This article discusses a new technology of forming connector forgings from ZK60 magnesium alloy preforms by die forging on a screw press. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of using preforms cast from the ZK60 magnesium alloy to forge a connector forging with improved mechanical properties compared to those obtained by casting. It also aimed to establish whether this new forging method has the potential for replacing the multi-stage forging process conducted on hydraulic presses used for high-strength Mg alloys. A numerical analysis of the proposed approach was performed by the finite element method, applying the popular DEFORM computer software for simulating forming processes. The numerical results confirmed that the developed method produces parts with the desired shape. The numerical results also provided information regarding the behavior of the workpiece’s material and the screw press forging process, including the distributions of strains and temperatures, the Cockcroft–Latham damage criterion, and energy required to form connector forgings. The proposed screw press forging process for producing ZK60 alloy connectors from cast preforms was verified by experimental tests. The connector forgings produced from the ZK60 magnesium alloy were then subjected to qualitative tests. The use of lightweight metals as construction materials is regarded to be of crucial importance for the future of various industries. Since the global trend is to use high-strength materials, there is a growing interest in lightweight magnesium metal alloys ,2,3. TheThe finite volume method is based on Euler’s solution—which is what makes a difference in relation to the FEM. In the FEM, the mesh of elements generated in the material being deformed undergoes continuous changes in geometry, reflecting changes in the shape of the material being formed. In contrast, Euler’s solution involves generating a mesh of cubic elements (finite volumes) in the space where the deformed material is located. This mesh is rigidly fixed in space, and its parameters do not change during the calculation cycle. The following FVM software is used to simulate forming processes on a screw press: MSC.Dytran; MSC.SuperForge; Simufact Forming ,18,19. TThis article presents the numerical and experimental results of a new screw press forging process for manufacturing connectors from ZK60 magnesium alloy preforms. The ZK60 magnesium alloy, which is in the Mg-Zn-Zr alloy group, was selected for the study ,20. The Currently, automotive and aviation connectors made from magnesium alloys are formed from casts by machining ,27, cast3) and consists of three operations: bending, preforming, and finishing. The process is conducted with a significant flash allowance. About 50% of the weight of the forging is process waste for flash. Additionally, the process uses expensive tool-heating systems. The use of the cast preform in the new screw press forging process would enable the component to be formed in a single operation and would improve the component’s properties compared with products obtained from machined castings. However, obtaining specific mechanical properties requires a certain level of strain within the forged part to be induced. Therefore, the design of the preform, its shape and volume, are of paramount importance. This article describes work which was carried out to develop the design of the preform’s shape and size subsequently used in forging trials of the proposed new forging technology. The considered preform designs were assessed using the finite element method analysis and experimental testing.The manufacturing of the connectors from magnesium alloys by the casting technology offers products that have much lower mechanical and functional properties than parts obtained by metal forming methods, as presented in the literature ,30. CastThe connector part shown in Based on the geometrical model of the connector part a, a forgIt was assumed that in the new technology of high-strength Mg alloy forging, the cast preforms geometry will be optimized relative to the shape of the forging of the selected connector part. This was possible based upon computer simulations of the process of metal forming of the preforms, which allowed their multi-variate analysis. The use of a cast preform whose shape closely reflects the outline of the forging in the die parting plane has a favorable impact on the metal flow kinematics, particularly during the deformation of less ductile grades of Mg alloys, which allows for a correct, defect-free product of a more accurate shape and dimensions to be obtained. Reducing the number of operations needed to produce the forging allows for better material and energy savings. It is assumed that in the new method of manufacturing parts from high-strength Mg alloys, the process will be carried out by means of die-forging from cast preforms in a single operation in a finishing impression applying typical forging machines (screw press) and with the application of inexpensive methods of tool heating .3. In comparison to the cylindrical billet used in the original three-stage process, the volume of preform #1 would allow 5852 mm3 (4.75%) of the ZK60 alloy per one forging to be conserved.The first considered preform was designed by modifying the shape of the forging; the height was increased from 27 mm to 28 mm, and the preform’s width and the diameter of heads were decreased; certain geometrical features were altered, e.g., 3 mm deep groves were added on both sides of the head-connecting section; some other dimensions of recesses in the connector’s heads were changed; all these are shown in sections A-A and B-B in 3. Removing the grooves made the volume of preform #2 larger by 0.48% than the volume of the cylindrical billet used in the original three-stage forging process. The 3D model of preform #2 and its characteristic dimensions are shown in The second considered preform was developed by modifying the shape of preform #1. The modification consisted in removing the groves from the bottom and top surfaces of the head-connecting section. This increased the volume of the preform to 123,684 mm−1, 0.1 s−1, 1.0 s−1, and 10.0 s−1. The simulations were carried out for the preform at the temperature of 400 °C, and the temperature of both dies equals 250 °C [2, and thread lead—188 mm was given. Friction on the specimen-die interface was modelled using a shear friction model with the shear factor m = 0.25 [2K, while that between the material and the environment equaled 0.02 kW/m2K [The finite element method analysis of the screw press forging of the connector using the cast preform was used to assess if the proposed preform enables a defect-free part to be forged, the distribution of strain and temperature to be computed, locations at the risk of cracking within the forged component to be indicated, and the amount of energy required for the forging process to be established. A 3D FEM model of the process  was creas 250 °C ,38,39. T2 kW/m2K .The numerical results were verified by experimental tests performed in the same conditions as those applied in the computer simulations. Before the forging process, all preform castings  were sub-warm water, 50–70 °C;-cold water;-nitric acid aqueous solution HNO3 (approx. 