scholarly journals GPCR-Based Bioactive Peptide Screening Using Phage-Displayed Peptides and an Insect Cell System for Insecticide Discovery

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 583
Author(s):  
Man-Yeon Choi ◽  
Robert K. Vander Meer
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Insect Cell ◽  
Bioactive Peptides ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Risk Process ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Bioactive Peptide

The discovery of new insecticides improves integrated pest management (IPM), but is usually a long high-risk process with a low probability of success. For over two decades, insect neuropeptides (NPs) and their G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been considered as biological targets for insect pest control, because they are involved in almost all physiological processes associated with insect life stages. A key roadblock to success has been the question of how large volume chemical libraries can be efficiently screened for active compounds. New genomic and proteomic tools have advanced and facilitated the development of new approaches to insecticide discovery. In this study, we report a novel GPCR-based screening technology that uses millions of short peptides randomly generated by bacteriophages, and a method using an insect Sf9 cell expression system. The fire ant is a good model system, since bioactive peptides have been identified for a specific GPCR. The novel small peptides could interfere with the target GPCR-ligand functions. Therefore, we refer to this new mechanism as “receptor interference” (RECEPTORi). The GPCR-based bioactive peptide screening method offers multiple advantages. Libraries of phage-displayed peptides (~109 peptides) are inexpensive. An insect cell-based screening system rapidly leads to target specific GPCR agonists or antagonists in weeks. Delivery of bioactive peptides to target pests can be flexible, such as topical, ingestion, and plant-incorporated protectants. A variety of GPCR targets are available, thus minimizing the development of potential insecticide resistance. This report provides the first proof-of-concept for the development of novel arthropod pest management strategies using neuropeptides, and GPCRs.

Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges of Insect RNA Interference

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 293-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Yan Zhu ◽  
Subba Reddy Palli
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cationic Liposome ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Nontarget Effects ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
Rnai Efficiency

The RNA interference (RNAi) triggered by short/small interfering RNA (siRNA) was discovered in nematodes and found to function in most living organisms. RNAi has been widely used as a research tool to study gene functions and has shown great potential for the development of novel pest management strategies. RNAi is highly efficient and systemic in coleopterans but highly variable or inefficient in many other insects. Differences in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) degradation, cellular uptake, inter- and intracellular transports, processing of dsRNA to siRNA, and RNA-induced silencing complex formation influence RNAi efficiency. The basic dsRNA delivery methods include microinjection, feeding, and soaking. To improve dsRNA delivery, various new technologies, including cationic liposome–assisted, nanoparticle-enabled, symbiont-mediated, and plant-mediated deliveries, have been developed. Major challenges to widespread use of RNAi in insect pest management include variable RNAi efficiency among insects, lack of reliable dsRNA delivery methods, off-target and nontarget effects, and potential development of resistance in insect populations.

scholarly journals Hydrogels: From Controlled Release to a New Bait Delivery for Insect Pest Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (5) ◽  
pp. 2061-2068
Author(s):  
Jia-Wei Tay ◽  
Dong-Hwan Choe ◽  
Ashok Mulchandani ◽  
Michael K Rust
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Insect Pest Management ◽  
Release Formulation ◽  
The Past ◽  
Minimal Environmental Impact

Abstract Here, we review the literature on the development and application of hydrogel compounds for insect pest management. Researchers have used hydrogel compounds for the past few decades to achieve the controlled release of various contact insecticides, but in recent years, hydrogel compounds have also been used to absorb and deliver targeted concentrations of toxicants within a liquid bait to manage insect pests. The highly absorbent hydrogel acts as a controlled-release formulation that keeps the liquid bait available and palatable to the target pests. This review discusses the use of various types of hydrogel compounds in pest management based on different environmental settings (e.g., agricultural, urban, and natural areas), pest systems (e.g., different taxa), and modes of insecticide delivery (e.g., spray vs bait). Due to their unique physicochemical properties, hydrogel compounds have great potential to be developed into new and efficacious pest management strategies with minimal environmental impact. We will also discuss the future research and development of hydrogels in this review.

Expression of GNA and biting site-restricted cry1Ac in cotton; an efficient attribution to insect pest management strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saber Delpasand Khabbazi ◽  
Afsaneh Delpasand Khabbazi ◽  
S. Fatih Özcan ◽  
Allah Bakhsh ◽  
Dilek Başalma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Insect Pest Management

scholarly journals The Promise of a Multi-Disciplinary, Mixed-Methods Approach to Inform Insect Pest Management: Evidence From Wyoming Alfalfa

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randa Jabbour ◽  
Shiri Noy
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Pest Control ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Insect Pest Management ◽  
Biological Pest Control ◽  
Insect Management

Pest management strategies involve a complex set of considerations, circumstances, and decision-making. Existing research suggests that farmers are reflexive and reflective in their management choices yet continue to employ curative rather than preventative strategies, and opt for chemical over biological solutions. In this piece, we detail work from a two-year, multidisciplinary, mixed-methods study of insect pest management strategies in alfalfa in Wyoming, integrating data from four focus groups, a statewide survey, and biological sampling of production fields. We outline how these different sources of data together contribute to a more complete understanding of the challenges and strategies employed by farmers, and specifically on biological pest control. We applied this approach across alfalfa hay and seed crop systems. Relatively few farmers acknowledged biological control in focus groups or surveys, yet biological exploration yielded abundant parasitism of common pest alfalfa weevil. On the other hand, parasitism of seed alfalfa pest Lygus was far less common and patchy across fields. It is only in integrating quantitative and qualitative, biological and social data that we are able to generate a more complete portrait of the challenges and opportunities of working with farmers to embrace a preventative paradigm. In doing so, we offer insights on possible barriers to the adoption of preventative insect management strategies and provide a case study of integrating social science and biophysical techniques to better understand opportunities to expand biological pest control in cropping systems.

scholarly journals Ecological Engineering for Rice Insect Pest Management: The Need to Communicate Widely, Improve Farmers’ Ecological Literacy and Policy Reforms to Sustain Adoption

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2208
Author(s):  
Kong-Luen Heong ◽  
Zhong-Xian Lu ◽  
Ho-Van Chien ◽  
Monina Escalada ◽  
Josef Settele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ecological Engineering ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Ecological Literacy ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Entertainment Education ◽  
Farmer Adoption ◽  
Ecological Principles

Ecological engineering (EE) involves the design and management of human systems based on ecological principles to maximize ecosystem services and minimize external inputs. Pest management strategies have been developed but farmer adoption is lacking and unsustainable. EE practices need to be socially acceptable and it requires shifts in social norms of rice farmers. In many countries where pesticides are being marketed as “fast moving consumer goods” (FMCG) it is a big challenge to shift farmers’ loss-averse attitudes. Reforms in pesticide marketing policies are required. An entertainment education TV series was able to reach wider audience to improve farmers’ ecological literacy, shifting beliefs and practices. To sustain adoption of ecologically based practices organizational structures, incentives systems and communication strategies to support the new norms and practices are needed.

scholarly journals Developing Insect Pest Management Systems for Hemp in the United States: A Work in Progress

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Whitney Cranshaw ◽  
Melissa Schreiner ◽  
Kadie Britt ◽  
Thomas P Kuhar ◽  
John McPartland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Corn Earworm ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Flower Buds

Abstract Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is now being grown within the United States over a much broader geographic area and for different uses than during its last period of significant production that ended after World War II. Within the past 3 yr, a large number of arthropod species have been documented to feed on hemp in the United States. Among key pest species, corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has demonstrated greatest potential for crop injury, being particularly damaging to flower buds. Hemp russet mite, Aculops cannibicola (Farkas), and cannabis aphid, Phorodon cannabis Passerini, are the two species observed most damaging among those that suck plant fluids. Eurasian hemp borer, Grapholita delineana Walker, is widely present east of the Rocky Mountains and appears to have potential to significantly damage both flower buds and developing seeds. Numerous species of caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles chew hemp foliage; the severity of these defoliation injuries appears to be minimal, but needs further study. Similarly, numerous seed feeding hemipterans, most notably stink bugs and Lygus bugs, are regularly found in the crop but injury potential remains unclear. Some preliminary efforts have been made to develop integrated pest management strategies for these insects, particularly for corn earworm. Future research can be expected to rapidly resolve many of the data gaps that presently restrict advancing pest management on the crop. However, a major confounding issue involves the use of pesticides on hemp. Federal agencies have not yet provided clear direction on this issue, and regulatory decisions have subsequently devolved to the states.

scholarly journals Secretion of a functional soluble form of neutral endopeptidase-24.11 from a baculovirus-infected insect cell line

1992 ◽  
Vol 284 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Fossiez ◽  
G Lemay ◽  
N Labonté ◽  
F Parmentier-Lesage ◽  
G Boileau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insect Cell ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Recombinant Expression ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Insect Cell Line ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Neutral Endopeptidase ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Recombinant Enzyme ◽  
Soluble Form

