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Bangladeshi vegetable growers rely heavily on chemical pesticides to manage pests. Botanical pesticides are often promoted as an environmentally friendly way to control pests that can help to mitigate the harmful effects of chemical pesticides. This study analyzed vegetable growers' knowledge and willingness to adopt botanical pesticides. The data was collected from 202 vegetable farmers using face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and a set of econometric models were used to analyze the data. Only 20% of the farmers had good knowledge of botanical pesticides. About 43% of the farmers were willing to adopt botanical pesticides. Education, training, extension contact, and cosmopolite behavior (communication with other people) significantly enhanced the knowledge of the vegetable growers. With membership in IPM club and extension contacts, the odds of willingness to adopt increased by a factor of 7.60 and 4.23, respectively. The use of modern information and communication technology can assist the adoption of botanical pesticides by increasing farmers' knowledge. Providing farmers with training on the easy preparation of homemade botanical pesticides can also aid in their widespread adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Broussonetia papyrifera is a dioecious plant that is rich in various metabolites and widely distribute in Asia. Microtus fortis is a rodent that often causes damage to crops, especially in the Dongting Lake region of China. There is a wide overlap in the distribution areas for the above species and the M. fortis feeds on the leaves of the B. papyrifera. Preliminary experiments have shown that the reproduction of M. fortis is inhibited after feeding on the leaves of the B. papyrifera. Methods: In order to explore the potential of using B. papyrifera to develop botanical pesticides, we investigated the palatability and reactive substances. The feeding frequency of M. fortis on B. papyrifera leaves to that of on daily fodder and Carex brevicuspis that is the primary food for the wild population were compared. We also attempted to identify the responsive substances in B. papyrifera leaves that were bitten by M. fortis using metabolome analysis. Results: In general, B. papyrifera leaves exhibited a stronger attraction to M. fortis. M. fortis foraged B. papyrifera leaves more frequently, and the intake was higher than that of the other two. Differential metabolites were screened by comparing normal leaves and leaves bitten by M. fortis, meanwhile with the intervention of clipped leaves. A total of 269 substances were screened, and many of these were involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids and alkaloids. These substances may be related to the defense mechanism of B. papyrifera against herbivores. Discussion: These findings support further research examining animal-plant interactions and simultaneously provide insights into the utilisation of B. papyrifera resources and the management of rodents. The good palatability and the defense of B. papyrifera leaves suggest that they have the potential to contribute in development of plant rodenticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) are plant metabolites with important insecticidal effects. Nevertheless, information on the efficacy of the major substances on aphids and their natural enemies is still missing. The objective of this paper is, therefore, to identify the efficacy of selected EO majority substances—β-citronellol, carvacrol, isoeugenol, and linalool, including their binary mixtures—on the mortality and fertility of the aphid Metopolophium dirhodum, an important cereal pest. The best efficacy was proven for the binary mixture of β-citronellol and linalool (1:1 ratio), for which the estimated LC50(90) is 0.56(1.58) mL L−1. This binary mixture applied in sublethal concentrations significantly reduced aphid fertility. It was found that the phenomenon can be attributed to β-citronellol, as the females treated with LC30 laid 45.9% fewer nymphs, on average, compared to the control. Although β-citronellol and linalool, including their 1:1 mixture, showed very good efficacy on aphid mortality, they were, on the other hand, very friendly to the larvae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza and Chrysoperla carnea, which are important aphid predators. Based on our results, the newly discovered synergically acting binary mixture β-citronellol/linalool can be recommended as an efficient substance suitable for the further development of botanical insecticides used against aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gambir plant can serve as a raw material for botanical insecticides. Plant-based insecticides are made in nanoemulsion form to overcome the insecticide particle size problem. This study aims to obtain a gambir waste form that has the potential to be used as a botanical insecticide using nanotechnology. The laboratory experiments include preliminary and follow-up tests. The preliminary test involves testing each extract (liquid, solid, and raw gambir waste) at three concentrations using a completely randomized design with four replications. The follow-up test uses the residue method on leaves to test insecticidal activity. Creating nanoemulsion from gambir waste involves mixing organic and liquid phases through spontaneous emulsification. The insecticidal effectiveness of this nanoemulsion is tested on Croccidolomia pavonana. The results show that solid and liquid gambir waste has the potential to be used as alternative insecticides, which can influence the mortality of C. pavonana with an LC50 concentration of 0.22 (solid waste) and 0. 29 (liquid waste), while LC95 is 2.44 (solid waste) and 2.52 (liquid waste). The research promotes utilizing natural resources and innovative technologies, advancing environmentally conscious pest control methods, and fostering sustainable agricultural systems.

