The history of the discovery, use, and development of dyes is closely linked to the history of humanity itself. Among the first records of human civilization are cave paintings made from, e.g., fruits, plants, minerals, and insects. Over the centuries, using different techniques, colors have been given to all types of materials and products, from clothing to food. The chemicals responsible for colors are dyes - a vast collection of molecules of the most varied compositions, but which have in common the absorption of light within the visible window of the electromagnetic spectrum. This article aims not only to review the properties of some classes of natural dyes, their origins, and their applications but also to describe the various computational chemistry methods involved in designing new bio-inspired molecules. discovery use itself eg e g e.g. fruits plants minerals insects centuries techniques products food compositions spectrum origins bioinspired bio inspired e.g

ABSTRACT: This study identified and monitored the population fluctuations of insect vectors of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in experimental orchards in the North and Northwest Regions of the State of Paraná. The experiments were conducted in the cities of Londrina and Paranavaí at the Experimental Research Stations of the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural do Paraná-IAPAR-EMATER (IDR-Paraná), Brazil. The study period was from September 2019 to March 2021. In the experiments conducted in Londrina and in Paranavaí, yellow passion fruit plants were grown in trellis systems. Moericke traps were used to capture insects, and collections were performed weekly. Aphids were identified using a taxonomic identification key. The numbers of aphids present in each region were compared, and the populations were correlated with the climate and local precipitation. A total of 1522 and 1340 winged aphids were observed in the experiments in Londrina and Paranavaí, respectively. In Londrina, moderate positive correlations were observed between the number of insects and the maximum and average temperatures, while negative correlations were observed between the number of insects and the minimum temperature and precipitation. In contrast, in Paranavaí, the correlation between aphids and abiotic factors was negative, where maximum temperature was strongly correlated. In both regions, the following seven species of aphid vectors of CABMV were detected: Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Toxoptera citricida, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Uroleucon ambrosiae. The population fluctuations of these species were influenced by variations in temperature and precipitation. ABSTRACT aphidborne borne (CABMV Paraná ParanáIAPAREMATER IAPAR EMATER IDRParaná, IDRParaná IDR , (IDR-Paraná) Brazil 201 2021 systems weekly key compared precipitation 152 134 respectively temperatures contrast regions detected fabae gossypii citricida pisum brassicae ambrosiae (IDR-Paraná 20 202 15 13 2 1

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e monitorar as flutuações populacionais de insetos vetores do Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) em pomares experimentais nas Regiões Norte e Noroeste do Estado do Paraná. Os experimentos foram conduzidos nas cidades de Londrina e Paranavaí nas Estações de Pesquisa Experimental do Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural do Paraná-IAPAR-EMATER (IDR-Paraná), Brasil. O período de estudo foi de setembro de 2019 a março de 2021. Nos experimentos realizados em Londrina e em Paranavaí, plantas de maracujá amarelo foram cultivadas em sistema de latada. Foram utilizadas armadilhas Moericke para captura dos insetos e as coletas foram realizadas semanalmente. Os pulgões foram identificados por meio de uma chave de identificação taxonômica. Os números de pulgões presentes em cada região foram comparados e as populações correlacionadas com o clima e a precipitação local. Foram observados 1.522 e 1.340 pulgões alados nos experimentos de Londrina e Paranavaí, respectivamente. Em Londrina, foram observadas correlações positivas moderadas entre o número de insetos e as temperaturas máxima e média, enquanto correlações negativas foram observadas entre o número de insetos e a temperatura mínima e precipitação. Em contrapartida, em Paranavaí, a correlação entre pulgões e fatores abióticos foi negativa, onde a temperatura máxima estava fortemente correlacionada. Em ambas as regiões foram detectadas as seguintes sete espécies de pulgões vetores do CABMV: Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Toxoptera citricida, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae e Uroleucon ambrosiae. As flutuações populacionais dessas espécies foram influenciadas pelas variações de temperatura e precipitação. RESUMO aphidborne aphid borne CABMV (CABMV Paraná ParanáIAPAREMATER IAPAR EMATER IDRParaná, IDRParaná IDR , (IDR-Paraná) Brasil 201 2021 latada semanalmente taxonômica local 1522 1 522 1.52 1340 340 1.34 respectivamente média contrapartida negativa correlacionada fabae gossypii citricida pisum brassicae ambrosiae (IDR-Paraná 20 202 152 52 1.5 134 34 1.3 2 15 5 1. 13 3

