A Review on Ramie ( Boehmeria nivea L. Gaudich.): From Textile to Medicine and the Threats of Pests and Diseases

Pulse crops, including lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans, play a crucial role in addressing global food security and nutritional needs. However, their production is often hampered by various pests and diseases, leading to significant yield losses. Conventional pest and disease management practices, heavily reliant on synthetic chemical pesticides, have raised concerns about environmental sustainability, human health, and the development of resistance in target organisms. In recent years, biological approaches have emerged as promising alternatives for sustainable pest and disease management in pulse crops. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various biological control strategies, including the use of beneficial microorganisms, plant extracts, and other eco-friendly methods. The review discusses the mode of action, efficacy, and potential applications of these approaches in combating major pests and diseases affecting pulse crops. Additionally, it highlights the challenges and future prospects of integrating biological control methods into integrated pest and disease management programs. By adopting these sustainable practices, pulse crop production can be enhanced while minimizing the environmental footprint and promoting long-term ecological balance. The review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, extension specialists, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of biological approaches in achieving sustainable and resilient pulse crop production systems.

Ramie plant ((Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) bears a volumeous biomass harvested every 60 days. Much biomass is harvested and much nutriens are absorbed and removed from the soil make the nutrient scarse. To maintain the productivity of soil and to supply the requrement of plant to the level of enough nutrition, an experiment was conducted in Tanjungsari subdistrict of Sumedang regency in the month of July to Oktober 2009. The experiment design used was randomized block design with four treatments of fertilization formula (dosages) i.e. 1)A 10 ton Sheep Dung (25 kg N + 25 kg K); 2) B 10 ton Sheep Dung (45 kg N + 45 kg K); 3) C 20 ton Sheep Dung (25 kg N + 25 kg K); D 20 ton Sheep Dung (45 kg N + 45 kg K). Sheep dung was applied only once in the planting time and nitrogen and potassium ferilizer were applied after every harvest. Each treatment was replicated 6 times. Variables of growth and yield which were measured were: number of stalks; length of stalk; diameter of stalk; biomass weight; fresh stalk weight; china grass weight, and; degummed fiber weight. Result showed that responses of ramie plant were significant, better growth and more yields. Potassium fertilizer gave a good effect on quality of fiber. The dosages applied to the ramie plant did not reach the maximum rate. Ramie plant requires much nutrition to support the rapid growth and the big volumeous biomass removed from soil. Ramie plant is consider as a robust plant.

Plant pests and diseases have significant negative impacts on global food security, world trade and rural livelihoods. Climate change exacerbates these impacts in certain parts of the world. Overreliance on pesticides as the primary tool for plant pest management leads to problems such as pesticide resistance and pest resurgence. Environmental and food safety concerns are also associated with overuse of pesticides in crop production. There is clearly a need for a shift in pest management strategies and practices globally. Optimization of structures and functions in crop production agroecosystems through soil conservation practices and cropping diversification can improve pest regulation services provided in the systems. Prioritization of safer alternatives and practices in the IPM pyramid, such as resistant varieties and biopesticides, helps minimize the use of potentially risky agricultural inputs such as synthetic pesticides. Investment is needed to boost the development of innovative green technologies and practices. Production, distribution, use and regulatory capacities need to be strengthened to facilitate large-scale adoption of green technologies and practices. Finally, policy, financial and market instruments should be wielded to provide an enabling environment for the transformation to sustainable plant pest and disease management strategies and practices worldwide.

Nanotechnology is emerging as a transformative tool in agriculture, offering innovative approaches for sustainable pest and disease management. The incorporation of nanomaterials into agricultural practices has the potential to address the limitations of conventional pesticides and fertilizers, providing targeted, efficient, and eco-friendly alternatives. This review examines the current advancements in nanotechnology-based materials for sustainable pest and disease control, focusing on their mechanisms of action, environmental benefits, and challenges. Nanomaterials such as nanoscale pesticides, nano-formulated fertilizers, and smart delivery systems can significantly enhance the precision of agrochemical application, reducing chemical runoff and minimizing harm to non-target organisms. These materials offer controlled release properties, ensuring prolonged effectiveness and reducing the frequency of applications. Additionally, the use of nanoparticles can disrupt pest resistance mechanisms, providing a novel approach to resistance management, the promising benefits, the adoption of nanotechnology in agriculture is not without challenges. Key concerns include the potential environmental and health risks associated with the long-term use of nanomaterials, the cost of production, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks, biodegradable and environmentally friendly nanoparticles are being developed to mitigate some of these risks.

Weeds, pests and diseases in Rubus plantations can have significant economic impact through their negative effects on yield and the costs of implementing control measures. Yield losses can be particularly high for certain pests and diseases, in some cases leading to total plantation losses. While the costs of weed control are rarely quantified, weeds can be a major detriment to profit in Rubus and other perennial fruit production systems. Although chemical control methods can be effective, growers are under increasing pressure to produce fruit sustainably with reduced chemical inputs to mitigate health risks and environmental damage (e.g. Łozowicka et al. 2012). In Europe, this has led to the requirement for each EU Member State to implement a National Action Plan with Integrated Pest Management (IPM; where the term ‘pest’ covers all injurious biotic stressors attacking crop plants) as a central crop protection strategy. Agroecological approaches offer an opportunity to develop sustainable weed, pest and disease management interventions by developing an understanding of the system processes and functions contributing to pest and disease regulation (Birch et al. 2011; