chickpea husks and wheat silo residues) to evaluate their effects on larval growth and bioconversion efficiency. Six combinations of by-products were tested under controlled conditions and compared with a standard control diet (Gainesville House Fly Diet). Experimental diets generally resulted in higher biomass yields and higher larval weight, with the best performance observed in green bean- and tomato-based diets supplemented with wheat. Survival exceeded 77% in all treatments and development time was slightly shorter in spinach- and pea-based diets. Several experimental diets also improved feed conversion and waste reduction efficiency compared with the control. Overall, larval performance was more strongly associated with dietary energy availability, particularly nitrogen-free extract and lower fibre levels, than with crude protein concentration alone. These findings demonstrate that seasonal vegetable by-products can support cost-effective, sustainable black soldier fly larvae production while providing valuable information for the optimisation of large-scale bioconversion systems.

Click beetles (Agriotes spp.) are major agricultural pests whose larvae, known as wireworms, cause serious damage to a wide range of crops. Effective management requires a clear understanding of species composition and adult emergence patterns. This study investigated three Agriotes species in central Italy, focusing on their abundance and phenology in the Marche region. Field monitoring was conducted at six sites using pheromone traps from 2024 to 2025. Three species were detected: A. litigiosus, A. brevis, and A. sordidus, with A. litigiosus being the most abundant. Adult emergence displayed species-specific timing, occurring earliest in A. brevis, followed by A. sordidus and subsequently A. litigiosus. These findings highlight the importance of species-specific monitoring to optimize pest-control strategies. A deeper understanding of Agriotes’ flight dynamics can support more effective and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, reducing reliance on chemical control and minimizing crop damage.