Papers by Nesreen Abd El-Ghany
Scientific Reports, Jan 11, 2024
The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, has established itself as an invasive insect pest wo... more The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, has established itself as an invasive insect pest worldwide. It causes structural and physiological damage to various crops and can cause substantial financial losses in their production. The successful reproduction of this pest under a wide range of conditions is a key to its success. Despite this, the morphology of its genitalia, genital sensilla, and wax-producing dermal pores has received little attention, with little descriptions of their ultrastructure. By investigating those features with SEM, the present study revealed considerable new insights into the identification of the nymphal and adult stages of P. solenopsis. In addition, the description of the ultrastructural genital morphology of the immature stages of P. solenopsis has revealed characteristics that facilitate their discrimination. Trilocular pores were observed on both sides of the body, while the quinquelocular pores were distributed only on the ventral surface in both the first and second nymphal instars. The adult male is characterized by two pairs of waxy caudal filaments surrounded by clusters of 55 to 60 stellate pores, and each pregenital segment bears a pair of stellate pores composed of 4 or 5 peripheral loculi. Sensilla trichodea and numerous microtrichia are present on the pregenital segments. The penile sheath bears three subtypes of sensilla basiconica and also campaniformia, whereas the style bears three subtypes of sensilla campaniformia. The findings of this study could assist in the identification of the adult and nymphal stages of P. solenopsis, and also provide insights into the structures found on the genitalia of the adult male that possibly have an important role in mating events and copulatory behavior. Furthermore, these findings were able to contribute to better understanding the functional morphology of P. solenopsis. Scale insects, which are distributed worldwide, are classified into 22 families including Pseudococcidae (mealybugs) 1. Mealybugs are distinguished by their production of fine, powdery, integumentary wax. The hydrophobic layers of the wax are arranged in long, lateral filaments, hence the common name, "mealybug", attributed to the Pseudococcidae 2. The integument is an important protective tissue that prevents inner moisture from excessive evaporation and environmental attacks by inorganic compounds, pathogens, microorganisms, and insecticide sprays 3. Gullan and Cranston suggested that the wax helps protect the mealybug from predators and insecticides across the different developmental stages of its life cycle 3. The types and distribution of pores and ducts associated with wax production have been considered by taxonomists as invaluable characters for the identification and classification of mealybugs and other scale insects 4-10. On the basis of the dermal pores producing the wax, Cox and Pearce distinguished three species of mealybugs, Ferrisia virgate (Cockerell), Phenacoccus manihoti (Matile-Ferrero), and Planococcus citri (Risso) 11. In Pseudococcidae, the males go through six developmental stages, namely the egg, first instar nymph, second instar nymph, prepupa, pupa, and adult. The male is usually slim in appearance and easily distinguishable from the adult females. Adult males resemble aphids in that they have a non-functional mouth, 9-10 segmented
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, May 10, 2018
During different exposure intervals (one, two, four, seven, and fourteen days), the efficacy of d... more During different exposure intervals (one, two, four, seven, and fourteen days), the efficacy of different concentrations of original Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and DEsmodifications against the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus) adults, were evaluated. The efficacy of DEs was evaluated by recording adult mortality and other parameters including effect on the progeny, grain weight loss, and DE-coherence on wheat kernels. The modified DEs showed higher efficacy than the original-DE. The most effective DE-modification was Al-DE followed by Ca-DE and Na-DE. At 14 days interval, the highest adult mortality reached 98% for Al-DE and Ca-DE modifications in comparison to the control untreated (10%) that indicates highly significant difference between them and control. At 1.5% concentration, Al-DE treatment almost suppressed the progeny (5.0±2.0) in comparison with the untreated treatment (83.333±4.041). The least weight loss was recorded for Al-DE treatment (7.0%) followed by Ca-DE (10.0%), Na-DE (13.0%) and the original-DE (25.0%) compared with the control (38%). Ultrastructural investigations of the antennae, mouth parts and posterior end of control and treated adults were performed using scanning electron microscope. DEs particles damaged sensory organs and parts of the integument throughout the body. Clear destruction among different types of the club segment sensilla was recorded. Moreover, integument cracking and cutting of the mouth parts and the genitalia were recorded. Both Al-DE and Ca-DE treatments strongly cohered very well to the wheat kernels with (1.493±0.002 and 1.492±0.002) at 1.5% concentration, respectively. The DEs coherence on wheat kernels matched directly to the insecticidal efficacy of the DE modifications against S. granarius adults.
Isolation and evaluation of native Metarhizium anisopliae strains against the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 2015
Journal of Entomological Science, 2017
DESCRIPTION Grain weevils in the genus Sitophilus are worldwide in distribution, but the granary ... more DESCRIPTION Grain weevils in the genus Sitophilus are worldwide in distribution, but the granary weevil is more temperate in distribution. All three species attack grain and grain products, but they are primarily pests of whole grain in storage. Like all weevils, these have a distinct snout. When disturbed, it will draw its legs up to its body and remain motionless. Rice Weevil: This weevil has small round pits on the surface of the thorax (although miline is usually free of pits), four red to yellow markings on the forewings, and is able to fl y. It is approximately 1/8 inch long (3 mm). Granary Weevil: This weevil is slightly larger (3/16 inch (4.8 mm)) than the other two weevils. It is black-brown in coloring although it can be red-brown shortly after adult emergence. If you examine the thorax closely you can see longitudinal punctures. Adults cannot fl y.
