Tomasz Klejdysz

The numerous risks associated with the toxicity of conventional quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) to various groups of living organisms have prompted the search for new, safer biologically active compounds synthesized in a sustainable manner from renewable raw materials. Here, we describe new QASs of natural origin containing quinine-based cation and anions derived from proteinogenic amino acids – L-asparagine and L-alanine. The quinine-derived QASs were thoroughly characterized in terms of correctness of chemical structure, physicochemical properties, and biological activity. It was discovered that due to quinine activity, the new salts exhibit strong antifeedant activity toward stored products pests, and in the case of elongation of the alkyl substituent in the 1-alkylquininium cation, they also become potent disinfectants. The performed analyses also allowed to assess the environmental risk by determining toxicity to monocotyledonous (Sorghum bicolor) and dicotyledonous (Sinapis alba) terrestial plants, freshwater algae (Chlorella vulgaris) and crustaceans (Daphnia magna) at various concentrations of the test substance. None of the QASs of natural origin showed phytotoxicity, and salts containing short alkyl substituents in quinine-based cations were noticeably less toxic to aquatic organisms than the other tested compounds. The results indicate that although a trade-off between antimicrobial activity and aquatic toxicity must be made when designing new quinine-based antiseptics, it is possible to obtain potent, naturally-derived and relatively low-toxic biopesticides based on quinine and amino acids.

The production and quality of wheat and maize grain can be significantly affected by various pests and pathogens, with phytoplasmas posing a particular threat due to their rapid spread and potential to cause severe damage to cultivated crops. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the risk associated with these wall-less bacteria in wheat and maize crops. To achieve this, a survey was conducted in commercial fields located in southwestern Poland. Samples of winter wheat and fodder maize were collected at two distinct developmental stages, including both symptomatic and asymptomatic plants. Symptoms observed in wheat included yellowing, stunting, and excessive tillering, while maize plants showed yellow leaf striping, red discoloration, and stunted growth. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays using phytoplasma-specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing and sequence analysis, confirmed phytoplasma infections in 2% of wheat and 1.5% of maize samples. Virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis identified the wheat-infecting phytoplasmas as belonging to subgroup 16SrI-C (‘Candidatus Phytoplasma tritici’-related strain)—a pathogen of major concern for wheat, while maize-infecting phytoplasmas were classified into subgroups 16SrI-B and 16SrV-C. Additionally, wheat plants collected during the early elongation phase were tested for Mastrevirus hordei (former wheat dwarf virus, WDV) using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), which confirmed the presence of WDV in all tested samples. Preliminary screening of field-collected leafhoppers revealed that 7.5% of Psammotettix alienus, the predominant species in wheat fields, carried 16SrI-C phytoplasmas. In maize fields, Zyginidia scutellaris was the most prevalent species, with 1.7% of individuals carrying 16SrV-C phytoplasma. These findings suggest that these insect species may contribute to the transmission of phytoplasmas in wheat and maize. This study provides the first documented evidence of 16SrI-C phytoplasma infecting wheat in Poland, and of 16SrV-C and 16SrI-B phytoplasmas infecting maize, expanding the known host range of these subgroups in the country and highlighting their potential phytosanitary importance.

In the area of Babiogórski National Park, the deterioration of the health of fir trees has been observed as a result of the appearance of various species of aphids, especially the migratory silver-fir adelges [Adelges (Dreyfusia) nordmannianae (Eckst.)] and balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus Koch), which can even cause the death of trees when they appear in large numbers. In marked monitoring areas, trapping of natural enemies of aphids was performed and characterization of those which may be important as natural environmental resistance factors in protecting fir trees against aphids was carried out. In particular, two species were highlighted: a bug of minute pirate bugs family (Anthocoridae) – Acompocoris alpinus Reut. and Laricobius erichsonii Ros. a beetle of the family (Derodontidae), as having the greatest potential in this area.