20–35%);-cold water;-sodium hydroxide aqueous solution NaOH (approx. 10%) 50–70 °C .Subsequently, the following heat treatment was applied ,43,45:–supersaturation—heating from ambient temperature T = 20 °C to T = 420 °C in 40 min; then from T = 420 °C to T = 430 °C in 15 min; holding at the temperature of T = 430 °C for 90 min and cooling in water;–aging in temperature T = 175 °C for 17 h and cooling in air.After forging on the press, the correct forgings were trimmed from the flash using a saw and etched in baths with parameters :-warm waThe heat treatment was carried out in a LAC resistance electric furnace equipped with a protective gas connection. During the heat treatment, argon was fed into the furnace chamber at a flow rate of 5 L/min. In addition, batches of samples were protected with a fire blanket to prevent ignition when the furnace door was opened.The structure and mechanical properties were studied to assess the quality of the formed preforms and forgings. Microstructural tests were conducted in the cross-section of the preforms and forgings. Samples were prepared for structural testing. They were treated with a grinding and polishing process. Pre-grinding was performed using a SiC-coated abrasive disc with a grain size of 400 for 60–120 s. Subsequently, 9 µm diamond suspension polishing was applied for 3 min. A further step was polishing using a diamond suspension with grain sizes up to 3 µm for 180–360 s. Subsequently, polishing was conducted using colloidal silica with a grain size of 0.05 µm for 240 s. The samples were thoroughly rinsed with alcohol between each step to prevent surface oxidation. After the polished surfaces were developed, the samples were etched by immersion and gentle agitation for 10–15 s in a solution of the following composition: 100 mL ethanol, 10 mL distilled water, 10 mL acetic acid, and 5 g picric acid etchant. Microstructural studies were conducted on a Nikon MA200 optical microscope. Hardness measurements were performed by the Vickers method with application of a Future-tech FM800 hardness tester. Measurements were performed on an HV scale of 0.5 in according to PN-EN ISO 6507-1: 2006.Mechanical tests were conducted on samples made from preforms and forgings. Three iterations each were performed for testing mechanical properties. Sample geometry and test procedures were used in accordance with ISO 6892-1. The tensile test was carried out at the room temperature of 20 °C on a Shimadzu AG-X plus 20KN machine  and equipped with a longitudinal extensometer to measure deformations and to control the test speed . The tesThe numerical results demonstrate that the ZK60 magnesium alloy connector can be produced by the proposed screw press forging method from the cast preform. The distribution of the effective strain in the forging upon completing the final forging operation is illustrated in The temperature fields at the end of the forging process conducted on the screw press are shown in σH—equivalent stress according to Huber’s hypothesis, σmax—maximum principal stress, ε—strain intensity, C1—integral value.With strain and temperature analysis, the study investigated the risk of crack occurrence in the forgings. The modified form of the Cockroft–Latham (C-L) failure criterion was input into the theoretical analysis of this phenomenon in the DEFORM software ,47. The 1 = CCL, plastic fracture of the material occurs.The Cockroft–Latham criterion establishes that when the work performed by tensile stresses in uniform tension reaches a certain critical value CExample C-L damage criterion distributions in forgings after the screw press forging process are illustrated in FEM analysis enabled the establishment of the amount of energy required to complete the forging process utilizing the two designed preforms. The impact energy consumed for preform #1 was 31.4 kJ. More energy was used for preform #2. The forging process had to be executed in two blows. With the first blow, the energy was 31.3 kJ, and the second blow was 16 kJ. Therefore, the forging process for preform #2 is more energy-intensive and less efficient.The experimental results confirm that ZK60 magnesium alloy connectors can be produced by the proposed screw press forging method from the cast preform. Following surface cleaning and visual inspection, the produced forgings were found to be defect-free for both designed preforms. Based on microstructural studies of ZK60 alloy cast connector preforms, the structures shown in The structure after homogenization is fully homogenized . EquiaxiThe microstructure after forging on a screw press from preform #1 is shown in After supersaturation and artificial aging, the microstructure recrystallized throughout the studied area b. RegulaThe post-forging variant #2 microstructure is presented in Hardness of the unprocessed alloy is 50–50.2 HV on average. After homogenization, hardness dropped to 40.5–43 HV. Post-forging hardness grows in relation to that in the post-homogenization stage. Hardness of samples produced on the screw press from preform #2 and #1 is relatively close to the average (51.3 and 53.3 HV). Hardness of all samples after full heat treatment increases considerably up to 65.7 and 67.4 HV.The increase in strength and formability of the alloy after the process is associated with several mechanisms. On the one hand, the precipitation strengthening causes that the dislocation movement is blocked by evenly distributed fine precipitates of the second phase. On the other hand, the homogenization of the alloy eliminates the structural effects resulting from the presence of large precipitates on the grain boundaries with a hard but short character, which at the same time cause stress concentration and susceptibility for brittle fracture. Another factor that may be important in this case is the Hall–Patch effect described in more detail in the literature .The aim of this study was to introduce an innovative method for producing ZK60 magnesium alloy connector forgings from cast preforms by screw press forging. The numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed screw press forging process is a viable way of producing forgings of the connector from the designed geometry of preforms with the required shape. The new method ensures a larger efficiency of the process due to the shortening of forging time limited to a single forging operation, as well as considerable material savings compared to previously applied methods that consisted in forming the connector by multistage forging or from casts by means of machining operations. In this field, further research will include the study of the principles of topological optimization for the design of the parts available in CAD and simulation software. The novel process involving the forging of cast preforms enables a higher quality of the produced connectors to be obtained in relation to those machined from castings. This higher quality obtained in the course of the new process stems from a more favorable structure due to the grain size reduction and unification via metal deformation, which offers improved tensile and functional properties. Good quality of the surface stems