Tea mealybug, Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) is one of the important pests of tea and citrus orchards in Northern provinces of Iran. In the current study, the effect of several plant-based insecticides and microemulsion formulaion of Sophora pachycarpa leaf and root extract were investigated against tea mealybug under laboratory conditions by leaf dip method. The LC50 values of matrine, pepper extract, cinnamon and garlic essential oil, neem oil, coconut oil soap, castor oil, formulated leaf and root extracts of S. pachycarpa, and espiromesifen were determined as 2157, 1538, 2825, 5608, 4746, 6585, 4493, 5357 and 2676 mg formulated/l on adult of the tea mealybug, respectively. In addition, the LC50 of aforementioned compounds was calculated as 2188, 1555, 2809, 5559, 4703, 5842, 3457, 5195 and 1856 mg formulated/l for third instar nymph of this insect, respectively. The bioassays showed that pepper extract, matrine, and cinnamon and garlic essential oil were most efficient treatments against tea mealybug. Treatments of third instar nymphs by the insecticides also affected the activity of detoxifying enzymes including alpha- and beta-esterases, acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and MFO system. Pepper extract, cinnamon and garlic essential oil, and formulated leaf extract of S. pachycarpa decreased the activities of α-esterase. Since the pepper extract, matrine, cinnamon and garlic essential oil showed significant mortality against nymphs and adults of the tea mealybug these insecticides can be considered in the integrated management of the tea mealybug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gambir plant can serve as a raw material for botanical insecticides. Plant-based insecticides are made in nanoemulsion form to overcome the insecticide particle size problem. This study aims to obtain a gambir waste form that has the potential to be used as a botanical insecticide using nanotechnology. The laboratory experiments include preliminary and follow-up tests. The preliminary test involves testing each extract (liquid, solid, and raw gambir waste) at three concentrations using a completely randomized design with four replications. The follow-up test uses the residue method on leaves to test insecticidal activity. Creating nanoemulsion from gambir waste involves mixing organic and liquid phases through spontaneous emulsification. The insecticidal effectiveness of this nanoemulsion is tested on Croccidolomia pavonana. The results show that solid and liquid gambir waste has the potential to be used as alternative insecticides, which can influence the mortality of C. pavonana with an LC50 concentration of 0.22 (solid waste) and 0. 29 (liquid waste), while LC95 is 2.44 (solid waste) and 2.52 (liquid waste). The research promotes utilizing natural resources and innovative technologies, advancing environmentally conscious pest control methods, and fostering sustainable agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tetranychus urticae Koch, a phytophagous mite, is one of the most significant crop pests globally. The primary method employed for controlling T. urticae involves chemical means, utilizing synthesized products, posing the risk of developing resistance. The urgency for novel strategies integrated into pest management programs to combat this mite is becoming increasingly imperative. Botanical pesticides emerge as a promising tool to forestall arthropod resistance. Among these, extracts from Rutaceae plants, abundant in bioactive specialized metabolites, have demonstrated potential as insecticides and miticides. In this study, various concentrations of alkaloidal extracts sourced from the bark of Zanthoxylum schreberi J.F.Gmel. (Rutaceae) were evaluated against T. urticae adult females. Furthermore, the extract's combination with three distinct commercial acaricides (i.e., chlorfenapyr, cyflumetofen, and abamectin) was also assessed for this mite. Chemical characterization of the extract via LC-MS allowed for the annotation of various compounds related to ten benzylisoquinoline-derived alkaloids. The extract, both alone and in combination with commercial insecticides, yielded varying responses, inducing over 40% mortality at 2% w/w, demonstrating a 90% repellency rate at the same concentration, and exerting a moderate impact on fecundity. These treatments extended beyond phenotypic responses, delving into the biochemical effects on treated T. urticae females through an exploration of the impact on four enzymes, i.e., acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), esterases (GE), and P450-like monooxygenases (PMO). Employing consensus docking studies and in vitro enzymatic evaluations, it was discovered that the Z. schreberi-derived extract and its constituents significantly affected two key enzymes, AChE and GST (IC50 < 6 µM), which were associated with the phenotypic observations of T. urticae females. The evaluation of alkaloid-rich botanicals showcases promising potential as a relevant biotechnological strategy in addressing mite-related concerns, offering a pathway toward innovative and sustainable pest management solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American tomato leaf miner (TLM), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an important pest of tomato, potato and other solanaceous species of economic relevance. Pest management of TLM based on the use of conventional insecticides can be problematic due to various causes, among them, the reduced economical profits from high insecticide costs, the destruction of natural enemies' populations, the presence of insecticide residues on tomato fruits and the rapid development of insecticide resistance, especially when high levels of infestation are reached. The search for less-persistent active compounds would benefit horticultural production, as well as the environment and consumers. In the current study, we evaluated the toxicity of a hexane extract at different concentrations obtained from the chinaberry tree Melia azedarach L. (MA) fresh fruits, on TLM eggs, 2nd instar larvae and pupae by means of contact tests in the laboratory. Results indicated that with increasing concentrations, mortality of eggs, larvae and pupae also increased. Analysis of probit data showed that LC50 for MA extract in TLM eggs, 2nd instar larvae and pupae were 948.93, 346.72 and 1.75 µl/ml, respectively. We conclude that this extract has potential for controlling T. absoluta but further ecotoxicological studies should be carried out to conclude on its safety in other organisms and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional chemical synthetic fungicides are easy to affect the environment and ecology, while plant derived fungicides have good ecological compatibility. Extracts of Chinese medicinal materials have good bactericidal effect. Whether extracted with inorganic solvent or organic solvent or plant essential oil, it will show the advantages of small toxic and side effects on organisms other than the target, and will not cause environmental pollution. The extracts of Chinese medicinal materials contain huge antibacterial active ingredients. However, it is relatively rare to use Chinese medicinal material extract as plant source pesticide in actual production. Based on the above contents, the aim is to: the inhibitory effect of extracts of Chinese medicinal materials on plant pathogens; control effect of extracts of Chinese medicinal materials on plant diseases; antibacterial active components in extracts of Chinese medicinal materials; antibacterial mechanism of extracts of Chinese medicinal materials; different angles to fully understand botanical pesticides. These studies will provide important scientific reference for the development of botanical pesticides, promote the application of botanical pesticides in production practice, and achieve the purpose of reducing the use of chemical agents and protecting the ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The injudicious and excessive use of synthetic pesticides has deleterious effects on humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity. As an alternative to traditional crop-protection methods, botanical pesticides are gaining importance. In this research endeavor, we examined the contact toxicity, knockdown time, lethal time, and toxicity horizontal transmission of three natural pesticides from plants (azadirachtin, celangulin, and veratramine) on red imported fire ants (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta). Our research findings indicated that azadirachtin and celangulin exhibited relatively high toxicity, with median lethal dose (LD50) values of 0.200 and 0.046 ng/ant, respectively, whereas veratramine exhibited an LD50 value of 544.610 ng/ant for large workers of S. invicta at 24 h post-treatment. Upon treatment with 0.125 mg/L, the (median lethal time) LT50 values of azadirachtin and celangulin were determined to be 60.410 and 9.905 h, respectively. For veratramine, an LT50 value of 46.967 h was achieved after being tested with 200 mg/L. Remarkably, azadirachtin and celangulin were found to exhibit high horizontal transfer among RIFA, with high secondary mortality (100%) and tertiary mortalities (>61%) after 48 h of treatment with 250 mg/L, as well as with their dust formulations for 72 h. However, veratramine did not exhibit significant toxicity or horizontal transfer effects on RIFA, even at high concentrations. These findings suggest that azadirachtin and celangulin are likely to have a highly prominent potential in the management of S. invicta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Fusarium solani (F. solani) is the main pathogen causing root rot of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen (P. notoginseng). Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (C. citratus) essential oil (EO) is a mixture of various active ingredients with good antifungal effects and no residue. However, due to its hydrophobicity and oxidation, its bioavailability is low. Results In this study, EO was made into a nanoemulsion using Tween-80 and anhydrous ethanol by ultrasonication. The antifungal activity of the traditional emulsion (TEO) and C. citratus nanoemulsion (NEO) was compared by measuring the effects on spores and mycelia and in vivo assays. The components of EO, TEO, and NEO were analyzed by GC‒MS, and the inhibitory mechanism of the emulsion against fungi was revealed by combining transcriptomics and metabolomics. The prepared NEO was a clear and transparent homogeneous liquid with a particle size of 15.86 ± 1.96 nm. It was an oil-in-water nanoemulsion and maintained good stability in different environments. The contents of antifungal components such as citronellal and linalool in NEO were significantly higher than those in TEO. The antifungal effect of NEO against F. solani was increased by 8 times compared with that of TEO. Through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, it was found that both NEO and TEO inhibited the fungi by destroying the cell membrane, thereby affecting the ribosome, meiosis and TCA cycle of the fungi, and NEO had a deeper effect than TEO. NEO also inhibited the gene expression of the CYR1 enzyme and decreased the amount of d-trehalose, thus inhibiting the germination of spores and thereby affecting the growth of mycelia. Conclusions This study not only solved the problem of EO insoluble in water and low bioavailability but also greatly improved the antifungal activity, revealing the antifungal mechanism and the reason for the enhancement of NEO activity. It provides theoretical research for further development and utilization of EO to produce environmentally friendly pesticides or fertilizers and alleviate root rot of medicinal plants. Graphical Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) are plant metabolites with important insecticidal effects. Nevertheless, information on the efficacy of the major substances on aphids and their natural enemies is still missing. The objective of this paper is, therefore, to identify the efficacy of selected EO majority substances—β-citronellol, carvacrol, isoeugenol, and linalool, including their binary mixtures—on the mortality and fertility of the aphid Metopolophium dirhodum, an important cereal pest. The best efficacy was proven for the binary mixture of β-citronellol and linalool (1:1 ratio), for which the estimated LC50(90) is 0.56(1.58) mL L−1. This binary mixture applied in sublethal concentrations significantly reduced aphid fertility. It was found that the phenomenon can be attributed to β-citronellol, as the females treated with LC30 laid 45.9% fewer nymphs, on average, compared to the control. Although β-citronellol and linalool, including their 1:1 mixture, showed very good efficacy on aphid mortality, they were, on the other hand, very friendly to the larvae of Aphidoletes aphidimyza and Chrysoperla carnea, which are important aphid predators. Based on our results, the newly discovered synergically acting binary mixture β-citronellol/linalool can be recommended as an efficient substance suitable for the further development of botanical insecticides used against aphids.

