New slow release mixture of (E)‐β‐farnesene with methyl salicylate to enhance aphid biocontrol efficacy in wheat ecosystem

Abstract

Semiochemical use is a promising way to reduce damage from pests by improving natural control in agro-ecosystems. The aphid alarm pheromone (E)-⊎-farnesene (E⊎F) and herbivore-induced methyl salicylate (MeSA) are two volatile cues to induce changes in aphid behavior with functional significance. Because of limitations related to the volatility and oxidization of E⊎F and MeSA under natural conditions, slow-release and antioxidant techniques should be developed and optimized before application. Here, a slow-release alginate bead of E⊎F mixed with MeSA was first designed and manufactured. We hypothesized that a mixture of these two semiochemicals could be effective in controlling Sitobion miscanthi in wheat crops. Both MeSA and E⊎F in alginate beads were released stably and continuously for at least 15 days in the laboratory, whereas E⊎F in paraffin oil and pure MeSA were released for only 2 and 7 days, respectively. In 2018 field experiments, E⊎F and MeSA alone or in association significantly decreased the abundance of alate and apterous aphids. An increased abundance of mummified aphids enhanced by higher parasitism rates was observed when using E⊎F and MeSA in association, with a significant reduction of apterous abundance, more so than E⊎F or MeSA alone. In 2019, plots treated with a mixture of E⊎F and MeSA showed significantly decreased abundance of alate and apterous aphids with higher parasitism rates compared with the control. The new slow-release alginate bead containing a mixture of E⊎F with MeSA could be the most efficient formulation to control S. miscanthi population by attracting parasitoids in the wheat agro-ecosystem.

Feriez-vous du mal à une mouche ? Une introduction à Drosophila suzukii et aux méthodes alternatives pour contrôler cette espèce invasive.

“…The study of VOCs would allow the recruitment of natural enemies (Liu et al, 2021;Rodriguez-Saona et al, 2020) potentially before the arrival of D. suzukii, thus limiting its damage. In addition, natural plant defenses (including VOC emissions) could be increased via Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMFs).…”

Nanoselenium Enhanced Wheat Resistance to Aphids by Regulating Biosynthesis of DIMBOA and Volatile Components

“…The applied silicon could attract aphid natural enemies in wheat by enhancing the formation of volatile compounds (geranyl acetone) [27]. The accumulated (E)-βfarnesene and methyl salicylate could decrease the aphid abundance, which could correspondingly improve the wheat resistance to aphids [28]. Element selenium can inhibit the growth and reproduction of the myzus persicae, weevils, cabbage root flies, beetles, caterpillars, and crickets by accumulating the VOCs contents [29].…”

Recent Advances in the Biosynthesis of Farnesene Using Metabolic Engineering

“…5,6 Therefore, farnesene has been used in agriculture. 7 Moreover, farnesene can be used to prepare high-calorific-value, high-efficiency, clean, and renewable fuels. 8,9 This new class of fuels represents an ideal substitute for mixed aviation fuels and has, therefore, attracted considerable attention.…”

“…α-Farnesene has four stereoisomers (3,7,11-trimethyl-1,3,6,10-dodecatetraene), and β-farnesene has two stereoisomers (7,11-dimethyl-3-methylene-1,6,10-dodecatriene). α-Farnesene plays a role in plant defense. , β-Farnesene, first discovered as an aphid alarm pheromone, plays an important information transduction role in aphids, especially for avoiding predation. , Therefore, farnesene has been used in agriculture . Moreover, farnesene can be used to prepare high-calorific-value, high-efficiency, clean, and renewable fuels. , This new class of fuels represents an ideal substitute for mixed aviation fuels and has, therefore, attracted considerable attention.…”