from the impact of tools upon the processed material. As a consequence, the porosity and irregularity of the surface frequently emerging in castings are avoided.The results demonstrate that ZK60 cast magnesium alloys maintain good plasticity in the screw press die forging process. According to the literature, the forging of magnesium alloys is usually performed by means of hydraulic presses or mechanical presses equipped with systems for tool preheating and at low operating speeds. Magnesium alloys are very seldom subjected to screw press die forging.The study confirms the effectiveness of numerical simulations based on the finite element method. They enable multivariate analysis to be carried out at the stage of process design, which allowed the geometry of preforms to be established for experimental tests, as well as for experimental tests to be scheduled in a more detailed manner, and their costs to be reduced. This leads to decreased production costs and a shorter time of industrial implementation of new technologies.Magnesium alloys are one of the group of lightweight, structural materials regarded as crucial to the future of various industries. For this reason, it is important to carry out more research on the technology development of manufacturing magnesium alloy products from cast preforms using screw presses, which have a much higher capacity than hydraulic presses. Successful investigations of the forging process of ZK60 alloy forgings on a screw press demonstrate that research should continue for other ductile magnesium alloys.


This summary explores strategies to protect date palm trees from harmful insects like the red palm weevil. The emphasis is on employing intelligent and eco-friendly methods that do not harm the environment. The goal is to understand the impact of these insects on trees and identify effective measures to prevent their infestation. Ultimately, the objective is to ensure the long-term health and vitality of date palm trees.The red palm weevil (RPW) poses a significant threat to date palm ecosystems, highlighting the necessity of sustainable pest management strategies that carefully consider the delicate ecological balance within these environments. This comprehensive review delves into innovative approaches to sustainable pest management, specifically focusing on date palm, and seeks to unravel the intricate ecological dynamics underlying RPW infestations. We thoroughly analyze biocontrol methods, eco-friendly chemical interventions, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, aiming to minimize the ecological impact while effectively addressing RPW infestations. By emphasizing the interplay of both living organisms (biotic) and environmental factors (abiotic) in shaping RPW dynamics, we advocate for a holistic and sustainable management approach that ensures the long-term resilience of date palm ecosystems. This review aims to contribute to an ecologically sound framework for pest management, promoting the sustainability and vitality of date palm ecosystems amidst the challenges posed by the RPW. Rhynchophorus ferrugineus , is a persistent pest that originated in Southeast Asia and Melanesia. Through accidental introduction, it has become a global threat, affecting regions such as the USA, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean basin, and the Middle East. The RPW has been observed in numerous regions, spanning 28 countries in Asia, 6 in Africa, 1 in North America, 2 in Central America and the Caribbean, 14 in Europe, and 5 in Oceania [Rhynchophorus weevil genus and is notorious for causing extensive damage to cultivated date palm farms. Its existence has resulted in notable challenges concerning the cultivation of palm and coconut trees and their use in ornamental settings [Bemisia tabaci, Drosophila suzukii, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera frugiperda, S. litura, and Trogoderma granarium, by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization  [Phoenix dactylifera) cultivation is substantial. In the Arabian Gulf region alone, it caused a staggering loss of US$25.92 million in 2009, accounting for approximately 30% of the world’s annual date palm production [The RPW, scientifically known as Olivier, 790, is asettings ,4. This The RPW presents a significant invasive threat and may exhibit cryptic behavior, as observed in studies by Giblin-Davis et al. , Mahmud R. palmarum, that causes a very serious problem to oil palm cultivars and coconuts in Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean [R. palmarum is an insect involved with the diseases of the oil palm, Red Ring (RR) and Bud Rot (BR). It is a vector of the nematode Bursaphelenchus cocophilus (Cobb) Baujard. They acquire the nematode during its larval stage, while it develops in the palm, or in the adult stage, by feeding on contaminated tissues. The nematode can be found in larvae, pupae, and adults, both internally and externally. In larvae, it is found in the intestine, hemocele, and tracheae; in adults, it is in the intestine, the body cavity, and the ovipositor [There is a similar species affecting oil palm cultivars, the black weevil, aribbean . In Coloaribbean . R. palmipositor .R. palmarum is attracted to the fermentation of exposed tissues, such as wounds or cuts on the leaves or palms diseased with BR. If the adult is contaminated, it can inoculate and infect the palm by feeding on or ovipositing in these tissues [In the adult stage,  tissues .Several techniques have been developed to detect infestations of the RPW in palm trees. These include visual inspection , utilizaEupatorium adenophorum and Artemisia nilagirica, as well as oxamyl, which target all stages of the RPW.Recent studies have provided evidence supporting the correlation between the ability of plants to resist or tolerate insect pests and diseases and the optimal physical, chemical, and primarily biological characteristics of the soil and plants themselves. The resistance of plants is directly linked to their physiological attributes, and any factors influencing plant physiology can potentially alter their resistance to insect pests . NumerouThis review aims to comprehensively understand the biology of the RPW, including its life cycle, feeding habits, behavior, and reproductive patterns. It also intends to assess the impact of RPW infestations on date palm ecosystems, taking into account ecological, economic, and social aspects like tree damage, fruit yield reduction, and economic losses. The primary objective is to categorize and evaluate various sustainable pest management strategies for RPW control. These strategies encompass biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods, all emphasizing eco-friendly and cost-effective approaches. Additionally, the review investigates how environmental factors such as climate, soil conditions, and habitat structure influence RPW population dynamics. This provides insights to tailor location-specific management strategies. Furthermore, the review critically assesses the effectiveness and integration of different components of IPM in handling RPW infestations. It sheds light on success stories, challenges, and future prospects. This advocacy promotes