Tropical forests in Central Africa host unique biodiversity threatened by human degradation of habitats and defaunation. Forests allocated to conservation, production and community management are expected to have different conservation values. Here, we aimed to identify the determinants of the conservation value of tropical forests in southeastern Cameroon, by disentangling the effects of forest allocations, proximity to human settlements, and local habitat. We inventoried two taxonomical groups: mammal species with camera traps (3464 independent detection events) and dung beetle species with pitfall traps (4475 individuals). We used an integrated analytical approach, examining both species richness and composition. For both mammals and dung beetles, species richness decreased from the protected area to the community forests, and the logging concession showed intermediate richness. Species richness of both groups was negatively correlated to the proximity to human settlements and disturbance, with a decreasing gradient of body mass and the loss of the most threatened species. The replacement (i.e., spatial turnover) of both mammal and dung beetle species among forest allocations suggest an integration of conservation initiatives to a large number of different sites, with a priority on protected and remote areas of high biodiversity. These results confirm the high conservation value of protected areas and their essential role in conservation strategies, ecologically connected with well-managed production forests with variable conservation value mainly depending on accessibility. Community forests located close to villages are much more degraded but not totally defaunated and still provide bushmeat to local populations.

Introduction. Tuta absoluta is one of the most harmful insect pests of tomato crops worldwide. While its host plants mainly include Solanaceae species, recent studies suggest that it can lay eggs and develop on a wider range of wild and cultivated plants. No complete list of host plants based on available scientific data exists. Such information is important for those who aim at performing integrated management strategies against this pest, especially when it comes to identify host reservoirs where the species can survive between harvests or avoid insecticide exposure. Literature. We identified cultivated and non-cultivated plant species belonging to Solanaceae, Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Geraniaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Malvaceae that allow partial or complete egg-imago development. Among them, we found out that most non-Solanaceous plants serve as oviposition sites only (with no larval development possible), and a few of them allow partial life cycle (causing late instars to die prematurely). We also identified a strong cultivar-dependence in the most common cultivated plant species including tomato and potato. Conclusions. We discuss the potential of resistant and genetically modified tomato cultivars, plant chemical compounds and fertilization as components of integrated control strategies of T. absoluta.

Introduction. The rapid development of the nanotechnology industry opens new perspectives for modern crop protection strategies. This review summarizes and discusses the use of polymers as nanocarriers of insecticides. They are expected to ensure a higher level of protection for humans and the environment, while ensuring good efficacy of the active ingredient. Literature. Some of the synthetic polymers (including polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, polycaprolactone and polyhydroxybutyrate), which are widely used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic areas, can be employed as insecticide carriers. But natural polymers (including chitosan, alginate, cellulose, starch and cyclodextrins) are receiving increasing attention because of their environment-friendly properties. The polymeric materials can be prepared in various types of tridimensional structures, among which nanocapsule, nanosphere, micelle, nanogel and nanofiber are the most common for the delivery of the active ingredient. The environmental risks of polymer-based nanoinsecticides are highlighted, together with the main challenges that must be solved before future marketing. These challenges include the reduction of their production cost and assessment of their performance, especially at the field level. New protocols for characterizing, detecting and quantifying are also urgently required. Conclusions. Polymer-based nanoformulations appear to be promising for target release of active ingredients while reducing excess runoff. In order to facilitate the development of new beneficial products, collaboration among countries around the world is required.

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