Background: Fusarium solani (F. solani) is the main pathogen causing root rot of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen (P. notoginseng). Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (C. citratus) essential oil (EO) is a mixture of various active ingredients with good antifungal effects and no residue. However, due to its hydrophobicity and oxidation, its bioavailability is low. Results: In this study, EO was made into a nanoemulsion using Tween-80 and anhydrous ethanol by ultrasonication. The antifungal activity of the traditional emulsion (TEO) and C. citratus nanoemulsion (NEO) was compared by measuring the effects on spores and mycelia and in vivo assays. The components of EO, TEO, and NEO were analyzed by GC‒MS, and the inhibitory mechanism of the emulsion against fungi was revealed by combining transcriptomics and metabolomics. The prepared NEO was a clear and transparent homogeneous liquid with a particle size of 15.86 ± 1.96 nm. It was an oil-in-water nanoemulsion and maintained good stability in different environments. The contents of antifungal components such as citronellal and linalool in NEO were significantly higher than those in TEO. The antifungal effect of NEO against F. solani was increased by 8 times compared with that of TEO. Through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, it was found that both NEO and TEO inhibited the fungi by destroying the cell membrane, thereby affecting the ribosome, meiosis and TCA cycle of the fungi, and NEO had a deeper effect than TEO. NEO also inhibited the gene expression of the CYR1 enzyme and decreased the amount of d-trehalose, thus inhibiting the germination of spores and thereby affecting the growth of mycelia. Conclusions: This study not only solved the problem of EO insoluble in water and low bioavailability but also greatly improved the antifungal activity, revealing the antifungal mechanism and the reason for the enhancement of NEO activity. It provides theoretical research for further development and utilization of EO to produce environmentally friendly pesticides or fertilizers and alleviate root rot of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to increase soybean productivity are carried out in various ways, including improving cultivation technology and applying pest and disease control technologies for soybeans. In addition to chemical pesticides, pest and disease control can use botanical pesticides or biopesticides, including those made from clove oil. This study aimed to determine the effect of varieties and clove oil on the growth, production, and pest-disease resilience of soybean. The study was conducted at Majalengka Regency, West Java, Indonesia from April to July 2021. The research used a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. The first factor was soybean genotypes: Dena 1, Dega 1, and Anjasmoro. The second factor was the concentration and interval of application of clove oil: control, 3 mL L-1 with an interval of 10 days, 3 mL L-1with an interval of 15 days, 5 mL L-1 with an interval of 10 days, and 5 mL L-1 with an interval of 15 days. The results showed that the Dena 1 variety had the highest plant height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, and dry weight per plant. The Dega 1 variety produced the highest weight of plant dry mass, dry pod shell weight, and 100-grain. Anjasmoro variety had the highest root length and number of nodules per plant. The Anjasmoro was more resistant to leaf caterpillar attacks, while the Dena 1 was more resistant to leaf rust disease. Botanical pesticides derived from clove oil affected various aspects of soybean growth including plant height at 60 days after planting, weight of dry biomass, root length and number of root nodules per plant, dry pod shell weight, dry seed weight, and 100-grains weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the pesticidal activity of extracts from Fresh leaves of Holy Basil, Neem and bulbs of Onion and Garlic against Scales, Phereocea uterella (Walsingham), Aphid citricola van der Goot, and Mealybugs. Fuzzy logic concepts were incorporated to optimize the dose rates for the botanical pesticides. The effects of the botanical extracts on larval and adult mortality, emergence and repellence were studied at different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 g/l). The results demonstrated that the use of botanical pesticides, enhanced by fuzzy logic, offers an eco-friendly and effective approach for pest management in gardens and citrus plants. The potential application of these botanical pesticides can benefit resource-constrained farmers in the developing world and contribute to eco-agriculture by promoting biological diversity and reducing environmental contamination and human health hazards. Overall, the fuzzy logic method provides a more comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of the botanical extracts’ effectiveness against Mealybugs at 10 g/l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous with the entrance of the Box Tree Moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis to Iran and its report from northern regions of the country, researchers began to explore the pest with its management approach before a further infestation occurs. Accordingly, the current research was carried out to study the effectiveness of some pesticides, belonging to the biological, IGR, and botanical pesticide groups under laboratory and field conditions. Based on the results, among 12 examined pesticides, the efficacy of 2 Bacillus thuringiensis- based microbial pesticides, those produced by CBC and Problete Co. were confirmed under both experimental conditions. Moreover, Lufenuron (EC 5%) (Match®), which belongs to the IGR group, has also been successful in controlling this pest. Accordingly, using the mentioned insecticides is recommended to control the Box Tree Moth.