a balanced ecosystem and reduces reliance on chemical control methods. It consolidates existing knowledge, guides sustainable practices, fosters innovation, and addresses a critical agricultural challenge that directly impacts global food security and environmental sustainability.Rhynchophorus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) consists of oligophagous insect pests that reproduce on a wide range of palm species , undergoing complete metamorphosis [The genus orphosis . The majorphosis . AdditioThe eggs are oblong, creamy white, shiny , and indDuring the pupation stage, RPW larvae discontinue their feeding activities and commence the construction of a cocoon. The cocoon has an oval shape and is constructed using palm fibers. The head of the RPW pupae bends downward  and has a long rostrum with noticeable antennae and eyes. Initially, RPW pupae have a creamy coloration. The pupation process typically takes around 13–17 days, after which adult weevils emerge. The emergence of RPW adults is influenced by the ambient temperature . The entOnce they emerge from their cocoons, adult RPWs demonstrate the ability to fly considerable distances . Male RPAdapting IPM to various geographical regions and palm tree species requires tailoring approaches to suit specific ecosystems. Accessibility to advanced technologies and the costs associated with their implementation pose challenges, especially in developing regions. Continued research and development in biotechnology and precision technologies will enhance the precision and efficiency of RPW management. Collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing among researchers, governments, and stakeholders can lead to the widespread adoption of IPM globally. Tailoring IPM strategies to unique ecological and geographical contexts ensures optimal pest control outcomes. However, technological inequalities, financing restrictions, and poor infrastructure, particularly in areas with few resources, prevent the widespread use of IPM. Bridging this gap requires targeted investments in research, innovation, and capacity building, emphasizing cost-effective and accessible technologies for RPW control. Advancements in biotechnology, including the development of RPW-resistant palm varieties and precise pest detection methods, hold promise for revolutionizing IPM strategies . IntegraIPM offers a sustainable approach for managing the RPW and safeguarding palm ecosystems. By integrating monitoring and surveillance, biological control, cultural practices, and targeted chemical control with precision technologies, IPM maximizes effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact. With ongoing advancements in precision tools and technologies, IPM holds immense promise for effectively controlling RPW infestations and ensuring the longevity and health of palm trees. Collaboration and investment in research and implementation are key to realizing the potential of IPM for the sustainable control of the RPW and the preservation of palm ecosystems.Managing the RPW effectively requires prioritizing field and crop sanitation to eliminate potential breeding sites. In cases where palm trees are severely infested and cannot be saved, the recommended approach is to destroy them using shredding. Burning is not a suitable option because green palms are resistant to burning, allowing weevil stages deep inside the tree to survive. As part of phytosanitation practices, it is crucial to treat freshly cut or injured palm surfaces with insecticide after trimming the fronds or removing the offshoots. This approach is crucial in removing palm volatiles that might attract female weevils seeking appropriate locations to lay their eggs .For effective cultural management of RPW infestations, consider the following recommended practices: regularly remove and dispose of fallen or damaged palm fronds to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds and food sources for weevils; trim palm trees by removing dead or dying fronds to minimize potential breeding sites for weevils; install pheromone traps in and around palm trees to attract and capture adult weevils; wrap the trunks of palm trees with materials such as hessian or adhesive bands to trap climbing weevils; administer systemic insecticides directly into the trunks of palm trees to target and control weevil populations; when choosing palm tree species or cultivars, opt for those that are less susceptible to RPW infestation; ensure the overall health and vitality of palm trees via the proper watering, fertilization, and general tree care practices. By implementing these strategies, it is possible to effectively manage RPW infestations and maintain the health of palm trees. Successfully cultivating and managing date palm trees demands growers’ careful attention, as their well-being and productivity directly link to the practices employed. Various field operations play a pivotal role in ensuring the health of date palm trees and mitigating pest infestations. These operations encompass important tasks such as offshoot selection, appropriate spacing, optimal fertilization, efficient irrigation techniques, fruit thinning, leaf pruning, and effective harvesting methods . In evalTo bridge this knowledge gap, it is crucial to devise screening techniques capable of identifying RPW-resistant cultivars and selecting suitable parental materials for breeding programs. Additionally, leveraging advanced molecular techniques such as marker-assisted breeding and RNA interference (RNAi) can expedite the development of RPW-resistant cultivars . RegardiAnisolabis maritima, Chelisoches morio, Platymeris laevicollis, Xylocorus galactinus, and Scolia erratica) and nematodes , mass rearing and increasing their populations, conducting biological monitoring, conserving natural enemies, and continuously researching and developing new potential predators and nematodes for effective control. It is crucial to consider the local conditions, the effectiveness of control measures, and their compatibility with other methods when selecting and implementing biological control strategies. This approach aims to achieve successful and sustainable management of RPW infestations.The process of managing RPW infestations involves several key steps including introducing predatory insects  [Piper nigrum seeds against the RPW. Al-Deeb et al. [Uropoda, Uroobovella, and Curculanoetus on the RPW in the UAE and suspected these may affect the weevils’ health. Francesca et al. [Boxus chinensis oil and precocene II, on RPW larvae. Further studies have demonstrated the potential of S. carpocapsae in a chitosan formulation in controlling RPW infestations [B. bassiana exhibited significant toxicity against the RPW. E. adenophorum and A. nilagirica essential oils were identified as having notable antifeedant activity against the RPW [P. nigrum demonstrated excellent insecticidal activity against the RPW [A. maritima (Dermaptera: Carciniphoridae), has been documented as a predator of RPW eggs and newly hatched larvae [H. bacteriophora, H. indicus, S. abbasi, S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. riobrave [Various countries have extensively researched biological control methods