Frontiers in Zoology
Background The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is one ... more Background The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is one of the most devastating sap-sucking pests of cultivated plants. The success of P. solenopsis is attributable to its ecological resilience and insecticide resistance, making its control extremely difficult and expensive. Thus, alternative safe approaches are needed to prevent the pest population from reaching the economic threshold. One of these novel approaches is based on the fact that chemical communication via the olfactory system drives critical behaviors required for the survival and development of the species. This knowledge can be useful for controlling insect pests using traps based on semiochemicals. The antennae of insects are an invaluable model for studying the fundamentals of odor perception. Several efforts have been made to investigate the histological and ultrastructural organization of the olfactory organs, such as the antennae and maxillary palps, in many insect species...
Morphology of antennae and mouthpart sensillae in Lasioderma serricorne (fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)
Journal of Stored Products Research
Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 2021
Abdel-Razek, A.S., N.M. Abd El-Ghany, M.A. Gesraha, T.A. Elewa and A. Moussa. 2021. Susceptibilit... more Abdel-Razek, A.S., N.M. Abd El-Ghany, M.A. Gesraha, T.A. Elewa and A. Moussa. 2021. Susceptibility Assessment of Two Tomato Hybrids Against Tuta absoluta Infestation Under Greenhouse Conditions. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 39(4): 317-322. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-39.4.317322 Tuta absoluta is a major insect pest which attack tomato plant varieties in Egypt. Several control attempts were carried out to avoid major crop losses by heavy application of chemical insecticides. The aim of the present study is to assess the susceptibility of infestation of T. absoluta of two tomato varieties (Shifa and Savera F1 hybrids) under greenhouse conditions. The tomato varieties were planted in two plantation periods at the district of Kom Hamada, El-Nubaria province, El-Behira Governorate. The susceptibility tests were done by random counting of leaf samples for the presence of T. absoluta mines and larvae. Both tomato varieties showed almost the same T. absoluta infestation level. Moreov...
The mouthparts and sensilla of the adult tomato leafminer moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Arthropod Structure & Development, 2022
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 2011
Transgenic tomato (cv. Money maker) over expressing Bt (Cry 2Ab) gene was produced using Agrobact... more Transgenic tomato (cv. Money maker) over expressing Bt (Cry 2Ab) gene was produced using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. Molecular and biochemical analysis confirmed the expression and integration of the transgene into tomato genome. Obvious effects of Cry 2Ab were judged by the mortality of the American bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hu¨bner) and the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) when fed on Bt tomato. These results indicate that a significant amount of Bt protein was present in all of the transgenic lines and that plants expressing Cry 2Ab gene could be used for management of the target lepidopteran insect pests endemic in Egypt.
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 2015
Different techniques were adopted for molecular characterization of several indigenous strains of... more Different techniques were adopted for molecular characterization of several indigenous strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) previously isolated from Egyptian soil samples. These isolates show different toxicity levels against neonate larvae of both insect species; Spodoptera littoralis (Biosduval); and Helicoverpa armigera (Hu¨bner). The parasporal crystals among the most potent isolates contained polypeptides of about 127 and 130 kDa. PCR screening for genes encoding different Cry genes was performed. The Cry 1 gene is the most abundant in these isolates (83.33%) among tested Cry-type genes, followed by Cry 1 gene subfamilies (Cry 1B and Cry 1C) with percentage of 38.88% and 77.77%, respectively. The tested isolates showed the presence of Cry 2A(a,b) gene, but not all of these isolates were positive for Cry 2 gene (55.55%). Only 27.77% and 16.66% of the tested isolates harbor Cry 4 and Cry 3 genes, respectively. All strains were negative in PCR assays for the Vip 3Aa1 gene. Moreover, DNA fingerprinting using RAPD-PCR was performed to detect the genetic similarities and dissimilarities among the different isolates and standard strains. Assessment of Bt diversity based on the combined analysis of their protein and RAPD-PCR banding patterns was performed. This study demonstrates that Bt strains isolated from Egyptian soil samples can be distinguished and identified on the basis of the distribution of Cry-type genes and RAPD fingerprints.
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 2015
The histopathological effects of the spore-crystal complex of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis (... more The histopathological effects of the spore-crystal complex of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolate, as well as Cry 2Ab gene expressed in transgenic tomato plants on the midgut of 4th instar larva of Helicoverpa armigera (Hu¨bner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidea) has been investigated using the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Remarkable ultrastructural changes were observed in the columnar and goblet cells of the larval midgut after feeding on either transgenic tomato leaves, or spore-crystal complex of Bt. The effects observed included breakdown of microvilli of epithelial cells, increase in the electron density of the cytoplasm and vacuolation associated with different sizes of lysosomes; interruption of the goblet cells and distorted goblet cavities which lost their cytoplasmic projections; destruction of the mitochondria which lost their cristae; degeneration of the endoplasmic reticulum; collapse of the nucleus associated with rupture of nuclear envelope and clumped chromatin. Feeding the larvae on transgenic Bt-tomato plants caused in addition to the aforementioned changes severe vacuolation and degeneration of the nucleus in both columnar and goblet cells and the nuclear membrane was broken into electron dense ring spheres.
