Phytophagous insects rely on many different sensory cues to locate their host plants, including visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile stimuli [1]. These cues are processed by sensory systems and integrated in the brain to elicit a proper behavioural response. Chnootriba elaterii is an injurious pest of cucurbits in the Mediterranean Region [2] which causes serious damage mainly in organic...
The European “Green Deal” comes at a pivotal moment for the agri-food sector. Climate crisis, energy costs, and regulations, threaten food security. Currently, the development of alternatives to conventional pesticides and fertilizers seems one way. The developments in the field of biostimulants could greatly assist in combating issues that the agri-food sector is facing. Biostimulants will...
In recent years, biostimulants and corroborants (plant strengtheners) products have been developed to improve both the vegetative performance and the tolerance to abiotic stresses. In Italy biostimulants are regulated by the law on fertilizers (75/2010), while corroborants are regulated by D.M. 6793/2018 and, according to these guidelines, they are not considered as pesticides. Latest studies...
Honeydew is the excretion product of many plant-feeding hemipterans and some lepidopterans. This sweet excretion product is the most abundant and accessible source of carbohydrates for parasitoids and predators in many agroecosystems [1,2]. Being so abundant, honeydew mediates many direct and indirect interactions that affect biological control. Here, we describe these interactions and...
Implanting a new crop in a given region needs to take care on potentially imported diseases with the plant material and controlling local known pests able to damage the new crop. This will be the case for sugarcane that was implanted in different Mediterranean region to be tested for producing rum. Sugarcane is a vegetatively propagated semi perennial crop prohibited for importation in Europe...
Food loss and waste (FLW), often caused by plant pathogens in the field and after harvest, is a global challenge recognized by international governments and organizations. Reducing FLW is key to sustainably ensure nutritional food security for an increasing world population. It is a target of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European...