The advent of the "Green Revolution" was a great success in significantly increasing crop productivity. However, it involved high ecological costs in terms of excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals, raising concerns about agricultural sustainability. Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides resulted in environmental degradation, the development of pest resistance, and possible dangers to a variety of nontarget species (including plants, animals, and humans). Thus, a sustainable approach necessitates the exploration of viable ecofriendly alternatives. Plant-based biopesticides are attracting considerable attention in this context due to their target specificity, ecofriendliness, biodegradability, and safety for humans and other life forms. Among all the relevant biopesticides, plant essential oils (PEOs) or their active components are being widely explored against weeds, pests, and microorganisms. This review aims to collate the information related to the expansion and advancement in research and technology on the applications of PEOs as biopesticides. An insight into the mechanism of action of PEO-based bioherbicides, bioinsecticides, and biofungicides is also provided. With the aid of bibliometric analysis, it was found that ~75% of the documents on PEOs having biopesticidal potential were published in the last five years, with an annual growth rate of 20.51% and a citation per document of 20.91. Research on the biopesticidal properties of PEOs is receiving adequate attention from European (Italy and Spain), Asian (China, India, Iran, and Saudi Arabia), and American (Argentina, Brazil, and the United States of America) nations. Despite the increasing biopesticidal applications of PEOs and their widespread acceptance by governments, they face many challenges due to their inherent nature (lipophilicity and high volatility), production costs, and manufacturing constraints. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of emerging innovations like the nanoencapsulation of PEOs, bioinformatics, and RNA-Seq in biopesticide development has been proposed. With these novel technological interventions, PEO-based biopesticides have the potential to be used for sustainable pest management in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaloids are the most basic organic compounds involved in crucial physiological activities and are widely found in plants, animals and microorganisms. Due to the anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, bacteriostatic, and analgesic effects of alkaloids, previous research primarily focused on their medical utilization. In recent years, research regarding alkaloids in botanical pesticides has gradually intensified due to their low toxicity, easy degradation, and environmental friendliness, compared with traditional chemical pesticides, while also exhibiting higher activity after certain structural modifications. This article reviewed recent studies involving the use of alkaloids as effective compounds in insecticidal, acaricidal, fungicidal, antiviral, and herbicidal pesticides, aiming to develop alkaloid pesticides that are more agriculturally active during future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red ant (Dorylus orientalis Westwood) is the most destructive insect pest of potato tubers in the field in Nepal. A field experiment was conducted at Bhatkada, Dadeldhura district, Nepal in 2020 to determine the efficacy of various biopesticides and chemical insecticide on red ants. The plot size in this experiment was 106.7 m2. Five treatments viz. Chlorpyriphos 20% EC (2 mL L-1 water), Banmaara (2 kg plot-1), Cow urine (2 L 6 L-1water plot-1), Agave (25 g tuber-1) and Control (no treatment) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications. The data on plant height and the number of leaves were taken at 45, 60, and 75 days after planting (DAP). The data on slightly and severely infested tubers were taken after harvesting of potato. The results showed that Chlorpyriphos treated plots gave the lowest values of traits viz numbers of slightly infested tuber (91,500 ha-1), severely infested tubers (12,500 ha-1), weights of slight infested tubers (7,700 kg ha-1) and severely infested tuber (1,130 kg ha-1). Among the botanical pesticides, Agave treated plots provided the second lowest values of numbers of slightly infested tuber (145,500 ha-1), severely infested tubers (37,400 ha-1), weights of slight infested tubers (13,400 kg ha-1) and severely infested tuber (3,110 kg ha-1). The results showed that the Agave treatment provided the highest marketable yield (50,900 kg ha-1). Thus, Chlorpyriphos and Agave could be used to efficiently protect potato tubers from red ant in potato field.

The irrational use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has had negative impacts on ecosystems and contributed to environmental pollution. Botanical pesticides offer a clean biotechnological alternative to meet the agricultural challenges posed by pests and arthropods. This article proposes the use of fruit structures (fruit, peel, seed, and sarcotesta) of several Magnolia species as biopesticides. The potential of extracts, essential oils, and secondary metabolites of these structures for pest control is described. From 11 Magnolia species, 277 natural compounds were obtained, 68.7% of which were terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Finally, the importance of a correct management of Magnolia species to ensure their sustainable use and conservation is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the in vivo molluscicidal activity and Artemia salina lethality of Azorean Cryptomeria japonica leaf (CJL) essential oils (EOs) obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and water-steam distillation (WSD) techniques, especially in light of the recent focus on the use of forestry and wood industry residues in a sustainable world economy. Molluscicidal activity was performed during several life stages of Radix peregra by the immersion method, under laboratory conditions. A first screening through a single-dose bioassay revealed that both EOs were highly active towards eggs, juveniles and adult snails (ca. 100% mortality). Concentration- and time-toxicity assays were carried out only on adult snails to determine the lethal parameters (LC50;90 and LT50;90). The LC50 values were 33 and 62 µg/mL for EO–WSD and EO–HD, respectively, after 48 h. The LT50 of EO–WSD required only 21 h for both 16 h and continous exposure periods, while that of EO–HD was slighty superior (21.8–25.6 h). Although not significant, EO–WSD was also slightly more toxic against A. salina than EO–HD (LC50 = 98 and 115 µg/mL after 24 h, respectively). In conclusion, Azorean CJL EOs, which are rich in α-pinene (mostly EO–WSD), have huge potential to be used as safe raw materials for the development of natural molluscicide products to control snails responsible for transmitting fascioliasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetranychus urticae Koch, a phytophagous mite, is one of the most significant crop pests globally. The primary method employed for controlling T. urticae involves chemical means, utilizing synthesized products, posing the risk of developing resistance. The urgency for novel strategies integrated into pest management programs to combat this mite is becoming increasingly imperative. Botanical pesticides emerge as a promising tool to forestall arthropod resistance. Among these, extracts from Rutaceae plants, abundant in bioactive specialized metabolites, have demonstrated potential as insecticides and miticides. In this study, various concentrations of alkaloidal extracts sourced from the bark of Zanthoxylum schreberi J.F.Gmel. (Rutaceae) were evaluated against T. urticae adult females. Furthermore, the extract’s combination with three distinct commercial acaricides (i.e., chlorfenapyr, cyflumetofen, and abamectin) was also assessed for this mite. Chemical characterization of the extract via LC-MS allowed for the annotation of various compounds related to ten benzylisoquinoline-derived alkaloids. The extract, both alone and in combination with commercial insecticides, yielded varying responses, inducing over 40% mortality at 2% w/w, demonstrating a 90% repellency rate at the same concentration, and exerting a moderate impact on fecundity. These treatments extended beyond phenotypic responses, delving into the biochemical effects on treated T. urticae females through an exploration of the impact on four enzymes, i.e., acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), esterases (GE), and P450-like monooxygenases (PMO). Employing consensus docking studies and in vitro enzymatic evaluations, it was discovered that the Z. schreberi-derived extract and its constituents significantly affected two key enzymes, AChE and GST (IC50 < 6 µM), which were associated with the phenotypic observations of T. urticae females. The evaluation of alkaloid-rich botanicals showcases promising potential as a relevant biotechnological strategy in addressing mite-related concerns, offering a pathway toward innovative and sustainable pest management solutions.

