Incipient resistance of the African maize stemborer, Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry2Ab2 maize in South Africa.

Background: Resistance of Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry1Ab was documented in 2006, 7 years after the first cultivation of MON 810 in South Africa. This was mitigated by introducing a second-generation Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize (MON 89034), which contains the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins.

Documenting Mantodea species in South African museum collections and an updated species list.

Background: The previous species list of South African Mantodea, published in 1998, was largely compiled from the literature and did not incorporate data from the many insect museum collections available in the country. It is estimated that approximately 120 species of Mantodea occur in South Africa; however, since no historical museum records were previously incorporated, the current information is considered to be outdated and not a true reflection of the Mantodea fauna within this region. A checklist of species is an important benchmark for any insect group, especially in light of the worldwide declines of insect diversity reported over the last decade.

Effect of herbivore stress on transgene behaviour in maize crosses with different genetic backgrounds: transgene transcription, insecticidal protein expression and bioactivity against insect pests.

Background: Decades after their first commercial release, many theoretical assumptions are still taken for granted in the deployment of genetically modified (GM) crops. Theoretically, in the case of maize, active transcription of the transgene would result in dose-dependent production of the insecticidal Cry1Ab protein, which would in turn induce dose-dependent mortality on lepidopteran pests. We produced data to realistically approach this question by using a model that includes two genetic background contexts from two geographical provenances in Brazil and South Africa, and two lepidopteran pests ( and ).

The Effect of Wood Ash and Soil Applications on the Behavior and Survival of (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae on Maize.

Cryptic feeding inside maize whorls makes it difficult to control fall armyworm (FAW). Smallholder farmers use alternative methods of control, of which the efficacy is uncertain. We determined the efficacy of wood ash and soil for the control of FAW and recorded its effect on larval preference and ballooning.

Residual activity of spinosad applied as a soil drench to tomato seedlings for control of Tuta absoluta.

Background: Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is difficult to control by means of foliar insecticides, partly because of the endophytic feeding behavior of its larvae. The biopesticide spinosad is applied as a foliar spray for control of T. absoluta and has systemic properties when applied as a soil drench to the growing medium of tomato plants.

Chemical Control and Insecticide Resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Insecticides and genetically modified Bt crops are the main tools for control of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith).

Interactions between the Entomopathogenic Fungus ICIPE 20 and the Endoparasitoid , and Implications for Combined Biocontrol of .

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach have been widely promoted and used for the management of native and invasive pests, while the use of various components of the IPM can have a synergetic, additive, or antagonistic effect on each other; this study evaluated the susceptibility of (Marsh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), to the (Metschnikoff) ICIPE 20 through direct and indirect infection approaches. The effect of fungus on parasitoid longevity, survival of parasitized-larvae, preference of the parasitoid to fungal treated and untreated larvae, and percent parasitism of (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under different infection scenarios were assessed. The direct application of dry conidia to the parasitoid prior to exposure to the host, reduced longevity, though the infected female wasps still yielded high parasitism (over 70%).

Identification, Microhabitat, and Ecological Niche Prediction of Two Promising Native Parasitoids of in Kenya.

Associations between the South American tomato pinworm, (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and its native parasitoids need to be updated to increase the implementation of pest control strategies. In this study, -infested tomato plants were collected from three regions in Kenya. The emerged parasitoids were identified, and their abundance was correlated with agroecological parameters, .

Insect resistance management facing African smallholder farmers under climate change.

Changes in climatic conditions affect pest populations and ultimately result in increased pest status and yield losses. While pesticide application is usually the first defensive tool used to control pest species that threaten crop production, genetically modified (GM) crops with insecticidal traits (Bt crops) are becoming more common. The indiscriminate and over use of insecticides, and absence of insect resistance management (IRM) strategies ultimately lead to evolution of resistance against these technologies.

Genetic studies of fall armyworm indicate a new introduction into Africa and identify limits to its migratory behavior.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is native to the Americas and a major pest of corn and several other crops of economic importance.

Susceptibility of (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Pupae to Soil Applied Entomopathogenic Fungal Biopesticides.

Management of (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in greenhouses and under open-field tomato cultivation relies on an integrated approach, largely targeting the egg and larval stages of the pest. However, little to no research has been done on the efficacy of EPFs for control of the pupal stage. The aims of this study were to determine the susceptibility of pupae to and spores applied as soil drench treatments, and the possible effects of these treatments on fecundity and fertility of moths.

Transgene behavior in Zea mays L. crosses across different genetic backgrounds: Segregation patterns, cry1Ab transgene expression, insecticidal protein concentration and bioactivity against insect pests.

