Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 69-77 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 69 Research Insight Open Access Herbivorous Insects in Barley Cultivation: Impact and Control Methods Renxiang Cai Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: pengmu1025@hotmail.com Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0009 Received: 10 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 11 Apr., 2024 Published: 23 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Cai, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Cai R.X., 2024, Herbivorous insects in barley cultivation: impact and control methods, Molecular Entomology, 15(2): 69-77 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0009) Abstract Barley, as an important global grain crop, faces threats to its yield and quality from various herbivorous insects such as aphids, cereal leaf beetles, and wireworms. These insects not only cause direct damage to the crop through feeding and tunneling but also indirectly affect barley yield by transmitting diseases and triggering secondary infections. This study systematically analyzes the biological characteristics of these insects, their impact on barley yield, and existing control methods, including chemical control, biological control, cultural control, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). By summarizing existing research findings and case studies, this study aims to provide guidance for future pest monitoring, resistance breeding, and the application of emerging technologies in barley cultivation, and to identify areas for further research. Keywords Herbivorous insects; Barley cultivation; Integrated Pest Management (IPM); Disease transmission 1 Introduction Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a significant cereal crop cultivated globally for its use in food, feed, and brewing industries. It is particularly valued for its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and soil types, making it a staple in many agricultural systems. The cultivation of barley involves various agronomic practices aimed at optimizing yield and quality, including soil preparation, seeding, fertilization, and pest management. Herbivorous insects pose a substantial threat to barley cultivation by directly consuming plant tissues and indirectly affecting plant health through the transmission of diseases. These pests can lead to significant yield losses and reduced grain quality, impacting the economic viability of barley farming. For instance, the wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus Norton) is known to cause considerable damage to barley crops by feeding on the stems, leading to plant lodging and reduced grain fill (Achhami et al., 2020). Additionally, the cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus L.) has been documented to invade barley fields, causing defoliation and further compromising crop productivity (Dosdall et al., 2011). This study synthesizes the existing knowledge on the effects of herbivorous insects on barley cultivation and evaluates various control methods. This includes studying the evolutionary adaptation of pests to different agricultural practices, the role of plant immunity and chemical defense in mitigating insect damage, and the potential of biological control agents such as entomopathogenic fungi. By integrating the results of several studies, it aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by herbivorous insects in barley cultivation and highlight innovative approaches to sustainable pest management. 2 Major Herbivorous Insects Affecting Barley 2.1Aphids Aphids are a significant group of phloem-feeding insects that impact barley cultivation. Several species of aphids are known to infest barley, including the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), the rose-grain aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum), the corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis), and the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) (Anton and Cortesero, 2022). These species vary in their impact on barley, with some being major pests and others causing occasional or minimal damage. For instance, R. padi and M. dirhodum are considered significant pests of cereal crops, while R. maidis is an occasional pest (Skoracka et al., 2022). Aphids affect barley in several ways, primarily through direct feeding and the transmission of plant viruses such as Barley Yellow
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