Molecular evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates from the soil and production of transgenic tomato plants harboring Bt gene for controlling lepidopterous insects in Egypt
This study has two main approaches. Firstly, search for indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis strains... more This study has two main approaches. Firstly, search for indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis strains from Egyptian soils was made and the activity was evaluated against Spodoptera littoralis, and Helicoverpa (=Heliothis) armigera. Different techniques were adopted for molecular characterization of these isolates. In a second approach, transgenic tomato (cv. Money maker) over expressing Bt gene was produced using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. For this, a rapid and efficient regeneration system via direct shoot organogenesis has been developed. The developed tissue culture system was used for the production of transgenic plants. Several parameters affecting Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (bacterial densities, type of explants, co-cultivation durations and pre-culture periods) were optimized. Molecular analysis confirmed the expression and integration of the transgene into tomato genome. The potential of feeding larvae of S. littoralis, H. armigera and Phthorimaea o...
Semiochemicals are defined as informative molecules mainly used in plant-insect or insectinsect i... more Semiochemicals are defined as informative molecules mainly used in plant-insect or insectinsect interactions as alternative or complementary components to insecticide approaches in different integrated pest management strategies. They are used to manipulate insect behaviour by affecting the survival and/or reproduction of insect pests for controlling their infestations on crops. The present review provides a basic summary of the utilization of semiochemicals for controlling insect pests. Two main topics were explored in this study. The first topic focuses on a description of semiochemicals and their types (pheromones and allelochemicals). Pheromones represent an intraspecific communication amidst members of the same species. Allelochemicals, produced by individuals of one species, modify the behavior of individuals of a different species (i.e. an interspecific effect). Allelochemicals include different informative molecules such as: allomones, kairomones, synomones, antimones and ap...
Silencing the odorant coreceptor ( Orco ) disrupts sex pheromonal communication and feeding responses in Blattella germanica : toward an alternative target for controlling insect‐transmitted human diseases
Pest Management Science
Sensory structures on the larval antennae and mouthparts of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Zoologischer Anzeiger
Morphology of antennae and mouthpart sensillae in Lasioderma serricorne (fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)
Journal of Stored Products Research
A review: application of remote sensing as a promising strategy for insect pests and diseases management
Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Pheromones and Chemical Communication in Insects
Pests - Classification, Management and Practical Approaches [Working Title]
New Approach for Controlling Snail Host of Schistosoma mansoni, Biomphalaria alexandrina with Cyanobacterial Strains-Derived C-Phycocyanin
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.), Jan 19, 2018
Schistosomiasis is one of the major communicable diseases of public health and socioeconomic impo... more Schistosomiasis is one of the major communicable diseases of public health and socioeconomic importance in the developing world. It is a waterborne disease in which Biomphalaria alexandrina snails are known to be the intermediate molluscan host for Schistosoma mansoni: the causative agent of human intestinal schistosomiasis. Therefore, snail control is one of the cornerstones of schistosomiasis control programs. Several methods have been used to eliminate snail hosts. One of these methods is chemical molluscicides, which have undesirable effect to nontarget organisms. Consequently, the search for biologically derived molluscicides to complement the use of synthetic molluscicides is a top priority. In this concern, this study is the first to evaluate the molluscicidal potency of Cyanobacterial Phycocyanin (C-PC) as a virtually untapped source. Laboratory assessment of three freshwater Cyanobacterial strains: Anabaena oryzae SOS13, Nostoc muscorum SOS14, and Spirulina platensis SOS13-...
Original Article. An evaluation of some eco-friendly biopesticides against Bemisia tabaci on two greenhouse tomato varieties in Egypt
Journal of Plant Protection Research
This study has two main approaches. First, it exploits the susceptibility of tomato cultivars as ... more This study has two main approaches. First, it exploits the susceptibility of tomato cultivars as a prophylactic measure to detect auto resistance characters of the tested tomato varieties against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Secondly, it evaluates the efficacy of different bio-rational insecticides against B. tabaci under greenhouse conditions. The results exhibited a special significance in B. tabaci infestation suitability between the two tomato varieties with a high infestation significance found in the Shifa F1 hybrid tomato variety compared to the Savera F1 hybrid tomato variety in the first plantation period. Subsequently, in the second plantation period, there was a significant difference between the two tomato varieties. Bemisia tabaci showed a preference for the Shifa F1 hybrid over the Savera F1 hybrid tomato variety. These differences occurred during the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th weeks. In the experimental trial for the efficacy of eco...
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Papers by Nesreen Abd El-Ghany