Chunlan Shi

BACKGROUND: Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) is a key predatory insect that attacks pests across Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera. It commonly displays aggregation behavior, which is thought to provide multiple ecological benefits; however, the underlying mechanisms and potential aggregation pheromones remain poorly understood. To fill this knowledge gap, we examined the role of antennae in aggregation, analyzed the body volatiles of E. furcellata , and conducted laboratory bioassays and field trials. RESULTS: Antennae served as the main sensory organs mediating aggregation in all nymphal instars. Whole‐body extracts from fifth‐instar nymphs significantly attracted both male and female fifth‐instar individuals. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–electroantennogram detection (GC–EAD) identified eight compounds, among which ( E )‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal, tetradecanal, and tridecane were verified as aggregation pheromones in laboratory tests. Field trials further validated the biological activity of these compounds. We also determined the optimal attractive range, placement height, and effective duration of these pheromones, offering critical insights for optimizing the field deployment of this natural enemy. CONCLUSION: The fifth‐instar nymphs of the predatory stink bug E. furcellata produce aggregation pheromones, ( E )‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal, tetradecanal, and tridecane, which are primarily perceived through the antennae, triggering conspecific aggregation behavior. These identified aggregation pheromones exhibit significant potential for development into field lures to monitor and enhance the recruitment of this predator for pest control. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

The fungus Cordyceps javanica is known for entomopathogenicity and effective in the control of various arthropods. Here, we aimed to reveal the chitinase GH18 gene family expansion through the high throughput sequencing of the genome of C. javanica strain Bd01 isolated from Xylotrechus quadripes larvae. The genome was 34 Mb in size with 9590 protein-coding genes. By comparative genome analysis, it was found that the family GH18 of chitinase genes was expanded in C. javanica Bd01. The phylogenetic analysis of 27 GH18 genes, compared with those from four other species, revealed that the genes could be categorized into three distinct groups based on their conserved domains. Genes within the same cluster exhibited shared protein motifs and orthologous relationships. The molecular mass of these GH18 genes ranged from 14.03 kDa to 81.41 kDa, while their theoretical isoelectric point (pI) values spanned from 4.40 to 7.92. Most chitinases were characterized as extracellular, hydrophilic, and thermostable proteins with a negative charge. Additionally, they demonstrated favorable in vivo half-life stability. A three-dimensional structural model of the GH18 protein was further generated using the SWISS-MODEL server. These findings establish a robust genomic framework elucidating the functional diversity, evolutionary conservation patterns, and mechanistic contributions of virulence-associated genetic determinants.

The fungus Cordyceps javanica is known for entomopathogenicity and effective in control of various arthropods. Here, we aimed to reveal chitinase GH18 gene family expansion through high put sequencing of genome of C. javanica strain Bd01 isolated from Xylotrechus quadripes larvae. The genome was 34 Mb in size with 9,590 protein-coding genes. By comparative genome analysis, it was found that family GH18 of chitinase genes was expanded in C. javanica Bd01. Phylogenetic analysis of twenty-seven GH18 genes with those of 4 other species showed that genes were clustered into three groups based on their conserved domains. The GH18 genes clustered in same group had the same protein motifs and orthologs. The molecular mass of GH18 genes varied from 14.03 kDa - 81.41 kDa, and theoretical pI from 4.40 - 7.92. Most of the chitinases were extracellular, hydrophilic, thermostable and negatively charged with good in vivo half-life. Furthermore, a three-dimensional model of GH18 was constructed using SWISS-MODEL server. These findings provide comprehensive insights into pathogenicity-related genes, their role and conservatism.

Fusarium solani KMZW-1 is recognized for its potential as a biocontrol agent against agricultural and forestry pests, particularly due to its compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. This study aimed to investigate the complete genome of F. solani KMZW-1 and assess its pathogenicity against Bactrocera dorsalis. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 47,239,278 bp, comprising 27 contigs, with a GC content of 51.16% and fungus identified as F. solani KMZW-1. The genome completeness was assessed as 97.93% using BUSCO analysis, the DFVF sequence identifier was Fusarium 0G092560.1, and AntiSMASH analysis identified 35 gene clusters associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis, providing insights into the genetic basis of its pathogenic mechanisms and biocontrol potential. Comparative genomic analysis found 269 unique genes for F. solani KMZW-1, and collinearity analysis exhibited a high degree of synteny with Fusarium solani-melongenae. The pathogenicity of F. solani KMZW-1 was assessed using concentrations ranging from 1 × 10⁴ to 1 × 10¹¹ conidia/mL. Higher concentrations (1 × 10¹⁰ to 1 × 10¹¹ conidia/mL) resulted in significantly increased cumulative mortality rates of B. dorsalis adults compared to the control group. Notably, the pathogenicity was higher in male adults than in females. Probit analysis yielded LC₅₀ (50% lethal concentration) values of 5.662 for female and 4.486 for male B. dorsalis adults. In summary, F. solani, KMZW-1 exhibits strong insecticidal activity against B. dorsalis and shows potential as a biocontrol agent with IPM strategies. These findings provide robust genomic evidence supporting the use of F. solani KMZW-1 in managing against B. dorsalis populations.

