Mango anthracnose disease: the current situation and direction for future research

Mango anthracnose disease (MAD) is a destructive disease of mangoes, with estimated yield losses of up to 100% in unmanaged plantations. Several strains that constitute Colletotrichum complexes are implicated in MAD worldwide. All mangoes grown for commercial purposes are susceptible, and a resistant cultivar for all strains is not presently available on the market. The infection can widely spread before being detected since the disease is invincible until after a protracted latent period. The detection of multiple strains of the pathogen in Mexico, Brazil, and China has prompted a significant increase in research on the disease. Synthetic pesticide application is the primary management technique used to manage the disease. However, newly observed declines in anthracnose susceptibility to many fungicides highlight the need for more environmentally friendly approaches. Recent progress in understanding the host range, molecular and phenotypic characterization, and susceptibility of the disease in several mango cultivars is discussed in this review. It provides updates on the mode of transmission, infection biology and contemporary management strategies. We suggest an integrated and ecologically sound approach to managing MAD

Behavioural assays on the responses of Trioza erytreae to non-host plants using cage assays at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya in 2019

Bioassay data was collected using a bench top cage arena made of two Perspex cages (each 65 × 65 × 75 cm) connected through a rectangular Perspex tube of 65 cm at the top with 5 cm of both ends inserted into each cage. The tube had a square opening (entrance) of 5 × 5 cm fitted with a lid with both ends fitted with fine netting. The rectangular tube was demarcated into three zones; treatment, control and no choice. Fifty *Trioza erytreae* of same sex were introduced into the entrance and the number of insects were counted in each zone after one hour. Four replicates were done for each treatment set. The treatments were; Experiments 1; 1. Lemongrass vs air 2. Garlic vs air 3. Guava vs air Experiments 2; 4. Lemongrass vs rough lemon 5. Garlic vs rough lemon 6. Guava vs rough lemon Experiments 3; 7. Lemongrass+rough lemon vs rough lemon 8. Garlic+rough lemon vs rough lemon 9. Guava + rough lemon vs rough lemon. Insects counted in no zone were not included in the analysis

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of lemongrass, garlic, guava and lemon

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the test plants were analysed using coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) on an Agilent Technologies 7890A GC linked to a 5795C MS (inert XL/ EI/CI MSD) triple axis mass detector, equipped with a HP5-MSI low bleed capillary column (30 m ×0.25 mm i.d, 0.25 μm) (J&W, Folsom, CA, USA). The abundance of the VOCs were recorded

Plant-insect interactions under agroecosystems: an overview of ecological implications for future research

Plants and insects have co-evolved over millions of years, resulting in complex and dynamic interactions that have shaped the biodiversity of our planet. Plant-insect relationships may exhibit features of mutualism, antagonism and commensalism. Plant-insect interactions have significant implications for agroecosystem functioning and services. Thus, understanding the complex relationships between plants and insects is critical for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management. These interactions are also critical to the interplay between agroecosystems and their ecological implications for the sustainability of agriculture production. This review aimed to explore the chemical, molecular and ecological interactions between agriculture and insects for the benefit of agroecosystems. Literature synthesis and analysis based on a thorough compilation of several investigations were carried out on plant-insect interactions using relevant key terms and criteria. Curation of data was based on databases and resources such as Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubChem, and Gene Ontology. The evolution of a range of adaptations by insects to exploit plant resources, as well as the diversity of chemical and molecular mechanisms in plants as defense strategies are also highlighted. Moreover, issues of pest management, natural enemies, soil health and nutrient recycling and pollination that are pertinent to these interactions are discussed. Improved plant-insect interactions can result from encouraging habitat restoration by creating or restoring habitats for beneficial insects, such as by planting native flowering plants or providing bees with places to nest. Interaction between plants and insects can also be improved by promoting conservation and bolstering conservation practices in agroecosystems