Abstract Purpose: To describe the participatory process of community monitoring using aquatic insects as a tool to assess environmental quality in Cuitzmala y Purificacion basins. Methodological design: A participatory environmental monitoring model is proposed, which involves key actors, covering the upper, middle and lower part of each basin. A workshop was designed in appropriate way to the context of local actors and basin characteristics. The workshop consisted of four stages, involving theory and practice. Field diary was developed thought descriptive notes about what is seen and doing the participants. Results: Six community groups were formed, five in schools and one a Citizen Environmental Committee. Most participants found the workshop beneficial and expressed a desire for an increased number of monitoring sessions and additional monitoring sites. Participants successfully assessed their river section using aquatic insects, and it is recommended to provide technical support to strengthen monitoring skills and long-term monitoring. Research limitations: Still this action is considered an extracurricular activity. For this reason, is necessary work with professor to integrate these activities in the education program of the schools. Findings: Aquatic insects community monitoring strength and complement the scientific monitoring. The methodology used can be replicated in other coastal basins.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir el proceso participativo para el monitoreo comunitario a fin de evaluar la calidad ambiental de los ríos de las cuencas Cuitzmala y Purificación mediante un índice biótico multimétrico con insectos acuáticos previamente desarrollado para esta región. Diseño metodológico: Se propone un modelo de proceso participativo para el monitoreo ambiental. Con actores clave se seleccionaron localidades que abarcaron parte alta, media y baja de cada cuenca. Se diseñó un taller con base en protocolos para monitoreo, adecuado al contexto de las cuencas y actores elegidos. El taller consistió en cuatro etapas, en las que se capacitó con teoría y práctica. En un diario de campo se tomaron notas descriptivas respecto a lo que dijeron e hicieron los participantes. Resultados: Se conformaron seis grupos comunitarios, en cinco escuelas, y un Comité Ciudadano Ambiental. A la mayoría de los participantes les pareció bien el taller y les gustaría ampliar el número de monitoreos y los sitios a monitorear. Los participantes lograron evaluar su tramo de río con los insectos acuáticos y recomendaron continuar el acompañamiento técnico para fortalecer sus habilidades y asegurar el monitoreo a largo plazo. Limitaciones de la investigación: Aún esta actividad es considerada como extracurricular, por lo que es necesario trabajar con los docentes para que quede integrada en las materias del programa curricular de cada grado. Hallazgos: El monitoreo comunitario de los insectos acuáticos fortalece y complementa al monitoreo científico. Esta metodología puede ser replicada en otras cuencas costeras.

Abstract Purpose: To describe the participatory process of community monitoring using aquatic insects as a tool to assess environmental quality in Cuitzmala y Purificacion basins. Methodological design: A participatory environmental monitoring model is proposed, which involves key actors, covering the upper, middle and lower part of each basin. A workshop was designed in appropriate way to the context of local actors and basin characteristics. The workshop consisted of four stages, involving theory and practice. Field diary was developed thought descriptive notes about what is seen and doing the participants. Results: Six community groups were formed, five in schools and one a Citizen Environmental Committee. Most participants found the workshop beneficial and expressed a desire for an increased number of monitoring sessions and additional monitoring sites. Participants successfully assessed their river section using aquatic insects, and it is recommended to provide technical support to strengthen monitoring skills and long-term monitoring. Research limitations: Still this action is considered an extracurricular activity. For this reason, is necessary work with professor to integrate these activities in the education program of the schools. Findings: Aquatic insects community monitoring strength and complement the scientific monitoring. The methodology used can be replicated in other coastal basins.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir el proceso participativo para el monitoreo comunitario a fin de evaluar la calidad ambiental de los ríos de las cuencas Cuitzmala y Purificación mediante un índice biótico multimétrico con insectos acuáticos previamente desarrollado para esta región. Diseño metodológico: Se propone un modelo de proceso participativo para el monitoreo ambiental. Con actores clave se seleccionaron localidades que abarcaron parte alta, media y baja de cada cuenca. Se diseñó un taller con base en protocolos para monitoreo, adecuado al contexto de las cuencas y actores elegidos. El taller consistió en cuatro etapas, en las que se capacitó con teoría y práctica. En un diario de campo se tomaron notas descriptivas respecto a lo que dijeron e hicieron los participantes. Resultados: Se conformaron seis grupos comunitarios, en cinco escuelas, y un Comité Ciudadano Ambiental. A la mayoría de los participantes les pareció bien el taller y les gustaría ampliar el número de monitoreos y los sitios a monitorear. Los participantes lograron evaluar su tramo de río con los insectos acuáticos y recomendaron continuar el acompañamiento técnico para fortalecer sus habilidades y asegurar el monitoreo a largo plazo. Limitaciones de la investigación: Aún esta actividad es considerada como extracurricular, por lo que es necesario trabajar con los docentes para que quede integrada en las materias del programa curricular de cada grado. Hallazgos: El monitoreo comunitario de los insectos acuáticos fortalece y complementa al monitoreo científico. Esta metodología puede ser replicada en otras cuencas costeras.

Summary: Bioestimulants such as chitosan in traditional agriculture have proven effective in promoting plant growth and development, as well as protecting them from diseases. However, in aquaponic production systems its effect is not documented, therefore the objective of the present work was to determine the effect of chitosan concentration (0, 500 and 1000 mg L-1) in three varieties (Great Lakes, Regina 500 and Red Rock) of lettuce (Latuca sativa L.), on production parameters in a circular aquaponics system. Using a completely randomized design with a 3×3 factorial arrangement, chitosan was applied by spraying at 10 and 45 days after transplantation. After the analysis of variance, the differences due to the variety were determined using the Tukey test and the effect of chitosan concentration through orthogonal polynomials, in addition to a correlation analysis and simple linear regression between the yield, height, number and length of the leaves. The results showed that the variables number of leaves, length of leaves and root, plant weight, plant height and yield increased as the dose of chitosan increased. The Red Rock variety outperformed the Regina 500 and Great Lakes varieties. No presence of insects or diseases was detected. It is concluded that chitosan favors the growth, development and yield of the lettuce plant in a circular aquaponic system, especially with doses of 1000 mg L-1 of chitosan, and that with respect to these same variables, the Red Rock variety surpasses to the Regina 500 and Great Lakes varieties.