Tuta absoluta is a pest of importance: quick to disperse and difficult to control due to the cases of resistance to insecticide active ingredients. Thus, studies using essential oils (EOs) to search for new molecules should be intensified. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity of EOs from Citrus aurantifolia (lime), Citrus aurantium (petitgrain) and Citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) and its major compounds against T. absoluta in a topical application test. Additionally, the demographic parameters of T. absoluta were studied after the topical application of EOs. The median lethal time (LT50) of the population was 12h for the three EOs tested. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was 33.75, 38.78 and 35.05 µg µL−1 for C. aurantifolia, C. aurantium and C. aurantium bergamia, respectively. As found using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) quantification, 44.74% of the EO of C. aurantifolia is α-terpineol, while 55.45% and 58.12% of the EO of C. aurantium and C. aurantium bergamia, respectively, is linalyl acetate. The toxicity of the major compounds was tested at concentrations equivalent to the LC50 of the EOs, that is, 16.2 µg µL−1 for α-terpineol, and 25.8 µg µL−1 for linalyl acetate, using topical application. Both of the major compounds showed less toxicity than the EOs. In the sublethal effects tests, all the EOs negatively affected the demographic parameters of T. absoluta, with a decrease in the duration of larval instars, duration of the pupal period, fecundity, oviposition and viability of the eggs, implying a reduction in the population growth parameters of this pest. The EOs of lime, petitgrain and bergamot are toxic to T. absoluta, and low concentrations cause deleterious effects on the reproductive and population parameters of T. absoluta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are a major cause of lethal vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, filariasis, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis, among other diseases. In a developing country like India, mosquito-borne diseases are significant threats to familiar people as in certain places, there remains low sanitation. Larval and pupal life stages of mosquitoes are mostly confined to tropical and temperate waterbodies and often form a significant proportion of biomass waterbodies. Due to rebound vectorial capacity, resistance to chemical insecticides, and harmful environmental effects, the vector control program has shifted to using biological control agents. These methods are target-specific, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can be easily deployed. So, the present review is focused on collating and updating the information on the use of aquatic predators, bacterial strains such as Bacillus sp. and actinobacterial, algae, and fungi, which are widely used for control of adult mosquitoes in their variety of natural habitats. This review also covers the predation of larvivorous fish and botanical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past two decades, the need for a new concept in agriculture has emerged. The new "Greener revolution" should rely on the implementation of sustainable practices in crop production and the achievement of increased yields under the conditions of reduction of water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. The utilization of plant secondary metabolites is viewed by many authors as а possible alternative to synthetic chemicals. Bioactive botanical compounds can be obtained from plants in the form of extracts, essential oils (EO), or both. There are four main groups of plant secondary metabolites depending on their chemical structure: terpenes, phenolics, nitrogen-, and sulfur-containing compounds. A growing body of publications is devoted to the pesticidal properties of various secondary metabolites obtained from plants. The botanical families Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Asteraceae, Annonaceae, Labiatae, and Canellaceae include the most valuable species that are rich in secondary metabolites. The strong fumigant properties of the EOs from many plant species make them attractive in different Integrated Post-Harvest Pest Management systems. Suitable carriers for EOs delivery can be designed using nanoencapsulation. On a worldwide scale, the main botanical insecticides that are commercially available at present are Pyrethrum, Azadirachtin from Neem, and EOs from various plant species. Among the botanicals with considerable antimicrobial activity, there are some successfully authorized and developed commercial phenolics, terpenes, and alkaloids. Among the proven active substances are cinnamaldehyde, l-glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid, Jojoba oil, еssential oils, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The injudicious and excessive use of synthetic pesticides has deleterious effects on humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity. As an alternative to traditional crop-protection methods, botanical pesticides are gaining importance. In this research endeavor, we examined the contact toxicity, knockdown time, lethal time, and toxicity horizontal transmission of three natural pesticides from plants (azadirachtin, celangulin, and veratramine) on red imported fire ants (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta). Our research findings indicated that azadirachtin and celangulin exhibited relatively high toxicity, with median lethal dose (LD50) values of 0.200 and 0.046 ng/ant, respectively, whereas veratramine exhibited an LD50 value of 544.610 ng/ant for large workers of S. invicta at 24 h post-treatment. Upon treatment with 0.125 mg/L, the (median lethal time) LT50 values of azadirachtin and celangulin were determined to be 60.410 and 9.905 h, respectively. For veratramine, an LT50 value of 46.967 h was achieved after being tested with 200 mg/L. Remarkably, azadirachtin and celangulin were found to exhibit high horizontal transfer among RIFA, with high secondary mortality (100%) and tertiary mortalities (>61%) after 48 h of treatment with 250 mg/L, as well as with their dust formulations for 72 h. However, veratramine did not exhibit significant toxicity or horizontal transfer effects on RIFA, even at high concentrations. These findings suggest that azadirachtin and celangulin are likely to have a highly prominent potential in the management of S. invicta.

In the past two decades, the need for a new concept in agriculture has emerged. The new “Greener revolution” should rely on the implementation of sustainable practices in crop production and the achievement of increased yields under the conditions of reduction of water, fertilizer, and pesticide use. The utilization of plant secondary metabolites is viewed by many authors as а possible alternative to synthetic chemicals. Bioactive botanical compounds can be obtained from plants in the form of extracts, essential oils (EO), or both. There are four main groups of plant secondary metabolites depending on their chemical structure: terpenes, phenolics, nitrogen-, and sulfur-containing compounds. A growing body of publications is devoted to the pesticidal properties of various secondary metabolites obtained from plants. The botanical families Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Asteraceae, Annonaceae, Labiatae, and Canellaceae include the most valuable species that are rich in secondary metabolites. The strong fumigant properties of the EOs from many plant species make them attractive in different Integrated Post-Harvest Pest Management systems. Suitable carriers for EOs delivery can be designed using nanoencapsulation. On a worldwide scale, the main botanical insecticides that are commercially available at present are Pyrethrum, Azadirachtin from Neem, and EOs from various plant species. Among the botanicals with considerable antimicrobial activity, there are some successfully authorized and developed commercial phenolics, terpenes, and alkaloids. Among the proven active substances are cinnamaldehyde, l-glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid, Jojoba oil, еssential oils, and others.

Mosquitoes are a major cause of lethal vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, filariasis, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis, among other diseases. In a developing country like India, mosquito-borne diseases are significant threats to familiar people as in certain places, there remains low sanitation. Larval and pupal life stages of mosquitoes are mostly confined to tropical and temperate waterbodies and often form a significant proportion of biomass waterbodies. Due to rebound vectorial capacity, resistance to chemical insecticides, and harmful environmental effects, the vector control program has shifted to using biological control agents. These methods are target-specific, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can be easily deployed. So, the present review is focused on collating and updating the information on the use of aquatic predators, bacterial strains such as Bacillus sp. and actinobacterial, algae, and fungi, which are widely used for control of adult mosquitoes in their variety of natural habitats. This review also covers the predation of larvivorous fish and botanical insecticides.

Worldwide, P. marginatus causes 75% of estimated economic loss in papaya farming, with an increase in production costs. The extract of plant essential oils (PEO) has the potential to control P. marginatus by degrading its wax coatings to death; however, it is less studied in the East African agroecosystem. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of four PEO from (neem, citrus, garlic, and castor) against P. marginatus at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) with and without 0.2% adjuvants separately as a biopesticide. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications per treatment concentration. The papaya seeds (Carina variety) were used in the experiment. After 3 weeks from transplanting, 50 P. marginatus specimens were inoculated in each plant. Before treatment application, insect abundance, leaf curling, yellowing, and soot mold were assessed. Then, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after biopesticide application, insect mortality was assessed. The results showed a significant difference (p = 0.001) for all assessment intervals in PEOs. However, for the PEOs in combination with the adjuvants, the results were significantly different (p = 0.001) only at 24 h. It was found that among the biopesticides, neem oil (1.5%) + isopropyl alcohol was highly effective (95.5%) after 72 h followed by (Imidacloprid (91%), citrus oil 1.5% (90.7%) and neem oil (1.5%) + paraffin oil (81.0%). But also, there were significant differences among treatments on leaf curling, yellowing, and soot mold reduction in papaya plants 21 days after spray. We conclude that neem oil (1.5%) + 0.2% isopropyl alcohol, neem oil (1.5%) + paraffin oil, and citrus oil (1.5%) significantly controlled P. marginatus. Thus, we recommend adopting these formulations for papaya farmers to control P. marginatus in their farms; however, simple formulations which can be easily accessed by smallholder farmers are essential.

