Host–Pathogen Interactions: Proline Gives Insect Pathogens the Green Light

Host–Pathogen Interactions: Proline Gives Insect Pathogens the Green Light

How does a quiescent symbiont of a nematode worm know when to turn nasty? Metabolic analysis and genetic knockouts confirm that model insect pathogens can sense L-proline in insect blood. This not only serves as a wake-up call, activating secondary metabolite virulence factors, but also provides an energy source for a metabolic shift appropriate for adaptation to the host environment.

Interactions between Fungal Pathogens and Insect Hosts

Fungal diseases in insects are common and widespread and often decimate insect populations in spectacular epizootics. Virtually all insect orders are susceptible to fungal diseases. Fungi infect insects by breaching the host cuticle; they are the principal pathogens among sucking insects because these hosts cannot ingest other pathogens that infect through the gut wall. Fungi are also particula...

Light gives molecules the chills.

Biological Control: Insect Pathogens, Parasitoids, and Predators

Stored product insects cause millions of dollars per year in losses in stored wheat. Traditionally, storedproduct pest management has relied on chemicals to control insects. In some cases, pest management has been improved by applying chemicals only when needed. An increasing effort is being made to reduce or eliminate pesticide residues in the food supply. This trend has increased since the in...

Management of Insect-vectored Pathogens of Plants

Epidemiology of vectored plant pathogens involves the plant, the pathogens, the vectors, and the environment, all interacting in various ways. Often, an understanding is needed of seasonal cycles of host plants, pathogens, and vectors. For example, pathogens and vectors important to an annual crop may have non-crop reservoirs between harvest and re-planting. Vectors may overwinter in the crop, ...