From identification to forecasting: the potential of image recognition and artificial intelligence for aphid pest monitoring

Preliminary Development of Global-Local Balanced Vision Transformer Deep Learning with DNA Barcoding for Automated Identification and Validation of Forensic Sarcosaphagous Flies

Morphological classification is the gold standard for identifying necrophilous flies, but its complexity and the scarcity of experts make accurate classification challenging. The development of artificial intelligence for autonomous recognition holds promise as a new approach to improve the efficiency and accuracy of fly morphology identification. In our previous study, we developed a GLB-ViT (Global-Local Balanced Vision Transformer)-based deep learning model for fly species identification, which demonstrated improved identification capabilities. To expand the model's application scope to meet the practical needs of forensic science, we extended the model based on the forensic science practice scenarios, increased the database of identifiable sarcosaphagous fly species, and successfully developed a WeChat Mini Program based on the model. The results show that the model can achieve fast and effective identification of ten common sarcosaphagous flies in Hainan, and the overall correct rate reaches 94.00%. For the few cases of identification difficulties and suspicious results, we have also constructed a rapid molecular species identification system based on DNA Barcoding technology to achieve accurate species identification of the flies under study. As the local fly database continues to be improved, the model is expected to be applicable to local forensic practice.

The relevance of goal directed movement for insect pest control

Efficient locomotion is a fundamental feature and requisite of all insects. Some insects, such as mosquito larvae, travel just a few centimetres, whereas others, such as Bogong moths, migrate over several hundreds of kilometers. Some insects traverse in air, others in water and some on ground. For goal-directed movement, irrespective of body size, the scale at which insects move, or the medium in which they travel, the principles of navigation remain the same. In this article, we discuss some of the visual navigational tasks that insects carry out and highlight the recent techniques developed to reconstruct visual information and track animals with exceptional accuracy. We emphasise the need to understand the visual ecology of insects and to adopt tracking tools and methods to control the movement and spread of insect pests.

One-step TaqMan® RT-qPCR detection of sugar beet-infecting poleroviruses in Myzus persicae from yellow water pan traps opens up new possibilities for early risk assessment of virus yellows disease

Virus yellows disease (VY) is a major threat to sugar beet production in Europe. Beet chlorosis virus (BChV) and beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) are of particular economic importance and are both persistently transmitted by the aphid vector Myzus persicae. As part of integrated pest management strategies, M. persicae influx into sugar beet fields is recorded weekly using yellow water pan traps. To date, only ELISA and RT-PCR assays have been described for BChV and BMYV detection in individual aphids. In this study, we describe for the first time two one-step TaqMan® RT-qPCR assays designed for the specific detection of BChV and BMYV in M. persicae after 7d incubation in water pan trap medium. Both viruses were reproducibly detected in individual aphids. After 7d incubation in trap medium, both viruses were reproducibly detected in individual aphids, as well as in one viruliferous aphid in a pool of 99 non-viruliferous aphids. Significant correlations can be shown between different mixing ratios of viruliferous to non-viruliferous aphids and Ct values of total RNA templates, allowing the percentage of viruliferous aphids in yellow water pan traps to be estimated using a standard curve. The described methodology provides a high sensitivity combined with a high sample throughput and can be used, after evaluation in the field, for practical monitoring, risk modelling and development of decision support systems for VY.

Integrated Pest Management: An Update on the Sustainability Approach to Crop Protection

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emerged as a pest control framework promoting sustainable intensification of agriculture, by adopting a combined strategy to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while improving crop productivity and ecosystem health. This critical review synthesizes the most recent advances in IPM research and practice, mostly focusing on studies published within the past five years. The Review discusses the key components of IPM, including cultural practices, biological control, genetic pest control, and targeted pesticide application, with a particular emphasis on the significant advancements made in biological control and targeted pesticide delivery systems. Recent findings highlight the growing importance of genetic control and conservation biological control, which involves the management of agricultural landscapes to promote natural enemy populations. Furthermore, the recent discovery of novel biopesticides, including microbial agents and plant-derived compounds, has expanded the arsenal of tools available for eco-friendly pest management. Substantial progress has recently also been made in the development of targeted pesticide delivery systems, such as nanoemulsions and controlled-release formulations, which can minimize the environmental impact of pesticides while maintaining their efficacy. The Review also analyzes the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of IPM adoption, showcasing its potential to promote biodiversity conservation and ensure food safety. Case studies from various agroecological contexts demonstrate the successful implementation of IPM programs, highlighting the importance of participatory approaches and effective knowledge exchange among stakeholders. The Review also identifies the main challenges and opportunities for the widespread adoption of IPM, including the need for transdisciplinary research, capacity building, and policy support. In conclusion, this critical review discusses the essential role of IPM components in achieving the sustainable intensification of agriculture, as it seeks to optimize crop production while minimizing adverse environmental impacts and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems to global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.