Botanical pesticides are one of the sources of third-generation pesticides, which have received much attention at home and abroad in recent years due to their degradable and pollution-free advantages in nature. This article explored a concise approach toward synthesizing a series of novel L-pyroglutamic acid analogues from L-hydroxyproline. Furthermore, bioassay studies of these sulfonyl ester derivatives against Pyricularia oryzae, Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria brassicae, Valsa mali, and Alternaria alternariae showed moderate antifungal activity. For instance, C08a and C08l provide potential lead agents for controlling Fusarium graminearum because of their inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect pests are a major challenge to smallholder crop production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where access to synthetic pesticides, which are linked to environmental and health risks, is often limited. Biological control interventions could offer a sustainable solution, yet an understanding of their effectiveness is lacking. We used a meta-analysis approach to investigate the effectiveness of commonly used biocontrol interventions and botanical pesticides on pest abundance (PA), crop damage (CD), crop yield (Y) and natural enemy abundance (NEA) when compared with controls with no biocontrol and with synthetic pesticides. We also evaluated whether the magnitude of biocontrol effectiveness was affected by type of biocontrol intervention, crop type, pest taxon, farm type and landscape configuration. Overall, from 99 studies on 31 crops, we found that compared to no biocontrol, biocontrol interventions reduced PA by 63%, CD by over 50% and increased Y by over 60%. Compared to synthetic pesticides, biocontrol resulted in comparable PA and Y, while NEA was 43% greater. Our results also highlighted that the potential for biocontrol to be modulated by landscape configuration is a critical knowledge gap in SSA. We show that biocontrol represents an effective tool for smallholder farmers, which can maintain yields without associated negative pesticide effects. Furthermore, the evidence presented here advocates strongly for including biocontrol practices in national and regional agricultural policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red ant (Dorylus orientalis Westwood) is the most destructive insect pest of potato tubers in the field in Nepal. A field experiment was conducted at Bhatkada, Dadeldhura district, Nepal in 2020 to determine the efficacy of various biopesticides and chemical insecticide on red ants. The plot size in this experiment was 106.7 m2. Five treatments viz. Chlorpyriphos 20% EC (2 mL L-1 water), Banmaara (2 kg plot-1), Cow urine (2 L 6 L-1 water plot-1), Agave (25 g tuber-1) and Control (no treatment) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications. The data on plant height and the number of leaves were taken at 45, 60, and 75 days after planting (DAP). The data on slightly and severely infested tubers were taken after harvesting of potato. The results showed that Chlorpyriphos treated plots gave the lowest values of traits viz numbers of slightly infested tuber (91,500 ha-1), severely infested tubers (12,500 ha-1), weights of slight infested tubers (7,700 kg ha-1) and severely infested tuber (1,130 kg ha-1). Among the botanical pesticides, Agave treated plots provided the second lowest values of numbers of slightly infested tuber (145,500 ha-1), severely infested tubers (37,400 ha-1), weights of slight infested tubers (13,400 kg ha-1) and severely infested tuber (3,110 kg ha-1). The results showed that the Agave treatment provided the highest marketable yield (50,900 kg ha-1). Thus, Chlorpyriphos and Agave could be used to efficiently protect potato tubers from red ant in potato field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of formulations containing botanical products for controlling insects that vector human and animal diseases has increased in recent years. Plant extracts seem to offer fewer risks to the environment and to human health without reducing the application strategy's efficacy when compared to synthetic and conventional insecticides and repellents. Here, we evaluated the potential of extracts obtained from caninana, Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc. (Rubiaceae), plants as a tool to be integrated into the management of Aedes aegypti, one of the principal vectors for the transmission of arborviruses in humans. We assessed the larvicidal and repellence performance against adult mosquitoes and evaluated the potential undesired effects of the extracts on non-target organisms. We assessed the susceptibility and predatory abilities of the nymphs of Belostoma anurum, a naturally occurring mosquito larva predator, and evaluated the C. alba extract's cytotoxic effects in mammalian cell lines. Our chromatographic analysis revealed 18 compounds, including rutin, naringin, myricetin, morin, and quercetin. The methanolic extracts of C. alba showed larvicidal (LC50 = 82 (72–94) mg/mL) activity without killing or affecting the abilities of B. anurum to prey upon mosquito larvae. Our in silico predictions revealed the molecular interactions between rutin and the AeagOBP1 receptor to be one possible mechanism for the repellent potential recorded for formulations containing C. alba extracts. Low cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines reinforces the selectivity of C. alba extracts. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of C. alba and one of its constituents (rutin) as alternative tools to be integrated into the management of A. aegypti mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Indiscriminate use of synthetic acaricides in the management of veterinary parasites has led to environmental pollution, acaricidal resistance and their residues in the animal products. These problems are directly demanded an alternative acaricidal source for the ticks control and that should be cost-effective, eco-friendly and target specific. The current study demonstrated the acaricidal effects of Capsicum frutescens (fruits) against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. In adult immersion test, the effects of the treatment on engorged females were assessed by measuring egg mass production, estimated reproductive factor, and % inhibition of reproduction. Results Methanol extract was observed the most effective against adults with LC50 617.54 ppm and LC90 1040.41 ppm. The other target extracts (petroleum ether and hexane) were less effective to the engorged females of R. microplus. Chemical analysis of the potent extract was elucidated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analysis and Cis-13-octadecenoic acid was observed as main compound (43.54%). The simultaneous evaluation of the qualitative chemical screening of the methanol extract showed the presence of tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Conclusion The study concludes that the methanol extract of C. frutescens fruits revealed the significant acaricidal properties and may be used as safe alternative for tick management.

The advent of the “Green Revolution” was a great success in significantly increasing crop productivity. However, it involved high ecological costs in terms of excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals, raising concerns about agricultural sustainability. Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides resulted in environmental degradation, the development of pest resistance, and possible dangers to a variety of nontarget species (including plants, animals, and humans). Thus, a sustainable approach necessitates the exploration of viable ecofriendly alternatives. Plant-based biopesticides are attracting considerable attention in this context due to their target specificity, ecofriendliness, biodegradability, and safety for humans and other life forms. Among all the relevant biopesticides, plant essential oils (PEOs) or their active components are being widely explored against weeds, pests, and microorganisms. This review aims to collate the information related to the expansion and advancement in research and technology on the applications of PEOs as biopesticides. An insight into the mechanism of action of PEO-based bioherbicides, bioinsecticides, and biofungicides is also provided. With the aid of bibliometric analysis, it was found that ~75% of the documents on PEOs having biopesticidal potential were published in the last five years, with an annual growth rate of 20.51% and a citation per document of 20.91. Research on the biopesticidal properties of PEOs is receiving adequate attention from European (Italy and Spain), Asian (China, India, Iran, and Saudi Arabia), and American (Argentina, Brazil, and the United States of America) nations. Despite the increasing biopesticidal applications of PEOs and their widespread acceptance by governments, they face many challenges due to their inherent nature (lipophilicity and high volatility), production costs, and manufacturing constraints. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of emerging innovations like the nanoencapsulation of PEOs, bioinformatics, and RNA-Seq in biopesticide development has been proposed. With these novel technological interventions, PEO-based biopesticides have the potential to be used for sustainable pest management in the future.