Resumen: Los bioestimulantes como el quitosano en la agricultura tradicional han demostrado su eficacia para promover el crecimiento y desarrollo de las plantas, así como protegerlas de enfermedades. Sin embargo, en sistemas de producción acuapónicos su efecto no está documentado, por ello el objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de la concentración de quitosano (0, 500 y 1000 mg L-1) en tres variedades (Grandes Lagos, Regina 500 y Red Rock) de lechuga (Latuca sativa L.), sobre los parámetros de producción en un sistema circular de acuaponía. Utilizando un diseño completamente al azar con un arreglo factorial 3×3 el quitosano se aplicó mediante aspersión a los 10 y 45 días después del trasplante. Posterior al análisis de varianza, las diferencias debido a la variedad se determinaron utilizando la prueba de Tukey y, el efecto de la concentración de quitosano mediante polinomios ortogonales, además de un análisis de correlación y regresión lineal simple entre el rendimiento, altura, número y longitud de las hojas. Los resultados demostraron que las variables número de hojas, longitud de hojas y raíz, peso de planta, altura de planta y rendimiento, se incrementó conforme se aumentó la dosis de quitosano. La variedad Red Rock superó a las variedades Regina 500 y Grandes Lagos. No se detectó la presencia de insectos ni enfermedades. Se concluye que el quitosano favorece el crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento de la planta de lechuga en un sistema circular de acuaponía, sobre todo con dosis de 1000 mg L-1 de quitosano, y que respecto a estas mismas variables, la variedad Red Rock supera a las variedades Regina 500 y Grandes Lagos.

Abstract Introduction: The mangrove is one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, due to the ecological role it plays on coastlines, it provides development, protection, and feeding areas for various species. Objective: To determine the diversity and annual fluctuation of the cerambycid community, as well as the vertical distribution of species richness associated with the edge and interior of a mangrove in Tabasco, Mexico. Methods: The sampling was carried out from August 2016 to July 2017. The capture of insects was performed with interception traps baited with ethanol 70 % at 1.5, 6, and 12 m height, on the edge and interior of the mangrove. Results: A total of 382 specimens were collected, belonging to three subfamilies, 25 genera, and 36 species; Laminae was the subfamily most diverse with 24 species, followed by Cerambycinae with 11 species. At the edge of the mangrove 31 species were captured, and 21 in the interior. The 1D index determined that the edge was 2.51 more diverse than the interior, with a similarity of 61 %, sharing 16 species. The fluctuation of the communities on the edge and interior presented remarkable differences during the sampling year. On the edge, the greatest species richness was recorded at 6 m height and in the interior at 1.5 m and 6 m. Conclusions: Studies related to the vertical distribution of this group of insects, together with the increase in collection time and using complementary techniques, could give better results to inventory a larger number of species in the ecosystems.

Resumen Introducción: El manglar es uno de los ecosistemas más importantes del planeta, debido al papel ecológico que desempeña en las costas, ya que es el hábitat, o bien el área de refugio y alimentación para diversas especies. Objetivo: Determinar la diversidad y fluctuación anual de la comunidad de cerambícidos, así como la distribución vertical de la riqueza de especies asociadas al borde e interior de un manglar en Tabasco, México. Métodos: El muestreo se realizó de agosto 2016 a julio 2017. La captura de insectos se realizó con trampas de intercepción cebadas con alcohol etílico al 70 % a 1.5, 6 y 12 m de altura, en el borde e interior del manglar. Resultados: Se recolectaron un total de 382 especímenes de tres subfamilias, pertenecientes a 36 especies de 25 géneros; Laminae fue la subfamilia más diversa con 24 especies, seguida de Cerambycinae con 11. En el borde del manglar se capturaron 31 especies y en el interior 21. El índice 1D, determinó que el borde fue 2.51 más diverso que el interior, con una similitud del 61 %, al compartir 16 especies. La fluctuación de las comunidades en el borde e interior presentó notables diferencias durante el año de muestreo. En el borde, la mayor riqueza de especie se registró a los 6 m de altura y en el interior a 1.5 m y 6 m. Conclusión: Los estudios relacionados con la distribución vertical de este grupo de insectos, aunado al incremento del tiempo de recolecta y utilizando técnicas complementarias, podrían dar mejores resultados para inventariar el mayor número de especies en los ecosistemas.