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11) is an integral membrane protein found at the plasma membrane of many cell types. A secreted form of NEP (sec-NEP) was recently obtained by transfection of COS-1 cells with a recombinant expression vector consisting of the cDNA encoding the signal peptide of pro-opiomelanocortin fused in-frame to the cDNA sequence of the complete ectodomain of rabbit NEP [Lemay, Waksman, Roques, Crine & Boileau (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 15620-15623]. In order to produce large quantities of this enzyme for structural studies we have expressed this recombinant soluble form of NEP at high yields using a baculovirus/insect-cell system. A recombinant Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis-virus genome containing the sec-NEP sequence was used to infect host Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cells. Infected cells secreted an N-glycosylated soluble form of neutral endopeptidase which was enzymically active. The yield was about 80 nmol of enzyme/litre of culture. The soluble form of the recombinant enzyme purified by immunoaffinity showed the same catalytic properties as the wild-type enzyme extracted from the kidney brush-border membranes. Treatment of the recombinant enzyme with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H showed, however, that invertebrate cells did not glycosylate the enzyme to the same extent as did mammalian cells. Our findings demonstrate that insect cells can be used as hosts for the production of the soluble form of neutral endopeptidase. We also conclude that neither a full complement of carbohydrate side chains nor the membrane anchor appear to be essential for the production and targeting to the cell surface of a fully functional enzyme in this expression system.

scholarly journals Nanopesticides: A Systematic Review of Their Prospects With Special Reference to Tea Pest Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhabesh Deka ◽  
Azariah Babu ◽  
Chittaranjan Baruah ◽  
Manash Barthakur
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Tea Plant ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
The Impact

Background: Tea is a natural beverage made from the tender leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis Kuntze). Being of a perennial and monoculture nature in terms of its cultivation system, it provides a stable micro-climate for various insect pests, which cause substantial loss of crop. With the escalating cost of insect pest management and increasing concern about the adverse effects of the pesticide residues in manufactured tea, there is an urgent need to explore other avenues for pest management strategies.Aim: Integrated pest management (IPM) in tea invites an multidisciplinary approach owing to the high pest diversity in the perennial tea plantation system. In this review, we have highlighted current developments of nanotechnology for crop protection and the prospects of nanoparticles (NPs) in plant protection, emphasizing the control of different major pests of tea plantations.Methods: A literature search was performed using the ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Google Scholar search engines with the following terms: nanotechnology, nanopesticides, tea, and insect pest. An article search concentrated on developments after 1988.Results: We have described the impact of various pests in tea production and innovative approaches on the use of various biosynthesized and syntheric nanopesticides against specific insect pest targets. Simultaneously, we have provided support for NP-based technology and their different categories that are currently employed for the management of pests in different agro-ecosystems. Besides the broad categories of active ingredients (AI) of synthetic insecticides, pheromones and natural resource-based molecules have pesticidal activity and can also be used with NPs as a carriers as alternatives to traditional pest control agents. Finally, the merits and demerits of incorporating NP-based nanopesticides are also illustrated.Conclusions: Nanopesticides for plant protection is an emerging research field, and it offers new methods to design active ingredients amid nanoscale dimensions. Nanopesticide-based formulations have a potential and bright future for the development of more effective and safer pesticide/biopesticides.

scholarly journals Thermal Biology and Seasonal Population Abundance of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae): Implications on Pest Management

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117954331986341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebaone Motswagole ◽  
Nonofo Gotcha ◽  
Casper Nyamukondiwa
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Bactrocera Dorsalis ◽  
Population Abundance ◽  
Lethal Temperature ◽  
Thermal Biology ◽  
Trap Catches ◽  
Seasonal Population

Since the first detection of Bactrocera dorsalis in Botswana in 2010, the establishment, spread, and response to prevailing Botswana microclimates under rapidly changing environments remain unknown. This study investigated the presence, seasonal population abundance, and thermal biology of B. dorsalis in Botswana. We measured B. dorsalis thermal tolerance vis critical thermal limits (CTLs) and lethal temperature assays (LTAs) to understand how temperature largely impacts on fitness and hence invasive potential. Seasonal monitoring results indicated B. dorsalis establishment in the Chobe district (its first area of detection). Trap catches showed continuous adult flies’ presence all year round and high average monthly trap catches as compared with other districts. Furthermore, B. dorsalis was detected south of Botswana, including Kgatleng, Kweneng, South-east, and Southern districts. Critical thermal maxima (CTmax) to activity for adults and larvae were 46.16°C and 45.23°C, whereas critical thermal minima (CTmin) to activity for adults and larvae were 9.1°C and 7.3°C, respectively. Moreover, we found an improved CTmin for larvae at a slower ramping rate, indicating potential rapid cold hardening. The lower lethal temperature (LLT) and upper lethal temperature (ULT) assays revealed a reduction in survival at all the developmental stages as severity and duration of both temperature extremes increased. Microclimatic temperatures recorded in Botswana showed that environmental temperatures fall within the thermal breath of B. dorsalis activity measured here, indicating a potential conducive climate niche for the insect pest across the country, albeit other factors, e.g., host availability, play a significant role. These results therefore suggest that Botswana microclimatic temperatures aided B. dorsalis activity and invasion pathway are thus significant in mapping invasions and pest risk analysis, and may also aid in designing pest management strategies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document