for managing RPW infestations ,56. Noterivelli)  fungus frivelli)  evaluateb et al.  documenta et al.  investiga et al. . Abdullaa et al.  conductestations . Abdel-Sstations  found th the RPW . Moreove the RPW . Pu et a the RPW  highlighd larvae . Severalriobrave .Rhynchophorus group. These included viruses (1 species), bacteria (8 species), fungi (9 species), yeasts, nematodes (7 species), mites (11 species), insects (12 species), and vertebrates (6 species). Among these, fungal biocontrol agents were found to be the most effective choice. They meet the criteria for biocontrol in various aspects and are well suited to different contexts [Rhynchopolipus rhynchophori has shown the ability to reduce the RPW population density by feeding on their body fluids in laboratory conditions [B. bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae strains, specifically isolated from naturally infected RPWs, as effective biological control agents for this pest. Many studies reveal that EPNs and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) work well in labs and semi-field tests, making them good options to control RPWs [M. anisopliae and B. bassiana are commonly utilized in IPM strategies to control RPWs in field settings [M. anisopliae strain MET-GRA4, has been investigated in vitro, revealing high efficacy with a 100% mortality rate observed 21 days after the infection of adult RPWs [In their study, Mazza et al.  providedcontexts . The parnditions . Howevernditions  conductebacteria  species,rol RPWs ,56,57. Trol RPWs . EPF liksettings ,71,72. Tult RPWs . Controlult RPWs .B. thuringiensis, an entomopathogenic bacterium known for producing insecticidal crystal proteins, has been studied against both larvae and adults of the RPW. In lab tests, B. thuringiensis and B. cereus showed high efficacy in controlling RPW larvae and adults [S. carpocapsae in combination with chitosan (Biorend R®) reported high larval mortality (>50%) at a concentration as low as 0.5 mg/mL, with mortality reaching 85% at 2.0 mg/mL [B. thuringiensis. Furthermore, the use of microwave-heating treatment has emerged as an alternative method to address RPW infestations without causing substantial harm to the host plant. By inducing hyperthermia in RPW adults and larvae, microwave radiation offers a safe and environmentally friendly method that only results in slight dehydration of the palm trees [The effectiveness of d adults . Another.0 mg/mL . Yasin e.0 mg/mL  observedlm trees ,79.Tagetes patula) [Cinnamomum zeylanicum) [Cymbopogon nardus) [Syzygium aromaticum), and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), have been effective in controlling RPWs due to their insecticidal properties [S. carpocapsae [Plant extracts from various species, like French marigold ( patula) , Ceylon lanicum) , citrone nardus) ,83, clovoperties . This properties . Variousoperties . These mpocapsae ,86. NumeUnderstanding the life cycle of the RPW, from egg to adult, provides crucial insights into designing targeted chemical interventions. The life stages present unique vulnerabilities for targeted pest management. The economic and ecological impact of RPW infestations underscores the urgency of developing sustainable and efficient control strategies. Sustainable chemical approaches hold promise in combating the RPW while ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem. Through careful evaluation of biopesticides and chitin synthesis inhibitors, an eco-friendly arsenal can be developed to effectively manage RPW populations. Continuous research, innovation, and collaboration are essential to enhance the sustainability and efficacy of these chemical approaches, ultimately contributing to the conservation of palm trees and the ecosystems they support.Chemical control is one of the methods commonly used to manage RPW populations . HoweverWakil et al.  tested hPheromone traps are essential to the RPW’s IPM. To effectively manage the RPW in date plantations, the use of pheromone traps is commonly employed . These tTo enhance the efficiency of pheromone traps, Al Ansi et al.  evaluateThe choice of pheromone lure source had a noticeable impact on the capture rates of traps. Ferrolure traps exhibited higher capture rates for adult RPWs compared to traps using Rhylure. However, when evaluating the effectiveness of four commercial lures, all lures were equally successful in attracting adult RPWs in both field and laboratory tests . SimilarGiven the significant economic and ecological damage caused by the RPW on a global scale, it is crucial to grasp how ecosystem health influences the population dynamics of this destructive pest. This understanding is essential for devising effective management strategies. Understanding how the environment, biology, and human actions affect RPW populations is very important. Diverse elements of ecosystem health, such as biodiversity, habitat structure, climatic conditions, and human activities, shape RPW population dynamics and offer valuable insights for the pursuit of sustainable pest management.Biodiversity plays a crucial role in regulating RPM populations as healthy ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna can provide natural predators and competitors that help keep its populations in check . ChangesClimate, including temperature, rainfall, and seasonal variations, plays a critical role in the distribution and abundance of RPWs. Climate change and extreme weather events may affect RPW population dynamics and spread, emphasizing the need for climate-adaptive pest management strategies . ClimateEl-Lakwah et al.  have ideManaging the RPW poses several challenges, and there are ongoing efforts to improve control methods and develop future prospects for its management. Some of the challenges faced and potential future prospects include limited control options; while cultural control methods, chemical insecticides, and biological agents are available for managing the RPW, none of these methods provide a foolproof solution. The weevils have developed resistance to some insecticides, and biological control agents may not be widely available or effective in all situations. Developing new control options and integrated approaches is crucial. Early detection and monitoring of RPW infestations is challenging since the weevils remain hidden within the palm trees. Monitoring techniques, such as pheromone traps and visual inspections, have limitations in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Advancements in detection technologies, such as remote sensing, drones, and trained dogs, could improve the early detection and monitoring of weevil populations. The RPW is highly mobile and can spread rapidly over long distances. Human-mediated transportation of infested plant material is a significant factor in its spread. Strict quarantine measures and awareness campaigns are necessary to prevent the introduction of the weevil into new areas. International collaborations and regulations can help minimize the risk of spread. Educating the public about the weevil’s biology, signs of infestation, and appropriate management practices is crucial to ensure early detection and the implementation of control measures. Future prospects