Jewel beetle wood wasp (Orussus abietinus) is a member of the parasitic wood wasps family (Orussidae), a hymenopteran insectsbelonging to the sawflies (Symphyta) sub-order. Until recently, it was the only species representing the family in Poland. In the last few years, two more species have been found – Orussus unicolor Latreille, 1812 and Pseudoryssus henschii (Mocsáry, 1910). Orussidae are the only family among herbivores sawflies whose representatives have a parasitic behavior and are parasitoids of other insects mainly those considered technical pests of wood, thus being natural enemies of pests they can be a limiting factor in the damage caused by cambio- and xylobionts. Orussus abietinus was reported rarely from Poland in the last century and only in the last two decades has itbecome decidedly more numerous. In addition, the recent finding of more two species of the family may indicate that the changingclimate in Poland may serve the members of the Orussidae, and it prefers warm habitats and sunny sites. This paper presents new loca­lities of O. abietinus in Drawa National Park found in 2024 during studies of tree-associated entomofauna.

Microbial symbionts play crucial roles in insect biology, yet their diversity, distribution, and temporal dynamics across host populations remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the spatio‐temporal distribution of bacterial symbionts within the widely distributed and economically significant leafhopper genus Macrosteles , with a focus on Macrosteles laevis . Using host and symbiont marker gene amplicon sequencing, we explored the intricate relationships between these insects and their microbial partners. Our analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene data revealed several intriguing findings. First, there was no strong genetic differentiation across M. laevis populations, suggesting gene flow among them. Second, we observed significant levels of heteroplasmy, indicating the presence of multiple mitochondrial haplotypes within individuals. Third, parasitoid infections were prevalent, highlighting the complex ecological interactions involving leafhoppers. The 16S rRNA data confirmed the universal presence of ancient nutritional endosymbionts— Sulcia and Nasuia —in M. laevis . Additionally, we found a high prevalence of Arsenophonus , another common symbiont. Interestingly, unlike most previously studied species, M. laevis exhibited only occasional cases of infection with known facultative endosymbionts and other bacteria. Notably, there was no significant variation in symbiont prevalence across different populations or among sampling years within the same population. Comparatively, facultative endosymbionts such as Rickettsia , Wolbachia , Cardinium and Lariskella were more common in other Macrosteles species. These findings underscore the importance of considering both host and symbiont dynamics when studying microbial associations. By simultaneously characterizing host and symbiont marker gene amplicons in large insect collections, we gain valuable insights into the intricate interplay between insects and their microbial partners. Understanding these dynamics contributes to our broader comprehension of host–microbe interactions in natural ecosystems.

Summary: Microbial symbionts play important roles in insect biology, but their diversity, distribution, and dynamics over time across host populations are poorly understood. We surveyed the spatio-temporal distribution of bacterial symbionts in the broadly distributed and economically significant leafhopper genus Macrosteles , with emphasis on Macrosteles laevis , using host and symbiont marker gene amplicon sequencing. The cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene data revealed no strong genetic differentiation across M. laevis populations, significant levels of heteroplasmy, and multiple cases of parasitoid infections. 16S rRNA data confirmed the universal presence of the ancient nutritional endosymbionts Sulcia and Nasuia and a high prevalence of Arsenophonus . Interestingly, in contrast to most previously surveyed species, in M. laevis we found only occasional cases of infection with facultative endosymbionts and other bacteria. There was no significant variation in symbiont prevalence across populations, or among sampling years for the same population. Facultative endosymbionts including Rickettsia , Wolbachia , Cardinium , and Lariskella , were more common in other Macrosteles species. Combined, our data demonstrate that not all species show clear spatial and temporal variation in genetic structure and microbial prevalence. However, simultaneous characterization of host and symbiont marker gene amplicons in large insect collections can help understand the dynamics of host-microbe interactions.

Obtaining biological material for DNA extraction is often challenging in organisms of conservation interest. Non-invasive sampling (i.e., sampling without injuring or disturbing an animal) is preferred as it carries no risk to the population’s survival. Here, we tested the possibility of using the body remains left by bird predators for microsatellite genotyping in Cerambyx cerdo, a veteran oak specialist. We compared results obtained from such potentially degraded samples with samples of fresh beetle tarsi (i.e., invasive and destructive but non-lethal samples). Using 10 SSR loci, we genotyped 28 fresh, and 28 remains samples. The analysis indicated that PCR amplification efficiency was not influenced by sample type but allele length and individual heterozygosity. Allele frequencies were perfectly correlated for both sample types (R² = 0.94). Additionally, null allele frequencies and genotyping failure rates were not significantly different from zero. Although the point estimates of individual inbreeding rates (f_i) were higher in remains than fresh samples (medians 0.08 vs. 0.02, respectively), both groups were not significantly different from each other and zero. Our study demonstrated that non-invasive remains samples could provide satisfactory data for population–genetic studies. However, we highlight the problem of biased inbreeding estimates, which may result from samples affected by allelic dropout.