Brazil and South Africa, countries with economies in transition, are characterized by a dual agrarian structure co-occurring, sometimes, alongside in the same region. Large-scale commercial farming produces crops for export to global markets on the one hand, and small-scale farming, on the other hand, provides for subsistence and local markets. In both systems, maize (Zea mays) is a key crop for these two countries.

The Effect of Temperature on the Development of (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The fall armyworm () is a pest of tropical origin which recently invaded Africa, the Far East and Australia. Temperature, therefore, plays an important role in its invasion biology, since this pest does not go into diapause. The aim of this study was to determine the development rate of at different temperatures and to calculate the number of degree-days (°D) required for each stage to complete its development.

Diversity of fall armyworm, and their gut bacterial community in Kenya.

Background: The invasive fall armyworm, (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous pest that causes widespread damage particularly to maize and sorghum in Africa.

Distribution of Galepsus spp. in Southern Africa and Life History of (Mantodea: Tarachodidae).

Stäl is a genus within the Mantodea and has hardly been studied in Africa. The distribution of the genus in Southern Africa was established, based on insect collection records, and the biology of () Saussure, was studied. In Southern Africa, 11 species of were recorded.

Host Range and Effects of Plant Species on Preference and Fitness of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most devastating pests of tomato in both open field and greenhouse production settings that significantly reduce yield and quality of the fruit. Being a new invasive pest, information on the pest bio-ecology, including host-rage and effects of plant species on its various fitness traits are virtually lacking. This study involved a field survey to establish the realized host range and laboratory experiments to evaluate the preference for, and fitness effects of T.

Plant Abandonment by (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae: Do Bt Toxins Have an Effect?

(Fuller; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest of maize in Africa and can be effectively controlled by Bt maize. However, the sustainability of this technology is threatened by resistance evolution, which necessitates the implementation of the high-dose/refuge insect resistance management (IRM) strategy. Despite the success of this IRM strategy, it is based on several assumptions about insect-hostplant interactions that are not always valid for different pest species.

Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana: Pathogenicity, Horizontal Transmission, and Their Effects on Reproductive Potential of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The polyphagous moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) is among the major constraints to the horticultural industry in East Africa. In a search of sustainable control methods, the pathogenicity of the dry conidia of 17 Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) and five Beauveria bassiana (Bals.

Larval Migration Behaviour of (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Bt and Non-Bt Maize under Semi-Field and Field Conditions.

(Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a destructive pest of maize throughout the African continent. Bt maize is an effective control measure for this pest, however, selection pressure for resistance evolution is high. This necessitates the implementation of insect resistance management (IRM) strategies such as the high-dose/refuge strategy.

Introgression of a cry1Ab transgene into open pollinated maize and its effect on Cry protein concentration and target pest survival.

In Africa, the target pests of genetically modified Bt maize are lepidopteran stem borers, notably Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Gene flow between Bt maize hybrids and open pollinated varieties (OPVs) that do not contain the Bt trait is highly likely in areas where both types of maize are cultivated. Consequently, introgression of the cry1Ab transgene into local OPVs will result in unknown patterns of Cry1Ab protein expression in plants during follow-up seasons when recycled seed of OPVs is planted.

Genetic comparisons of fall armyworm populations from 11 countries spanning sub-Saharan Africa provide insights into strain composition and migratory behaviors.

The recent discovery of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) in Africa presents a significant threat to that continent's food security.

Horizontal transmission of Metarhizium anisopliae between Spoladea recurvalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) adults and compatibility of the fungus with the attractant phenylacetaldehyde.

The compatibility of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 30 which was proved to be pathogenic to adult Spoladea recurvalis, and phenylacetaldehyde (PAA) floral attractant for lepidopteran moths, was investigated under laboratory and field conditions through spatial and temporal separations. Horizontal transmission of M. anisopliae ICIPE 30 between adult S.

, a Candidate Parasitoid for the Biological Control of in Africa, is already Present on the Continent.

The fall armyworm, , a moth originating from tropical and subtropical America, has recently become a serious pest of cereals in sub-Saharan Africa. Biological control offers an economically and environmentally safer alternative to synthetic insecticides that are being used for the management of this pest. Consequently, various biological control options are being considered, including the introduction of , the main egg parasitoid of in the Americas, where it is already used in augmentative biological control programmes.

Efficacy of Bt Maize for Control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in South Africa.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is an invasive pest species that threatens maize production by small holder farmers in Africa.

Field and Laboratory Performance of False Codling Moth, (Lepidoptera: Troticidae) on Orange and Selected Vegetables.

False codling moth (FCM), is a key pest of citrus orange and other plants causing fruit loss through larval feeding. Although this pest is native to sub-Saharan Africa little is known on its performance on orange and vegetables in Kenya and Tanzania. Our objective was to assess the incidence, oviposition preference and offspring performance of FCM on orange and vegetables, namely, okra, African eggplant, chili and sweet peppers.