for the management of the RPW include genetic approaches. Genetic research and breeding programs could focus on developing palm tree varieties with natural resistance or tolerance to RPW infestation. Identifying the genetic markers associated with resistance traits can facilitate the breeding process. There is ongoing research to develop effective biopesticides derived from microbial pathogens, such as EPNs, fungi, and bacteria, specifically targeting the RPW ,127. Thehttp://www.fao.org/3/a-ms664e.pdf) (accessed on 23 September 2023) [Before the scientific consultation and high-level meeting on RPW management in Rome in March 2017, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) worked on creating an informative document  (er 2023)  that preEfforts to eradicate the RPW have yielded success in various oases; however, the introduction of infested palms has undermined these achievements . One of Dependence on chemical insecticides for both prevention and treatment underscores the significance of exploring alternative approaches. Essential research into the effectiveness of natural insecticides against the RPW is crucial, advocating for their adoption and seamless integration into the control strategy. Well-managed plantations have demonstrated that regular calendar-based preventive insecticidal treatments may not always be necessary. Additionally, reevaluating the requirement for pressure injectors in curative treatments is important. These injectors are costly and demand skilled supervision to prevent damage to palm tissues, which can lead to palm mortality if the pressure exceeds 2 bar. Instead, adopting a standardized approach that combines mechanical sanitization with the simple diffusion technique of ‘drill and inject’ is recommended. The removal and appropriate disposal of severely infested palms present significant challenges. In numerous countries, the use of expensive shredding machines, which mandate trained personnel for operation, hinders the implementation of this aspect of the strategy. Moreover, there is a risk of weevil escape during the transportation of infested palms to a shredder located outside the farm or at a designated shredding site. Ferry  suggestsIn the future, the development and validation of mobile apps for smartphones have the potential to greatly enhance data collection, compilation, and analysis in area-wide RPW IPM programs. FAO has recently commenced the validation process for the SusaHamra app, with the objective of aiding farmers in proficiently monitoring and managing RPWs. Furthermore, efforts are underway to establish a global platform that maps field data and provides analytics to facilitate improved decision-making. At level 2 of the strategy, the implementation of phytosanitation and quarantine measures plays a crucial role. However, there are several gaps and challenges that need to be addressed: Insufficient implementation of national/regional phytosanitary and quarantine regulations specifically targeted at the RPW; consistency in treatment protocols for palms before transportation and upon arrival at their intended destination; weak enforcement of regulations due to a lack of adequately trained personnel; difficulties in accessing certified planting material . FAO (20Further research is critical to establish a quantitative relationship between these factors and the incidence and severity of RPW infestations. Understanding host plant resistance against the RPW is currently limited, presenting a new area for exploration. Both traditional plant breeding techniques and advanced molecular-based methods can be employed to confer resistance against the RPW in common palm cultivars. The complete genome sequencing of the date palm cultivar ‘Khalas’ offers an opportunity to integrate genetic engineering into date palm breeding programs, enabling the overcoming of current limitations and the incorporation of desirable traits such as yield, quality, and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses ,135,136.The RPW remains a significant global threat to palm tree survival. The primary route of RPW introduction into new areas is through the international trade and transportation of infested palm planting material for plantations and landscaping. Current RPW management strategies focus on monitoring and mass trapping with pheromones, implementing agronomic and phytosanitary measures, and utilizing biological control methods to some extent. IPM programs for the RPW also emphasize capacity building and quarantine measures. However, despite substantial global efforts, there are notable challenges and gaps in these management strategies that need attention. These challenges encompass early infestation detection, optimizing pheromone-baited traps, removing highly infested palms, reducing reliance on excessive insecticide use, and increasing farmer involvement in control efforts. Moving forward, the future prospects for RPW management may involve validating management programs, testing advanced technologies for practical field application, and exploring the potential of RNAi technology in control programs. It is important to recognize that effectively managing RPWs in the field is a complex undertaking. Nevertheless, with sufficient resources, appropriate interventions, and robust coordination, planning, and financial support, effective control of this pest can be achieved using existing technologies.


DNP). Vacuum micromolding with optimized pressure was superior to centrifugation micromolding in preparing gas-propelled MNs with significantly improved DNP and morphology. Moreover, the gas-propelled MNs could achieve the highest DNP and intact needles by selecting polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and potassium carbonate (K2CO3): citric acid (CA) = 0.15:0.15 (w/w) as the needle skeleton material, drug particle carrier, and pneumatic initiators, respectively. Moreover, the gas-propelled MNs showed a 1.35-fold drug loading of the free drug-loaded MNs and 1.19-fold cumulative transdermal permeability of the passive MNs. Therefore, this study provides detailed guidance for preparing MNs with high productivity, drug loading, and delivery efficiency.Dissolving microneedles (MNs) have emerged as a promising transdermal delivery system, as they integrate the advantages of both injection and transdermal preparations. However, the low drug-loading and limited transdermal delivery efficiency of MNs severely hinder their clinical applications. Microparticle-embedded gas-propelled MNs were developed to simultaneously improve drug-loading and transdermal delivery efficiency. The effects of mold production technologies, micromolding technologies, and formulation parameters on the quality of gas-propelled MNs were systematically studied. Three-dimensional printing technology was found to prepare male mold with the highest accuracy, while female mold made from the silica gel with smaller Shore hardness could obtain a higher demolding needle percentage ( In recent years, dissolving microneedles (MNs) have attracted increasing attention in the field of transdermal drug delivery, as they can painlessly penetrate the stratum corneum with higher delivery efficacy than conventional