Prior to European settlement, the 450 000-ha Pine Barrens region in northwestern Wisconsin, USA, was characterized by a landscape mosaic of large, open patches, savannas, and closed forest stands of jack pine (Pinus banksiana). Crown-fires created large open patches that persisted on the droughty soils, providing important habitat for a number of area-sensitive, open-habitat species. Insect out...

The consumption of insects “entomophagy” or insect-based foods is increasingly being recognized as an emerging solution to promote diet diversification and address the multiple burden malnutrition. Although several studies suggest edible valuable nutrient sources, few have evaluated effects processing on bioavailability bioaccessibility provided actual evidence human nutrition. Moreover, there ...

Understanding spatial and temporal variation in factors influencing plant regeneration is critical to predicting plant population growth. We experimentally evaluated seed limitation, insect herbivory, and their interaction in the regeneration and density of tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum) across a topographic ecosystem productivity gradient in tallgrass prairie over two years. On ridges and i...

Phytoplasmas are insect-transmitted phytopathogenic bacteria that can alter plant morphology and the longevity and reproduction rates and behavior of their insect vectors. There are various examples of animal and plant parasites that alter the host phenotype to attract insect vectors, but it is unclear how these parasites accomplish this. We hypothesized that phytoplasmas produce effectors that...

Understanding spatial and temporal variation in factors influencing plant regeneration is critical to predicting plant population growth. We experimentally evaluated seed limitation, insect herbivory, and their interaction in the regeneration and density of tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum) across a topographic ecosystem productivity gradient in tallgrass prairie over two years. On ridges and i...

insect immunity comprises behavioral, physical and innate immunity. in this study, innate immune response of the greater wax moth larvae, galleria mellonella against two species of entomopathogenic nematodes, heterorhabditis bacteriophora and steinernema feltiae,   as important biocontrol agents were studied. total haemocyte count in larvae injected with h. bacteriophora increased immediately. ...

Non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) in plants have important roles in regulating biological processes, including development, reproduction, and stress responses. Recent research indicates significant roles for sRNA-mediated gene silencing during plant-hemipteran interactions that involve all three of these biological processes. Plant responses to hemipteran feeding are determined by changes in the ho...

ethiopia is remarkably rich in its biological, ecological and landscape diversity and is home to outstanding natural bio-resources such as a number of herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants. the present study was carried out to study the composition, distribution and economic importance of insect pests of prioritized aromatic (mentha sp., lemon verbena, fennel, rosemary, rosadamascene, oregano, p...

the  frequency of  allergic diseases such  as allergic rhinitis is considerable in general population. insect aeroallergens are important allergens which can induce airway inflammation. the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sensitization to insect aeroallergens in allergic rhinitis patients in yazd as a desert city in iran. a cross-sectional study was undertaken on 95 allergi...