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) is a notorious devastating sap-sucking insect pest that causes substantial crop damage and yield losses due to direct feeding by both nymphs and adults and also through transmission of viruses and diseases. Although the foliar application of synthetic pesticides is crucial for efficient control of B. tabaci, it has adverse effects such as environmental pollution, resistance and resurgence of the pest, toxicity to pollinators, and crop yield penalty. Thus, a suitable, safe, and robust strategy for the control of whiteflies in the agricultural field is needed. The reports on whitefly-resistant transgenic plants are scanty, non-reproducible, and/or need secondary trials and clearance from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The present review encompasses explicit information compiled from 364 articles on the traditional, mechanical, biological, biotechnological, and chemical strategies for whitefly management (WFM), IPM strategy, and future prospects of WFM for food and agriculture security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] This study screened botanical pesticides with good control effect against Zanthoxylum bungeanum aphid and less damage to natural enemy insects to provide guidance for the development of green prevention and control technology in Hancheng. [Method] A total of 8 botanical pesticides including 0.3% Matrine AS (Huaheke), 5% Rotenone ME (Grammeda), 5% Pyrethrin EC (Fuxing), 0.4% Osthole SL (Jin minghui), 0. 3% Melialidin SL (Fuqiang), 0.5% Veratrine SL (Nongwei), 0.3% Matrine AS (Tiansibang) and 0.3% Matrine AS (Baojiakang) were diluted 500 times for field trails in 2020 and 2021 using water as blank control. In 2021, the natural enemy insects were investigated in fields with biological pesticides control and chemical pesticides control (3% Acetamiprid EC (Tianda), 2 000 times dilution and 5% Imidacloprid EC (Tianshen), 2 500 times dilution). [Result] The two-year field efficacy test showed that 5% Pyrethrin EC (Fuxing) had the best control effect of over 80% at 3 and 5 days after application and 100% after 7 and 14 days. The control effect of 0.3% Melialidin SL (Fuqiang) was above 70% at 5, 7 and 14 days after application. The treatment with 0.3% Matrine AS (Baojiakang) also showed excellent control effect 5, 7 and 14 days after application. The survey results showed that natural enemy insects were Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia axyridis in gardens treated by both biological and chemical pesticides. The quantity and duration of insects in biological controlled garden were superior to those in chemical controlled garden. [Conclusion] It was recommended to use 5% Pyrethrin EC (Fuxing) 500 times solution for the prevention and control of Zanthoxylum bungeanum as the first choice for green control technology, while 0.3% Melialidin SL (Fuqiang) and 0.3% Matrine AS (Baojiakang) could be used as alternative pesticides for 5% Pyrethrin EC (Fuxing) to delay the emergence of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrated farming, which is related with substantial contributions of manufactured insect sprays, has genuine natural effects, prompting loss of fundamental environment administrations including bug intervened bother concealment. As of late, endeavors have been made towards getting more secure alternatives to synthetic insect sprays for supportable vermin the executives. Would insecticides be able to be made out of common substances? Natural, plant-put together pesticides that depend with respect to plants common guards against bugs may not exclusively be successful and modest for ensuring crops, yet in addition more secure and all the more harmless to the ecosystem. This review brings together information regarding botanical pesticides, phytochemical composition and importance in agricultural production. Botanical pesticides are efficacious in managing different crop pests, inexpensive, easily biodegraded, have varied modes of action; their sources are easily available and have low toxicity to non-target organisms.

The irrational use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has had negative impacts on ecosystems and contributed to environmental pollution. Botanical pesticides offer a clean biotechnological alternative to meet the agricultural challenges posed by pests and arthropods. This article proposes the use of fruit structures (fruit, peel, seed, and sarcotesta) of several Magnolia species as biopesticides. The potential of extracts, essential oils, and secondary metabolites of these structures for pest control is described. From 11 Magnolia species, 277 natural compounds were obtained, 68.7% of which were terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. Finally, the importance of a correct management of Magnolia species to ensure their sustainable use and conservation is stressed.

Despite chemical control remaining the predominant strategy for pest management, the utilization of sustainable control tactics has been growing as a crucial approach to mitigate environmental impact and ensure safe food production, particularly within intensive coffee cultivation. The objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy of botanical insecticides based on orange oil and neem oil for managing Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) infestations, while additionally assessing the side effects of these insecticides on predator Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), commonly found in coffee cultivation areas. To achieve this, we examined the impact of botanical insecticides on eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of L. coffeella , as well as on eggs and larvae in the first, second, and third instars of C. externa. The results obtained from this research indicate that the utilization of botanical insecticides derived from orange oil and neem oil, when applied to eggs, resulted in reduction in the hatching rates of coffee leaf miner larvae (75.0–97.6%). Furthermore, when applied to larvae of its predator, C. externa , these insecticides demonstrated compatibility with the survival of the natural enemy. Both neem oil and orange oil exhibited the ability to prevent larvae from hatching from L. coffeela eggs when applied to adults. In light of these findings, it is evident that botanical insecticides formulated from orange oil and neem oil could serve as viable alternatives for the sustainable management of the coffee leaf miner, a significant pest in coffee cultivation. [Display omitted] • Application of botanical insecticides reduce the hatching of L. coffeella larvae. • Both neem oil and orange oil prevent egg hatch when applied to L. coffeella adults. • Orange oil and neem oil are sustainable alternatives to control L. coffeella. • There were no negative effects after neem treatment of C. externa larvae. • Orange oil mostly did not affect C. externa predator traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the in vivo molluscicidal activity and Artemia salina lethality of Azorean Cryptomeria japonica leaf (CJL) essential oils (EOs) obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and water-steam distillation (WSD) techniques, especially in light of the recent focus on the use of forestry and wood industry residues in a sustainable world economy. Molluscicidal activity was performed during several life stages of Radix peregra by the immersion method, under laboratory conditions. A first screening through a single-dose bioassay revealed that both EOs were highly active towards eggs, juveniles and adult snails (ca. 100% mortality). Concentration- and time-toxicity assays were carried out only on adult snails to determine the lethal parameters (LC50;90 and LT50;90). The LC50 values were 33 and 62 µg/mL for EO–WSD and EO–HD, respectively, after 48 h. The LT50 of EO–WSD required only 21 h for both 16 h and continous exposure periods, while that of EO–HD was slighty superior (21.8–25.6 h). Although not significant, EO–WSD was also slightly more toxic against A. salina than EO–HD (LC50 = 98 and 115 µg/mL after 24 h, respectively). In conclusion, Azorean CJL EOs, which are rich in α-pinene (mostly EO–WSD), have huge potential to be used as safe raw materials for the development of natural molluscicide products to control snails responsible for transmitting fascioliasis.