transdermal preparations ,2,3,4. HUtilization of highly drug-concentrated particles to replace free drug solution during preparation has demonstrated an effective approach to improve the drug loading of MNs. This approach usually includes engineering of free drugs into highly drug-concentrated nanocrystals ,9 or micA variety of physical and chemical permeation–enhancement techniques have been integrated with MNs to improve drug delivery efficiency. Common physical methods include infrared light, electric field, or ultrasonic irradiation. Pre-exposure of the skin to infrared light, electric fields, or ultrasound, followed by application of the MNs on the skin, or a synchronous treatment regimen, can effectively enhance the permeability of the drug ,16,17,18At present, centrifugation micromolding and vacuum micromolding are two common technologies to pour the needle solution or suspension into the microholes of male mold for preparing needles ,20,21. HBased on above knowledge, the purpose of this study was to develop microparticle-embedded gas-propelled MNs to simultaneously enhance drug-loading and transdermal delivery efficiency . The optPolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K12, K30, K45, and K90 were obtained from Capricorn New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. . Citric acid (CA) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich . PVA 1788 (MW 840000) was gained from McLean . Potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate were purchased from Tianjin Damao Chemical Reagent Factory . Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC-ELF) was purchased from . PDMS was purchased from Dow Corning . Liquid silica gel was purchased from Dongguan Gangtian Polymer Materials Co., Ltd. . Dextran 70 (DEX) was purchased from McLean . Sodium hyaluronate (HA) was obtained from Focusfreda . Rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate  was obtained from Beijing Huawei Ruike Chemical Co., Ltd. . The healthy male SD rats (220–250 g) and male C57BL/C female mice (16–20 g) were purchased from the Experimental Animal Center of Southern Medical University (License number: SCXK (Guangdong) 2021-0041). The animal experiment was reviewed by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-sen University and complies with the relevant regulations of the National Experimental Animal Welfare Ethics. The approval number was SYSU-IACUC-2022-001871. The rats were raised in an SPF environment with a temperature of 25 ± 2 °C, a relative humidity of 40–70%, and an illumination of 15–20 lx.Computer-aided design  software  was adopThe male mold of MNs was prepared by Micro Electro Mechanical Computer Numerical Control (MEMS-CNC) , 3D PuSL(1)The MEMS-CNC method consists of fixing the brass material onto the high-precision machine tool  and installing the milling cutter with a taper angle of 23° in the spindle tool slot. The program input is made according to the three-dimensional design drawing, and then the milling cutter is rotated at 15,000 rpm to mill the conical main mold.(2)®P140 3D printer . The designed 3D model of MNs is imported into the high-precision ultraviolet lithography projection system, followed by instantaneous exposure to 405 nm UV light for curing. Then, the male mold of MNs is prepared by layer printing.The 3D-PuSL method consists of injecting the high-temperature-resistant photosensitive resin material into the resin tank through the pump liquid system of nanoArch(3)The ultraviolet laser drilling method uses a laser  with a wavelength of 355 nm, 65% output power (adjustable power range: 1–10 W), 150 mm/s laser speed (adjustable speed range: 100–200 mm/s), and a pulse frequency of 30 kHz to prepare MN mold on the surface of a 5 mm thick silicone plate by one-time burning.(4)In the etching method, the thick silicon nitride protective film is deposited on both sides of the silicon wafer by the low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) technology, and the photoresist is spun. The circular spot pattern of the mask is transferred to the photoresist to form the blocking adhesive film. Then, dry etching is carried out by inductively coupled plasma etching system. After cleaning up the treated silicon wafer with deionized water, isotropic wet etching is performed to obtain the MN mold.The female molds of MNs were prepared by inversely replicating the male mold. As displayed in DNP) as an indicator of needle integrity. The DNP was calculated as the following Formula (1):NT represents the number of needles with intact morphology counted from the macroscopic images of MN arrays, and NS represents the number of needles based on the original design.To compare the influence of female molds prepared from different types of silica gel on the productivity of MNs, the dissolving MNs were prepared to calculate the demolding needle percentage  was injected into the female mold and centrifuged at 3500 for 5 min to prepare MN base. Finally, the MN mold was put in an electronic drying cabinet to dry for 24 h. The dissolving was then obtained to calculate the DNP.To qualitatively correlate the relationship between female mold and DNP, the Shore hardness of silica gel was measured by Shore C hardness tester . Briefly, the silica gel mixture as displayed in w/v). Then, 15 g of PVA was added into the RHT solution and swelled for 24 h to obtain the drug-loaded PVA solution. The drug-loaded PVA solution was further dried for 36 h at 55 °C and under a negative pressure of −0.08 Mpa. Finally, the dried mixtures were crushed and passed through 400-mesh sieve to obtain the RHT-loaded particles (PVA@RHT).First, 12 g of RHT was dissolved in 120 mL of deionized water, followed by sonication for 10 min to prepare RHT solution .The RHT solution was prepared by dissolving 0.25 g RHT and 0.15 g citric acid (CA) in 3.0 g ethanol. Then, the polymers as described in DNP and observe the morphology of MNs using optical microscopy . The passive MNs were prepared by the same protocol of gas-propelled MNs, except for removal of the pneumatic initiators from the needle suspension.To prepare the needles of MNs, 150 μL of the needle suspension was injected into the female mold of MNs, followed by vacuum micromolding or centrifugation micromolding. After microfilling, the excess needle suspension was scraped off from the surface of the female mold, which was further dried at 40 °C for 2 h. Then, 0.5 g of the base solution was added into the female mold and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 min. Finally, the female mold was put in the glass dryer for drying. After drying for 12 h, the gas-propelled MNs were demolded from the female mold to determine the For the vacuum micromolding, different vacuum pressures  were used to prepare the needles of gas-powered MNs. The female mold was placed under these vacuum-negative pressures for 2 min, and the cycle was repeated three times. For the centrifugation micromolding method, the needle suspension was poured into the micropores of female mold and centrifuged at 2500 rpm, 3000 rpm, 3500 rpm, or 4000 rpm for 5 min to prepare the needles of gas-propelled MNs. The other procedures were repeated as described above.As described in DNP and