Plant Protection specialist

Abstract

Abstract The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for the biological control of pests. This method disrupts the reproductive cycle of target pests by mass-rearing and sterilizing male insects and releasing them into the environment, gradually reducing their populations without negatively impacting non-target species or surrounding ecosystems. Globally, SIT has been successful in controlling fruit flies and mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue. In Iran, studies on the olive fruit fly, the pomegranate fruit borer, and the Mediterranean fruit fly have shown that by adhering to optimal irradiation doses and carefully designing programs, SIT can lead to a reduction in pest populations and economic losses. This method is free of chemical residues, species-specific, and aligns with sustainable development goals, enjoying high acceptance among farmers. With investment in infrastructure, training of specialized personnel, and regional planning, SIT can serve as a complementary and sustainable approach to reducing the use of chemical pesticides and promoting environmentally friendly agriculture.

Abstract This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the emerging role of foliar-applied biochar as a cross-disciplinary strategy for orchard pest management. Moving beyond its traditional role as a soil amendment, this study delineates a "dual-action" defense model: 1) Physico-mechanical Barriers, characterized by the occlusion of arthropod respiratory spiracles, abrasion of larval mandibles via silicified particles, and interference with optical and chemical host-seeking cues; and 2) Biological Elicitation*, which triggers Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) by activating jasmonic and salicylic acid-dependent signaling pathways. Empirical data synthesis reveals that biochar efficacy is strictly governed by suspension concentration, particle size (with nano-biochar outperforming micro-biochar), and colloidal stability. Furthermore, the study addresses critical technical bottlenecks, emphasizing that the utilization of biocompatible surfactants to prevent nozzle clogging and the optimization of dosage to maintain stomatal conductance are pivotal for field success. Ultimately, this approach is proposed as a cornerstone for transitioning toward smart organic horticulture, ensuring the preservation of natural enemies while significantly reducing the environmental chemical footprint.

Abstract Introduction to Liquid Chromatography Instruments, Spectrophotometer, and ELISA Reader in Toxicology Laboratory
Liquid Chromatography System
The liquid chromatography system, or HPLC, which stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography, is located in the toxicology laboratory, entomology section, on the third floor. This system is mainly used in this section to measure pesticide residues in agricultural products, soil, and water.
Structurally, this device has detectors. The UV detector identifies compounds that absorb UV light. There is also an RID detector used for measuring sugars, which is currently used less in this laboratory. The system has two pumps responsible for maintaining the flow of the mobile phase. In the device oven, we have different types of columns, mainly C18 columns, which are used for various pesticides. The device has an autosampler used for automatic sampling and measuring of samples. It also has a data recording section where the chromatograms obtained from this system are recorded, printed, and analyzed to measure pesticide residues.

Abstract Biological control, as one of the key components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), has received special attention from researchers and plant protection specialists in recent decades. With the increasing production and commercialization of biological control agents, the issue of interactions among different biological control agents has gained greater importance, because the success or failure of many field programs depends on the quality and nature of these interactions. These interactions can occur as synergism, antagonism (where one agent weakens the effect of another), or neutrality. The most important groups involved in such interactions include parasitoids, predators, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and entomopathogenic nematodes. This review article aims to investigate the types of positive and negative interactions among biological control agents, the underlying mechanisms of these interactions, the environmental factors affecting them, and their practical implications in pest management. The conclusion of this review indicates that a precise understanding of interaction mechanisms and their consideration in the design of biological control programs can lead to increased efficiency and sustainability of integrated pest management methods.

Abstract Hop latent viroid (HLVd) is one of the most significant emerging pathogens in commercial cannabis cultivation, which in recent years has caused substantial economic losses in greenhouses and cannabis-growing farms. In fact, it can be considered the greatest threat to cannabis cultivators worldwide. This viroid is the smallest known plant pathogen and belongs to the Pospiviroidae family. It is responsible for causing Dudding disease, or brittle stem, in cannabis. It is primarily transmitted through vegetative propagation, contaminated tools, and mechanical contact, and by disrupting metabolic pathways, reducing trichomes, and lowering active compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes), it leads to a significant decline in plant yield. Historically, this cannabis disease was first reported in California in 2019. In recent years, hop latent viroid (HLVd) along with distinct symptoms has been reported in cannabis. A study of 200,000 cannabis samples confirmed that 90% were infected with this viroid; therefore, potential estimated damages reach up to 4 billion dollars per year in the United States alone. Hop latent viroid (HLVd) has recently been increasingly associated with severe cannabis symptoms, disrupting seed and fiber production in industrial varieties and cannabinoid content in medicinal varieties. This viroid has been shown to reduce THC content by 50 to 70 percent. It is worth noting that, to date, there have been no reports of cannabis infection by this viroid in Iran.

Abstract Quorum Sensing (QS) systems are among the most important regulatory mechanisms in Gram-negative bacteria, enabling intra-population chemical communication and the coordinated control of cell density–dependent behaviors. Among these bacteria, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) is recognized as one of the principal causal agents of soft rot disease in cultivated crops. The QS network in this bacterium operates based on N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) signal molecules and is regulated through the ExpI/ExpR pathway. This system plays a key role in disease development by controlling the expression of a set of virulence genes, including plant cell wall–degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), bacterial motility, and the secretion of pathogenicity factors. In recent years, Quorum Quenching (QQ) strategies have been developed to inhibit QS activity through AHL-degrading enzymes or LuxR receptor inhibitors, which can reduce pathogenicity without imposing the selective pressure associated with antibiotics. This article provides a comprehensive review of the molecular, genetic, and biochemical findings of the past two decades, examining the structure and function of QS and QQ networks in Pcc, and analyzing the relationship between these two pathways while discussing the challenges and practical prospects of biological control based on the disruption of bacterial communication.

Abstract  Fruit flies cause severe economic damage to many horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables). Their damage includes rotting, premature ripening and fruit drop, which leads to significant production losses, reduced income, increased poverty, reduced trade volumes of the products and bans or restrictions on exports of horticultural products from developing countries, etc. Fruits and vegetables are essential parts of a nutritious and balanced diet for humans, who are affected by the ongoing inflation of food costs and climatic conditions. Despite advances in pest management and control, fruit flies remain a problem. Therefore, a coordinated approach across the country and investment in post-harvest facilities are needed to reduce pest populations, increase trade and income, improve livelihoods in the horticultural sector and stabilize markets for sellers and consumers.