Botanical pesticides have received increasing attention for sustainable control of insect pests. Plants from the genus Tephrosia are known to produce rotenone and deguelin. Rotenone is known to possess insecticidal activities against a wide range of pests, but deguelin's activities remain largely inconclusive. On the other hand, the biosynthesis of rotenone and deguelin may vary in Tephrosia species. This study analyzed the rotenone and deguelin contents in 13 strains across 4 Tephrosia species over 4 growing seasons using HPLC. Our study shows that the species and even the strains within a species vary substantially in the biosynthesis of rotenone and deguelin, and their contents can be affected by the growing season. After identification of the LC50 values of chemical rotenone and deguelin against Aphis gossypii (Glover) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), leaf extracts derived from the 13 strains were used to test their insecticidal activities against the 2 pests. The results showed that the extracts derived from 2 strains of T. vogelii had the highest insecticidal activity, resulting in 100% mortality of A. gossypii and greater than 90% mortality of B. tabaci. The higher mortalities were closely associated with the higher contents of rotenone and deguelin in the two strains, indicating that deguelin also possesses insecticidal activities. This is the first documentation of leaf extracts derived from 13 Tephrosia strains against 2 important pests of A. gossypii and B. tabaci. The strain variation and seasonal influence on the rotenone and deguelin contents call for careful attention in selecting appropriate strains and seasons to produce leaf extracts for the control of insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest management is being confronted with immense economic and environmental issues worldwide because of massive utilization and over-reliance on pesticides. The non-target toxicity, residual consequence, and challenging biodegradability of these synthetic pesticides have become a serious concern, which urgently requires the alternative and prompt adoption of sustainable and cost-effective pest control measures. Increasing attention in environmental safety has triggered interest in pest control approaches through eco-friendly plant-based pesticides. Botanical pesticidal constituents are effective against myriads of destructive pests and diseases. More importantly, they are widely available, inexpensive, accessible, rapidly biodegradable, and have little toxicity to beneficiary agents. The phytochemical compositions in diverse plant species are responsible for their varying mechanisms of action against pests and diseases. However, difficulties in their formulation and insufficient appropriate chemical data have led to a low level of acceptance and adoption globally. Therefore, the review seeks to highlight the status, phytochemical compositions, insecticidal mechanisms, and challenges of plant-based pesticide usage in sustainable agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sap-sucking insect pests have been a severe threat to horticultural and agricultural crops all over the world. Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Psyllidae: Hemiptera) and cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are destructive sap-sucking pests of citrus and cotton, respectively. Extensive use of persistent synthetic insecticides against these pests poses issues of environmental contaminations and health hazards and suggests looking for alternate biorational plant protection measures such as botanical pesticides. This study evaluated the potential toxicity of acetone extracts of 40 indigenous plant species of Soon valley and surrounding salt range (Punjab, Pakistan) against D. citri and A. gossypii using standard twig-dip and leaf-dip bioassay methods, respectively. Results of initial screening bioassay showed the highest mortality of D. citri by 10% extracts of Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. (93%), Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. (91%), Nerium indicum Mill. (89%), Datura alba L. (88%) and Salvia officinalis L. (81%). Second bioassay conducted against A. gossypii using different concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 40%) of the most effective botanical extracts revealed that the extract of S. officinalis was most toxic (LC50 = 18.59%), followed by N. indicum (LC50 = 20.27%) and M. longifolia (LC50 = 20.73%). Similar trend of effectiveness was observed regarding their LT50 values. Overall study results demonstrated the biocidal potential of the extracts of indigenous plant species of Soon valley against D. citri and A. gossypii, and suggest their further biochemical characterization and practical implication in future IPM programs against these and other sap-feeding insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) is a polyphagous pest with a cosmopolitan distribution. The combined application of botanical pesticides and entomo-acaropathogenic fungi may serve as an eco-friendly approach in controlling the mite. In this study, the Mimosa pudica (Fabales: Fabaceae) leaf aqueous extract (MpAE) was initially tested to determine its effects on the mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidia viability of the entomo-acaropathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). The compatibility was then determined based on the biological index (BI) value. The bioefficacy of MpAE and B. bassiana at various concentrations was evaluated against P. latus, both alone and in combinations. Each treatment was sprayed into an arena containing a citrus leaf disc and gravid females of P. latus. The mortality and oviposition rate of the females were observed until 120 h after application. The results showed no reduction in B. bassiana mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidia viability when MpAE was incorporated into the culture medium. The BI value ranged from 100.01 to 136.30, indicating that MpAE was highly compatible with B. bassiana. The individual and combined applications of MpAE and B. bassiana significantly increased the mite mortality and simultaneously inhibited the mite oviposition rate. The mite mortality varied from 90 to 100% at 120 h after application in the treatment groups. The mite oviposition rate was significantly decreased, ranging from 11.50 to 29.00 eggs in the treatment groups, while it was 57.25 eggs in control. Therefore, the application of MpAE and B. bassiana propose a valuable alternative to integrate into pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out to find out the effect of wheat varieties and types of pesticide to control the naturally occurred pests and diseases. The research was designed in a split plot experiment with three replications. The main plot was 3 botanical pesticides (eugenol+eugenol acetate+caryophillene, azadirachtin, citronellal) and 1 synthetic pesticide (dimehypo 550 g/l) and 1 control (distilled water). The subplot was 4 wheat varieties (Guri 1, Guri 3, Guri 4, and Guri 6). Twice application of botanical pesticides was carried out at 30 and 60 days after planting (DAP). Results showed that in both vegetative and generative stage, two main pests were found, namely: Atherigona sp. and stem borer Sesamia inferens. Shoot fly incidence occured before the application of pesticide treatments. The percentage of incidence ranged from 10.33% at Guri 1 to 35.00% at Guri 6. No interaction among the applied treatments was observed on the average percentage of stem borer incidence on both growth stages. The visibly found disease was leaf blotch disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana. All evaluated varieties were very susceptible to leaf blotch. The harvestable grain yield was very low due to the attacks of shoot fly, stem borer and also high incidence of leaf blotch.

The implementation of sustainable organic farming is an effort to address the problem of the use of inorganic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides which are increasingly used by farmers because their use has a negative impact. The target of implementing community service activities integrated with the Thematic Community Service Program is farmers in Aunupe Village, Wolasi District, Konawe Selatan District, which have been designated as Organic Farming Areas. Farmers in Aunupe Village mostly still use inorganic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. The purpose of this activity is to provide farmers with an understanding of organic farming through training in the manufacture of biological fertilizers, biological agents and plant-based pesticides. The output from this activity is expected to gradually reduce farmers no longer use inorganic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides and begin to shift to the application of organic questions.