morphology of gas-powered MNs was also investigated. As displayed in The influence of drug-loaded particles, including drug carriers and the feeding concentration of drug particles, on the 2CO3 or Na2CO3) and acid agents such as tartaric acid (TA) or citric acid (CA), were utilized to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles through acid–base reaction in water, thus accelerating the dissolution of MNs and enhancing local drug absorption. The detailed compositions of pneumatic initiators are shown in The pneumatic initiators, including alkaline agents , which can provide detailed information on the surfaces, cracks, and deformations of the MNs.v/v) and injected at the flow rate of 1 mL/min. The injection volume was 20 μL. Three kinds of microneedles, including free RHT-loaded passive MNs (F@RHT-MN), PVA@RHT loaded passive MNs (P@RHT-MN), and PVA@RHT coloaded gas-propelled MNs (P@RHT-GMN) were prepared. Moreover, rhodamine B (RhB) was used to replace RHT for preparing fluorescence-labeled MNs, which were further observed by laser confocal scanning electron microscopy  to visualize the drug distribution in the passive and gas-propelled MNs.The drug loading of MNs was determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography  at 214 nm. The mobile phase was composed of methanol and 0.05 M disodium hydrogen phosphate solution  was used to conduct the in vitro transdermal permeability of MNs. Specifically, the passive and gas-propelled MNs were applied on freshly depilated skin that was further fixed to the Franz diffusion cell. Each receiving cell was filled with 7.5 mL of PBS buffer solution (pH = 5.8) as the dissolution medium. The transdermal permeation test was conducted at a stirring speed of 350 rpm and maintained at the temperature of 37 °C. At predetermined timepoint, 1 mL of receiving solution was taken from the diffusion cell and analyzed by HPLC to determine the content of RHT and calculate the cumulative percutaneous permeability.To further study the passive and gas-propelled MNs, the RhB-labelled MNs were inserted into the excised mice skin, which was photographed by CLSM at 0.5 h and 1 h postadministration for observing the drug permeation in the skin tissues. Moreover, the RhB-labeled MNs were also applied to the living rat dorsal skin. At 4 h and 8 h postadministration, the mice were sacrificed to collect the skin tissue for tissue slice, which were further imaged by CLSM to visualize drug distribution in the skin.A sample represents the absorbance of a well with cells, CCK-8 reagent, and materials used to prepare P@RHT-GMN; A blank represents the absorbance of a well with medium and CCK-8 reagent without cells; and A control represents the absorbance of a well with cells and CCK-8 reagent without materials used to prepare P@RHT-GMN.The in vitro cytotoxicity of materials used to prepare P@RHT-GMN was performed on HaCaT (human keratinocytes) cells using CCK-8 kit . The samples were dissolved in PBS and filtered through a 0.22 µm filter. Experiments were carried out in quadruplicate, and cells without any treatment served as the control. HaCaT cells were exposed to dissolved matrix, and the absorbances at 450 nm were measured using a microplate reader following 24 h incubation. The cell viability was determined using the following Equation (2):To evaluate the biocompatibility of gas-propelled MNs, an in vivo skin recovery and irritation study was conducted . Rats wet-test between two groups. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.All the data were reported as mean ± SD. GraphPad Prism 7.0 software  was used to analyze the data through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) among multiple groups or Student’s The state-of-the-art mold processing technology is closely related to the morphology and geometric parameters of MN male mold. However, there are still a lack of systematic studies on how the processing technology affects the quality of MN mold. In this study, four processing technologies, including MEMS-CNC , 3D-PuSLThe geometric parameters of male molds were measured to evaluate the preparation accuracy of different processing technologies. As displayed in DNP of MNs. Therefore, the influence of silica gel with different Shore hardness on the DNP of MNs was investigated. As shown in DNP of MNs exceeded 85% when the Shore hardness of silica gel was less than 50, and decreased to 79% when it was higher than 50. In general, the smaller the Shore hardness, the larger the DNP. This result may be ascribed to the lower stress imposed on the needles by the silica gel with smaller Shore hardness. The longitudinal sections of the female molds prepared from different silica gels  and acid agent (CA and TA) were introduced in the needle suspension as the pneumatic initiators to prepare gas-powered MNs. We first investigated the compositions of pneumatic initiators on the effects of DNP and the morphology of MNs. Regardless of using CA or TA as the acid agent, their combination with K2CO3 produced a DNP above 90%, which was higher than that of Na2CO3 (about 80%). Moreover, the combination of K2CO3 with CA achieved the highest DNP of about 93.61% , 0.15:0.15 (w/w), 0.075:0.075 (w/w), and 0.0375:0.0375 (w/w), the correspondent DNPs of MNs were 79.17%, 93.61%, 90.28%, and 95.28%, respectively. The probable reason was that the interaction force between solid K2CO3 particles and polymers was weak during preparation, resulting in increased brittleness and fracture during the demolding of MNs. Taking both the DNP and gas-generating productivity of MNs into account, K2CO3 and CA at the proportion of 0.15:0.15 (w/w) were used as the pneumatic initiators to prepare gas-propelled MNs for further study.A certain amount of alkaline agent  as the needle skeleton material, drug particle carrier, and pneumatic initiators, respectively. The feasibility of gas-propelled MNs to simultaneously enhance the drug loading and transdermal delivery efficiency in vitro and in vivo was also confirmed. It should also be noted that a major challenge of gas-propelled MNs is to prevent the chemical reaction between K2CO3 and CA during preparation and storage, since the gas-generating ability of MNs is critical to produce the propulsion force for promoting drug permeation in the skin. Therefore, the preparation of gas-propelled MNs is usually conducted in an anhydrous environment, and the humidity of the environment needs to be strictly controlled during storage. Overall, this study provides detailed guidance for preparing gas-propelled MNs with excellent productivity, high drug loading, and improved delivery efficiency that show great potential for clinical applications.This work provides a systematic study on the preparation of microparticle-embedded gas-propelled MNs from the very beginning to the end. The processing technologies could exert critical influence on the geometric parameters and fineness degree of male mold. The 3D PuSL works best to produce male mold with high precision and reproducibility, as evidenced with uniform geometric parameters that are most approachable to the theoretical designed values. Notably, the Shore hardness of silica gel was found to be inversely correlated with the