Abstract: Background: Plants emit floral signals that are attractive to pollinators. Floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered a key signal in attracting pollinators. However, it has been scarcely explored whether flowers of the same color emit the same scent. Questions: Do different species of Salvia with white corolla flowers emit the same floral scent and attract the same floral visitors? Study species: Salvia assurgens and Salvia madrigalii, two species with white corolla but different floral morphology. Study site: Temperate forest southeast of Morelia, Michoacán. Methods: The floral scent was analyzed by gas/mass chromatography and floral visitor observations were carried out with video cameras. Results: The chemical profile of floral scent (composition and relative quantity) differed between S. assurgens and S. madrigalii. In S. madrigalii we found 16 VOCs and it was visited exclusively by the hummingbird Amazilia beryllina, and in S. assurgens we found 11 VOCs and it was visited by four species of insects, being the butterfly Thorybes dorantes the most frequent visitor. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that floral volatiles were significantly correlated with the visitation rate of floral visitors. Conclusions: Our study shows evidence that Salvia species with white corolla flowers with different morphology emit different floral scents and attract particular floral visitors.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las plantas emiten señales florales que resultan atractivas para los polinizadores. Los compuestos volátiles orgánicos florales (COVs), son considerados como una señal clave en la atracción de polinizadores. Sin embargo, ha sido escasamente explorado si las flores de especies del mismo género con el mismo color emiten el mismo aroma y atraen a los mismos visitantes florales. Preguntas: ¿Las especies de Salvia con flores de corola blanca, emiten el mismo aroma floral y a su vez atraen a los mismos visitantes florales? Especie de estudio: Salvia assurgens y S. madrigalii, dos especies de corola blanca pero con distinta morfología floral. Sitio de estudio: Bosque templado al sureste de Morelia, Michoacán. Métodos: El aroma floral se analizó por cromatografía de gases/masas y la observación de visitantes florales se realizó con cámaras de video. Resultados: El perfil químico del aroma floral (composición y cantidad relativa de COVs) difirió significativamente entre S. assurgens y S. madrigalii. En S. madrigalii encontramos 16 COVs y fue visitada exclusivamente por el colibrí Amazilia beryllina y en S. assurgens encontramos 11 COVs y fue visitada por cuatro especies de insectos, siendo el más frecuente la mariposa Thorybes dorantes. El análisis de correspondencia canónica (ACC) mostró que los volátiles florales se correlacionaron significativamente con la frecuencia de visita de los visitantes florales. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio muestra evidencia que las flores blancas de Salvia de distintas especies con distinta morfología emiten diferente aroma floral y a su vez atrae a visitantes florales particulares.

ABSTRACT Chinch bugs [Blissus pulchellus Montandon (Hemiptera: Blissidae)] suck the phloem from susceptible forage grasses, injecting toxins that destroy plant vessels and compromise the flow of water and nutrients, leading to plant death. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess eight forage grasses for antixenosis resistance to B. pulchellus and compare the anatomical characteristics of leaf sheath tissue from resistant and susceptible species/cultivars. Experiments were conducted in a laboratory and greenhouse, using choice and no-choice tests with the following forage grasses: Urochloa ruziziensis, U. humidicola, U. brizantha ‘Piatã’, U. brizantha ‘Paiaguás’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, Panicum maximum ‘Mombaça’, P. maximum ‘Zuri’, and Andropogon gayanus. The oviposition results demonstrated that in the choice test there was a change in the stink bug’s behavior in relation to grasses four hours after infestation, with U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ and ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’ and A. gayanus, proving to be less attractive to insects. It is concluded that U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ and ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, and A. gayanus are less attractive to B. pulchellus. A. gayanus and P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ and ‘Zuri’ showed non-preference resistance (antixenosis) to oviposition by B. pulchellus. The resistance of U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Zuri’, and A. gayanus to B. pulchellus may be associated with greater compaction and lignification of the parenchyma and sclerenchyma cells of leaf sheaths. Blissus Hemiptera (Hemiptera Blissidae Blissidae) nutrients death Thus B speciescultivars species cultivars species/cultivars greenhouse nochoice no ruziziensis U humidicola ‘Piatã, Piatã ‘Piatã , ‘Piatã’ ‘Paiaguás, Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás’ ‘Marandu, Marandu ‘Marandu ‘Mombaça, Mombaça ‘Mombaça P ‘Zuri, Zuri ‘Zuri bug s infestation A insects nonpreference non preference (antixenosis sheaths

RESUMO Os percevejos-das-gramíneas [Blissus pulchellus Montandon (Hemiptera: Blissidae)] sugam a seiva de espécies forrageiras suscetíveis e injetam toxinas que destroem os vasos condutores e dificultam o transporte de água e nutrientes, levando as plantas a morte. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência por antixenose e tolerância em oito poáceas forrageiras à B. pulchellus e comparar as características anatômicas dos tecidos das bainhas foliares de espécies/cultivares resistentes e suscetíveis. Os ensaios foram conduzidos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, em testes com e sem chance de escolha, utilizando-se as forrageiras: Urochloa ruziziensis, U. humidicola, U. brizantha ‘Piatã’, U. brizantha ‘Paiaguás’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, Panicum maximum ‘Mombaça’, P. maximum ‘Zuri’, e Andropogon gayanus. Os resultados de oviposição demonstraram que no teste de escolha houve uma mudança no comportamento do percevejo em relação às gramíneas quatro horas após infestação, sendo U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ e ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’ e A. gayanus menos atrativos para os insetos. Conclui-se que U. humidicola, P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ e ‘Zuri’, U. brizantha ‘Marandu’, e A. gayanus são menos atrativas a B. pulchellus. A. gayanus, e P. maximum ‘Mombaça’ e ‘Zuri’ apresentam resistência do tipo não-preferência para oviposição a B. pulchellus. A resistência de U. humidicola, P. maximum Zuri, e A. gayanus a B. pulchellus pode estar associada a maior compactação e lignificação das células dos tecidos parenquimático e esclerenquimático das bainhas foliares. percevejosdasgramíneas percevejos Blissus Hemiptera (Hemiptera Blissidae Blissidae) nutrientes morte Assim B espéciescultivares cultivares vegetação utilizandose utilizando se ruziziensis U humidicola ‘Piatã, Piatã ‘Piatã , ‘Piatã’ ‘Paiaguás, Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás ‘Paiaguás’ ‘Marandu, Marandu ‘Marandu ‘Mombaça, Mombaça ‘Mombaça P ‘Zuri, Zuri ‘Zuri infestação insetos Concluise Conclui nãopreferência não preferência