Fusarium solani KMZW-1, is recognized for its potential as a biocontrol agent against agricultural and forestry pests, particularly due to its compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. This study aimed to investigate the complete genome of F. solani KMZW-1 and assess its pathogenicity against Bactrocera dorsalis. Whole genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 47,239,278 bp, comprising 27 contigs, with a GC content of 51.16% and fungus identified as F. solani KMZW-1. The genome completeness was assessed as 97.93% using BUSCO analysis, DFVF sequence identifier was Fusarium 0G092560.1, AntiSMASH analysis identified 29 gene clusters associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis providing insights into the genetic basis of its pathogenic mechanisms and biocontrol potential. Comparative genomic analysis found 269 unique genes of F. solani KMZW-1 and the collinearity analysis exhibited a high degree of synteny with Fusarium solani-melongenae. The pathogenicity of F. solani KMZW-1 was assessed using concentrations ranging from 1×10^4 to 1×10^11 conidia/mL. Higher concentrations (1×10^10 to 1×10^11 conidia/mL), resulted in significantly increased cumulative mortality rates of B. dorsalis adults compared to the control group. Notably, the pathogenicity was higher in male adults than in females. Probit regression analysis yielded LogLC50 values as 5.662 for fe-male and 4.486 for male B. dorsalis adults. In summary, F. solani KMZW-1 exhibits strong insecti-cidal activity against B. dorsalis and shows potential as a biocontrol agent with IPM strategies. These findings provide robust genomic evidence supporting the use of F. solani KMZW-1 in managing against B. dorsalis populations.

Lecanicillium lecanii KMZW-1, is recognized for its potential as a bio-control agent against agricultural and forestry pests, particularly due to its compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. This study aimed to investigate the complete genome of L. lecanii KMZW-1 and assess its pathogenicity against Bactrocera dorsalis. Whole genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 47,239,278 bp, comprising 27 contigs, with a GC content of 51.16%. The genome completeness was assessed as 97.93% using BUSCO analysis, AntiSMASH analysis identified 29 gene clusters associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis providing insights into the genetic basis of its pathogenic mechanisms and biocontrol potential. The pathogenicity of L. lecanii KMZW-1 was assessed using concentrations ranging from 1×10^4 to 1×10^11 spores/mL. Higher-concentrations (1×10^10 to 1×10^11 spores/mL), resulted in significantly increased cumulative mortality rates of B. dorsalis adults compared to the control group. Notably, the pathogenicity was higher in male adults than in females. Probit regression analysis yielded LogLC50 values as 5.662 for female and 4.486 for male B. dorsalis adults. In summary, L. lecanii KMZW-1 exhibits strong insecticidal activity against B. dorsalis and shows potential as a biocontrol agent with IPM strategies. These findings provide robust genomic evidence supporting the use of L. lecanii KMZW-1in managing against B. dorsalis populations.

The MC4-2 bacterium strain was isolated and purified from the Periplaneta americana intestine as a biocontrol agent with good antagonistic effect against the pathogens of a soil-borne disease called tobacco black shank. The MC4-2 strain was found to have good broad-spectrum inhibition by plate stand-off test. Based on 16S rRNA and gyrB genes, ANI analysis, and other comparative genomics methods, it was determined that the MC4-2 strain was Bacillus subtilis. The complete genome sequence showed that the genome size was 4,076,630bp, the average GC content was 43.78, and the total number of CDSs was 4,207. Genomic prediction analysis revealed that a total of 145 genes were annotated by the CAZy, containing mainly GH and CE enzymes that break down carbohydrates such as glucose, chitin, starch, and alginate, and a large number of enzymes involved in glycosylation were present. A total of ten secondary metabolite clusters were predicted, six clusters of which were annotated as surfactin, bacillaene, fengycin, bacillibactin, subtilosin A, and bacilysin. The present investigation found the biological control mechanism of B. subtilis MC4-2, which provides a strong theoretical basis for the best use of this strain in biological control methods and provides a reference for the subsequent development of agents of this bacterium.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a traditional medicinal plant for treating human diseases that is widely cultivated in many countries. However, the component and related metabolic pathways are still unclear. To understand the changes in expression of the component and related genes during seed development, this study employed metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses and integrative analysis to explore the metabolites and pathways involved in the growth of fenugreek. The antifungal activity of the fenugreek seeds was also analyzed. A total of 9499 metabolites were identified in the positive ion mode, and 8043 metabolites were identified in the negative ion mode. Among them, the main components were fatty acyls, prenol lipids, steroids, steroid derivatives, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids. Among these enriched pathways, the top 20 pathways were “flavone and flavonol biosynthesis”, “isoflavonoid biosynthesis”, and “flavonoid biosynthesis”. 3,7-Di-O-methylquercetin, flavonoids, pseudobaptigenin, isoflavonoids, methylecgonine, alkaloids, and derivatives were the most significantly upregulated metabolites. There were 38,137 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified via transcriptomic analysis. According to the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, 147 DEGs were significantly enriched in “flavonoid biosynthesis”. Ten DEGs of the six key enzymes were found to be involved in three pathways related to flavonoid and alkaloid synthesis in fenugreek. The antifungal activity test revealed the inhibitory effect of the ethanol extract of fenugreek seeds on Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze)Wiltshire and Magnaporthe oryzae. These findings further prove that the use of botanical pesticides in fenugreek fruit has research value.