The term ‘melanism’ means the occurrence of variant(s) that is/are mostly or completely dark in pigmentation either as intraspecific polymorphisms or as fixed differences between closely related species. Melanism can refer to variation involving discrete melanic and non-melanic phenotypes (melanic and typical morphs) or to cases of continuously varying pigmentation (True 2003). Melanism of moths inhabiting areas with industrial pollution is a very well-known example involving melanic polymorphisms in insects. However, melanism is also known in other insect orders, e.g. Coleoptera and Diptera (Majerus 1998, True 2003).

Ionic liquids that belong to the third-generation designs due to their intended biological activity are compounds with high potential applications as plant-protection products. The present study describes the synthesis and characterization of novel ionic liquids with cations based on the alkyl derivatives of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and an anion derived from naturally occurring pelargonic acid. The developed synthesis method allowed obtaining products with a high yield (≥96%), and the liquids were characterized as high-viscosity liquids at room temperature. This allowed classifying the products as ionic liquids (ILs). The structures of the obtained ILs were confirmed on the basis of their NMR and IR spectra as well as by elemental analysis. All the products exhibited surface activity and were capable of partially wetting a hydrophobic surface. The tested ionic liquids exhibited higher herbicidal activity against winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) at a lower dose compared to a commercial preparation in greenhouse studies. The studied ionic liquids also exhibited different effects as antifeedants on various insect species. The best results were obtained against beetles belonging to the granary weevil species (Sitophilus granarius L.). The relation between the surface-tension-reduction efficiency pC₂₀ and biological activity was investigated. The herbicidal activity was also correlated with the value of the contact angles for the studied pelargonates. All the obtained results indicate that the designed and synthesized ionic liquids possess double biological functions: herbicidal activity and deterrent activity.

The family of Scarabaeidae has a large group of phytophages, which include economically important plant pests. Climate change is causing new species to appear in our country or formerly marginal pests are gaining in importance. The white spotted rose beetle (Oxythyrea funesta) can be an example of such a species. In recent years, mainly in the east and south of Poland, there have been new locations of this beetle, which is locally very numerous. An example can be the mass appearance of O. funesta in Mazowieckie Voivodeship, Makowski County. The beetles were found there in large numbers in rye and triticale crops. In mid-May, they attacked young ears and ate their contents completely, leading to bleaching and withering of the tops of the plants. The damage was of a local nature, but it repeated over the next seasons, clearly increasing in strength. The spread and abundance of this species in Poland should be monitored as it may soon gain economic significance and become a threat to other crops. Rodzina poświętnikowatych (Scarabaeidae) zawiera sporą grupę fitofagów, do których należą ważne gospodarczo szkodniki roślin. Zmiany klimatyczne powodują, że w naszym kraju pojawiają się nowe gatunki lub na znaczeniu zyskują szkodniki do tej pory marginalne. Przykładem takiego gatunku może być łanocha pobrzęcz (Oxythyrea funesta). W ostatnich latach, głównie na wschodzie i południu Polski notuje się nowe stanowiska tego chrząszcza, który miejscowo występuje bardzo licznie. Przykładem może być masowy pojaw łanochy w województwie mazowieckim, powiecie makowskim. Chrząszcze wystąpiły tu masowo w uprawach żyta i pszenżyta. W połowie maja atakowały młode kłosy i całkowicie wyjadały ich zawartość, prowadząc do bielenia i więdnięcia wierzchołków roślin. Uszkodzenia miały charakter lokalny, jednak powtarzały się przez kolejne sezony, wyraźnie przybierając na sile. Rozprzestrzenianie się i liczebność tego gatunku w Polsce powinna być monitorowana, gdyż wkrótce może on nabrać znaczenia ekonomicznego i stać się zagrożeniem również dla innych upraw.