ABSTRACT Lemon verbena, Aloysia citriodora (Palau) has been widely used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry. In Colombia the foliage is marketed fresh but there is no information regarding the plant phenology, nor on the insects associated, therefore the management practices are still empirical, and sometimes does not comply with the national regulations for the commercialization of medicinal plants. In this study it was determined that it takes 32 weeks from planting to flower senescence completing its phenological cycle; likewise, an associated arthropofauna of 50 families with different feeding habits were found, suggesting that the species offers different ecosystem services. The information obtained could contribute to establish more effective management plans for arthropods, and to improve quality of materials with medicinal purposes.

RESUMEN El cidrón, Aloysia citriodora (Palau) ha sido ampliamente utilizada en la medicina tradicional, la cosmética y la industria alimentaria. En Colombia el follaje se comercializa fresco, pero no se cuenta con información sobre la fenología de la planta, ni sobre los insectos asociados, por lo que las prácticas de manejo son aún empíricas, y en ocasiones no cumplen con las normas nacionales para la comercialización de plantas medicinales. En este estudio se determinó que la planta tarda 32 semanas desde la siembra hasta la senescencia de la flor completando su ciclo fenológico; así mismo, se encontró una artrofauna asociada de 50 familias con diferentes hábitos alimentarios, lo que sugiere que la especie ofrece diferentes servicios ecosistémicos. La información obtenida podría contribuir a establecer planes de manejo más efectivos para los artrópodos y a mejorar la calidad de los materiales con fines medicinales.

The decomposition of a body, and the associated gaseous and liquid discharges emanating from it, attract gravid female blow flies which lay their eggs in or on the body. After the eggs have hatched, the emerging larvae start feeding on the body. As decomposition progresses, the blow fly larvae often migrate away, typically in a random manner in search of favourable conditions for pupation. In this paper, we report on a rarely described phenomenon of unidirectional mass migration of blow fly larvae and postulate on the factors which may drive this process. A decomposition trial utilising a 60-kg pig carcass, deployed in the summer months in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa, was conducted in 2022. On the fifth day of the trial, simultaneous unidirectional mass dispersal of blow fly larvae was observed. The larvae moved downhill in a southeasterly direction, following the flow of decomposition fluids oozing out from the pig carcass. The 'larval migration stream' had a length of approximately 1.5 m with a width of 40 cm, tapering to 17 cm at the terminal point. The larval migration stream consisted of the larvae of Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of post-feeding blow fly larvae in each geographical region. This is crucial as the minimum post-mortem interval can be miscalculated if older immature insects dispersing from the corpse are not considered and collected during crime scene investigations. SIGNIFICANCE: • Understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of blow fly larvae from decomposing vertebrate remains in each geographical region is important in time-since-death estimations when using entomological evidence. • In the summer season of the Western Cape Province, Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga are among the blow fly species of forensic importance as they deposit their eggs on vertebrate remains. • When a decomposing body is found within the Table Mountain region, we suggest that crime scene investigators should examine the downhill area of the scene for larval/pupal entomological evidence that can assist in time and season of death estimations.

Abstract: Plastic is widely used and responsible for negative environmental impacts. Such is the case of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a material that presents revaluation challenges due to its low density. The ability of certain insects larvae, such as Tenebrio molitor, to mineralize plastic has been demonstrated, although its insect farming still focuses on obtaining sustainable protein and biofertilizer. This study investigates the influence of an EPS diet on the larval development of T. molitor for 6 months and examines how the diet affects the volume of biofertilizer collected in this period. Trials were developed with three diets, performing periodic measurements and collection of material. The results indicate that larvae fed a combined substrate, as well as those fed an organic diet, demonstrate survival rates of up to 66%. The final length is lower in the inorganic diet (112 mm), and in the other diets it exceeds 162 mm. Larvae on an inorganic diet did not progress to pupal stage, demonstrated a disappointing lowest Feed Conversion Ratio (3.87) and produced less frass (1.28g), compared to the combined diet which recorded 5.11g. The data suggest that plastic entomoremediation works optimally if larvae are raised on a combined diet substrate of EPS and organic elements. This condition not only produces positive results, but also is aligned well with the principles of the circular economy. Therefore, a combined diet proves to be an ideal candidate for tackling EPS waste.

