Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata

Olfactometers have been used for more than 100 years and are integral to experimental design in chemical ecology. Studies utilising olfactometer bioassays form the foundation for understanding the behavioural responses of invertebrates to chemical stimuli under standardised laboratory conditions. Despite its prevalence in chemical ecology studies, there has never been a review of experimental best practice in olfactometry. This review critically evaluates olfactometry methods, applications, and experimental design and analysis.

Sensory stimuli are essential for survival and reproduction in many arthropods. Given the widespread use of vibrational communication among diverse taxa, exploiting vibrational senses holds great potential for successful pest management. We summarized our recent findings on vibration-based pest management and future perspectives in the context of integrated pest management, especially of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in tomato crops, fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in mushroom cultivation, and the brown-winged green stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Japanese fruit trees.

The rearing and growth optimization of mealworms, Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), as a sustainable food source were investigated under laboratory conditions. Ten larval diets, varying in protein sources, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, were explored to enhance mealworm growth and nutritional value. The findings contribute to optimizing mealworm rearing practices for sustainable food production and promote the potential use of mealworms as a viable protein source.

The Mediterranean ants Crematogaster scutellaris and Tapinoma magnum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) can significantly increase the mortality of nymphs of the stink bug Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). At the same time, they do not damage the eggs and do not interfere with the parasitization activity of Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), the main egg parasitoid of this pest. Our results suggest that both ants and parasitoids may be integrated into biocontrol strategies against N. viridula.

Olfactometers have been used for more than 100 years and are integral to experimental design in chemical ecology. Studies utilising olfactometer bioassays form the foundation for understanding the behavioural responses of invertebrates to chemical stimuli under standardised laboratory conditions. Despite its prevalence in chemical ecology studies, there has never been a review of experimental best practice in olfactometry. This review critically evaluates olfactometry methods, applications, and experimental design and analysis.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are arthropod vectors involved in transmitting deadly infectious diseases to humans and animals, causing several million human deaths every year worldwide. Plant-based products provide environment-friendly mosquitocidal properties and are harmless to humans, non-target organisms, and the environment. This review covers up-to-date information about plant products (plant compounds, extracts, and essential oils), which are utilized to control all the life cycle stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) of the mosquito genera Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex.

Sensory stimuli are essential for survival and reproduction in many arthropods. Given the widespread use of vibrational communication among diverse taxa, exploiting vibrational senses holds great potential for successful pest management. We summarized our recent findings on vibration-based pest management and future perspectives in the context of integrated pest management, especially of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in tomato crops, fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in mushroom cultivation, and the brown-winged green stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Japanese fruit trees.

Insect farming can boost food security and reduce agriculture's impact on the environment, but it needs optimisation. Selective breeding, although not widely used in insect farming, holds potential for improvement. This review examines the application of selective breeding to insects. It discusses setting breeding goals, measuring traits, estimating genetic values, choosing breeding strategies and managing genetic diversity. The review integrates insights from animal breeding, genetics, evolutionary biology and entomology, providing a comprehensive guide to improving insect production through selective breeding.