Resumen: El plástico es ampliamente utilizado y responsable de impactos ambientales negativos. Tal es el caso del poliestireno expandido (EPS), que presenta desafíos de revalorización por su baja densidad. Aunque ciertas larvas de insecto, como tenebrio molitor, han demostrado la capacidad de mineralizar plásticos, la insecticultura de estos aún se enfoca en obtener proteína sostenible y biofertilizante. En este estudio, se investiga la influencia de una dieta de EPS en el desarrollo larval de T. molitor durante 6 meses, y se examina cómo la dieta afecta el volumen de biofertilizante recolectado en este lapso. Se desarrollaron ensayos con tres dietas, realizando mediciones y recolección de material de manera periódica. Los resultados indican que las larvas alimentadas con un sustrato combinado, así como aquellas con una dieta orgánica, demuestran tasas de supervivencia de hasta 66%. La longitud final es inferior en la dieta inorgánica (112mm), y en las otras dietas superan los 162 mm. Las larvas de una dieta inorgánica no progresaron a pupa, demostraron un Factor de Conversión de Alimento desalentador (3,87) y produjeron menor cantidad de frass/biofertilizante (1,28g), en comparación con la dieta combinada que registró 5,11g. Los datos sugieren que la entomoremediación plástica funciona óptimamente si se cría larvas en un sustrato combinado de EPS y elementos orgánicos. Dicha condición no solo produce resultados positivos, sino que se alinea con los principios de economía circular. En consecuencia, se demuestra que una dieta combinada es ideal para abordarla como opción en el tratamiento de residuos de EPS.

Abstract Plant fertilization may impact directly on insect pest behavior and biology. Fertilization may be accomplished by using synthetic mineral or organic fertilizers. The effect of different doses of boiled hen chicken manure, Penergetic®, Bokashi compound and mineral fertilizer on the adult population of Bemisia tabaci and Myzus persicae on collards leaves were evaluated. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse using the treatments: Bokashi, Penergetic® bioactivator, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% of solution of boiled manure, mineral fertilization and control. The number of insects was counted directly on the leaves, and the nitrogen, potassium content, and total phenolic compound in the leaves were determined. Higher populations of Bemisia tabaci and M. persicae were observed on NPK-fertilized plants compared to other treatments. Higher levels of nitrogen foliar were found for Bokashi-fertilized plants; and higher concentrations of total phenolic compounds were found in the control. A negative correlation between total phenolics and B. tabaci was established suggesting the importance of these compounds in the species development. The results indicate the importance of the source of the fertilization for sustainable pest management.

Resumen La fertilización de las plantas puede tener un impacto directo en el comportamiento y la biología de los insectos plaga. La fertilización se puede lograr utilizando fertilizantes minerales sintéticos u orgánicos. Se evaluó el efecto de diferentes dosis de estiércol de gallina hervido, Penergetic®, compuesto Bokashi y fertilizante mineral sobre la población adulta de Bemisia tabaci y Myzus persicae en hojas de col forrajera. El experimento se realizó en invernadero utilizando los tratamientos: Bokashi, bioactivador Penergetic®, 2.5%, 5% y 7.5% de solución de estiércol hervido, fertilización mineral y el control. El número de insectos se contó directamente en las hojas, y se determinó el contenido de nitrógeno, de potasio y los compuestos fenólicos totales en las hojas. Se observaron poblaciones más altas de Bemisia tabaci y M. persicae en plantas fertilizadas con NPK en comparación con otros tratamientos. Se encontraron niveles más altos de nitrógeno foliar para las plantas fertilizadas con Bokashi; y se encontraron mayores concentraciones de compuestos fenólicos totales en el control. Se estableció una correlación negativa entre los fenólicos totales y B. tabaci, lo que sugiere la importancia de estos compuestos en el desarrollo de la especie. Los resultados indican la importancia de la fuente de fertilización para el manejo sustentable de plagas.

Abstract: Background: Invasive exotic species exhibit different ecological traits that confer them competitive advantages over native vegetation, causing significant impacts on biodiversity. Questions: What is the invasion risk of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché, considering its ecological traits and the potential impacts it may be causing in forest remnants? Study site and dates: The research was conducted in 2021 at the Reserva Forestal Thomas van der Hammen and its surrounding area, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Methods: Various ecological traits of C. ficifolia were examined through field and laboratory experiments. Ecosystem impacts were analyzed through a multi-temporal analysis using satellite imagery and with the characterization of vegetation and key orders of pollinating insects. This information was utilized to assess its invasion risk. Results: Propagation of C. ficifolia occurred through sexual reproduction, with a generational time of less than one year. The C. ficifolia showed abundant seed production (> 70 % viable), high morphological variability in its fruits and seeds. The dominance of C. ficifolia correlated with forest contraction points, leading to significant changes in vegetation composition and structure, and some ecosystem processes. C. ficifolia was rated as having a high invasion risk. Conclusions: C. ficifolia exhibits multiple ecological traits that are linked to high invasiveness, allowing it to successfully establish itself in forest remnants with relevant effects on the ecosystem.

Resumen: Antecedentes: Las especies exóticas invasoras exhiben diferentes rasgos ecológicos que les confieren ventajas competitivas sobre la vegetación nativa con importantes efectos en la biodiversidad. Preguntas: ¿Cuál es el riesgo de invasión de Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché teniendo en cuenta sus rasgos ecológicos y los impactos que puede estar generando en relictos boscosos? Sitio y periodo de estudio: la investigación se desarrolló durante 2021 en la Reserva Forestal Thomas van der Hammen y su área de influencia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Métodos: se examinaron diferentes rasgos ecológicos de C. ficifolia mediante experimentos en campo y de laboratorio. Se analizaron los impactos ecosistémicos a través de un análisis multitemporal con imágenes satelitales y con la caracterización de la vegetación y los principales órdenes de insectos polinizadores. Esta información se utilizó para evaluar su riesgo de invasión. Resultados: C. ficifolia se propagó de manera sexual, su tiempo generacional fue menor a un año. Denotó alta variabilidad morfológica en frutos y semillas registrando, además, abundante producción de semillas con alta viabilidad (> 70 %). Los puntos de contracción del bosque se correlacionaron con la dominancia de C. ficifolia, generando cambios significativos en la composición y estructura de la vegetación y en algunos procesos ecosistémicos. C. ficifolia fue calificada con un alto riesgo de invasión. Conclusiones: C. ficifolia reúne varios rasgos ecológicos asociados con una alta invasividad, lo que permitió establecerse exitosamente en relictos boscosos con efectos relevantes sobre el ecosistema.

The number of people on Earth and human activities are currently taking on frightening proportions with far-reaching consequences for our planet, its biodiversity and ultimately the human race itself. Ten thousand years ago, humans represented 1% of the total biomass of all land vertebrates. The rest was made up by wild animals. Currently, humans, livestock and pets make up 99% of terrestrial vertebrate biomass, while wild animals represent only 1%. It took millennia for the human population to reach the 1 billion mark and that only by 1890. By 1960, however, the world population had grown to 3 billion. Today there are 8 billion people living on our planet. According to Population Matters, the world population will be approximately 10,4 billion by the end of this century, despite the gradual decline in the growth rate in some countries. There is only a 23% chance that the total population growth rate will tail off before 2100. The population of the 47 least developed countries is likely to triple between 2017 and 2100 to around 3 billion. There are currently 62 million people in South Africa. About 67,9% of our population (in 2021) live in urban areas. The South African population grew by 0,87% in 2023. The fertility rate is 2,30 (2023). It is estimated that by 2050 75,5 million people will be living in South Africa, with 8 out of every 10 people living in urban areas, which would significantly increase the pressure on infrastructure. The Global Footprint Network states that humans currently use the resources of 1,75 Earths. If the situation does not improve, by 2050 we would need the equivalent of three Earths to survive. More than 4 billion people will have little or no water by 2050, and South Africa even now has been classified as a "water-stressed" country. Medical science is continually contributing to more babies surviving their entry into the world and to our living increasingly longer. Life expectancy has risen from 46 years in 1950 to 73,2 years in 2023. By 2050 it will be 77 years. What can be done? Empowerment of women is important. Population growth can be curbed to a reasonable extent by giving more girls access to education. This certainly does not mean that girls or women alone should be held responsible for the current population growth, but much more will have to be done about sex education, women's rights will have to be actively promoted and there will have to be better provision and use of contraceptives. Obviously, these issues should be approached and handled with due caution. In this regard, countries such as Thailand and South Korea have, in the recent past, proved that good education may result in lower birth rates. In Africa, women with no education have an average of 5,4 children; women who completed high school an average of 2,7 children and women with tertiary education an average of 2.2. In Nigeria, every year of school attendance by girls cuts the birth rate by a tenth. In addition, intensified efforts to reform economies and societies should be considered. For the sake of the survival of the human species and the sustainability of the Earth, ecological and economic justice and the empowerment ofwomen have to be encouraged. The Millennium Project - a global participatory think tank that was founded in 1996 under the auspices of the American Council for the United Nations University, but which became independent in 2009 and has since grown into a global network of institutions and individuals - aims to improve humankind's prospects for a better future. It recommends, among other things, the following: • Support a policy aimed at improving the survival of children, responsible family planning and educational opportunities for (especially) girls. • Improve methods that will ensure skills and employment opportunities for young people, as well as care and services for the elderly. • Implement the UN's urban agenda. • Create enough smart cities where citizens with urban intelligence can help in eco-smart ways with the necessary improvements in the city. • Increase training in resilience, and improve disaster prediction and management. • Provide guidance for people about urban ecology. • Intensify research and development in saltwater agriculture (halophytes or salt plants) on coastlines to produce food for humans and animals, biofuel and pulp for the paper industry, and to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). This will ease the pressure on freshwater agriculture. • Improve agricultural and irrigation management. • Invest in precision agriculture and aquaculture. • Reduce food losses from the "farm to the mouth" (one third or 1,3 billion tons of agricultural production is wasted in this way every year). • Establish seaweed to restore wild fish populations along coastlines. The World Bank estimates that 90% of marine life is completely depleted. • Expand the production of insects for animal feed and human diets (insects have a low environmental impact, and 2 billion people already supplement their diet with insects today). • Encourage vegetarianism. Although there are more ways to address these important global challenges, responsible family planning remains one of the most important. This is an extremely sensitive issue for many people (especially in Africa), but if it is not promoted in a humane, informed and responsible way, the sustainability of life on our planet will increasingly come under tremendous pressure in various respects.

Die aantal mense op aarde en hulle/ons aktiwiteite neem tans skrikwekkende afmetings aan met wydlopende gevolge vir ons planeet, biodiversiteit en uiteindelik onsself. Die moderne mens het sy teenwoordigheid op die aarde en die benutting van hulpbronne baie lank as sy onaantasbare reg gesien. Die huidige uitwerking van byvoorbeeld bevolkingsgroei en besoedeling versteur die aarde se natuurlike ritme in so 'n mate dat ons nou nie meer op 'n kitsoplossing kan hoop nie. Die mens se getalle neem teen so 'n tempo toe dat dit nie net nadelig vir die planeet is nie, maar ook vir die mensdom self. Wat kan gedoen word? Bemagtiging van vroue speel 'n belangrike rol. Dit beteken beslis nie dat meisies en vroue alleen vir die huidige bevolkingsgroei verantwoordelik gehou moet word nie. Die bevolkingsgroei kan egter in 'n redelike mate vertraag word deur veral meer meisies toegang tot onderwys en opleiding te gee - asook hul lewensomstandighede te verbeter. Ook sal daar heelwat meer aan seksopvoeding gedoen moet word, vroueregte sal daadwerklik bevorder moet word en daar sal beter voorsiening en gebruik van voorbehoedmiddels moet wees. Uiteraard moet hierdie kwessies met die nodige omsigtigheid benader en hanteer word. In hierdie verband kan onder andere Thailand en Suid-Korea genoem word wat in die onlangse verlede bewys het dat goeie onderwys geboortesyfers laat daal. In Afrika het vroue wat geen onderwys ontvang nie, gemiddeld 5,4 kinders; vroue wat hoërskool voltooi het gemiddeld 2,7 kinders en vroue wat tersiêre studie deurloop het, gemiddeld 2,2 kinders. In Nigerië sny elke jaar wat meisies skool bywoon, die geboortesyfer met 'n tiende. Hiermee saam sal daar ook verskerpte pogings moet wees om ekonomieë en samelewings te hervorm. Ter wille van die mens se voortbestaan en die volhoubaarheid van lewe op aarde moet ekologiese en ekonomiese geregtigheid, en die bemagtiging van vroue aangemoedig word.

Abstract The use of fungi and bacteria with pathogenic capacity towards insects is considered a sustainable agroecological alternative for efficient pest control, as they are microorganisms of easy production in industrial scale, formulation and use. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate four entomopathogenic formulations in the control of Brevicoryne brassicae L., a key pest of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), in a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments, plus an absolute control and 4 replicates. The variables evaluated were the number of dead and live aphids per plant and the number of infested plants. The commercial formulations Biosafe, BesT-K, Metarrizo and Yurak containing strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk), Metarhizium anisopliae and Bauveria bassiana respectively, are the ones that were used by spray application to the crop in two seasons: planting, season August-December 2019 and August-December 2021. Among the results, M. anisopliae was recorded with up to 91.11 % efficiency, followed by B. bassiana with 89.50 % and Bs with 79.38 % in the reduction of populations under field conditions. In the laboratory, Btk and M. anisopliae reached 100 % mortality in a period of seven days, so it is concluded that in the medium term, entomopathogenic fungi in the field are more efficient in aphid control; however, in controlled conditions Btk is also efficient.

Resumen El uso de hongos y bacterias con capacidad patogénica hacia los insectos se considera una alternativa agroecológica sostenible de lucha eficiente contra las plagas por ser microorganismos de fácil producción en escala industrial, formulación y uso; entonces, el objetivo ha sido evaluar cuatro formulados entomopatógenos en el control de Brevicoryne brassicae L, plaga clave de la col (Brassica oleracea L.), en diseño de bloques completos al azar de 4 tratamientos, sumado un testigo absoluto y 4 réplicas, siendo las variables evaluadas la cantidad de pulgones muertos y vivos por planta y cantidad de plantas infestadas. Los formulados comerciales Biosafe, BesT-K, Metarrizo y Yurak que contenían cepas de Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk), Metarhizium anisopliae y Bauveria bassiana, respectivamente, son los que fueron utilizados mediante la aplicación por aspersión al cultivo en dos épocas de siembra, temporada agosto-diciembre 2019 y agosto-diciembre 2021. Entre los resultados se registró al M. anisopliae con hasta 91,11 % de eficiencia, seguida por B. bassiana con 89,50 % y Bs con 79,38 % en la reducción de las poblaciones en condiciones de campo; en laboratorio el Btk y M. anisopliae alcanzaron el 100 % de mortalidad en un lapso de siete días, por lo que se concluye que a mediano plazo los hongos entomopatógenos en campo resultan ser más eficientes en el control del pulgón, sin embargo, en condiciones controladas el Btk también es eficiente.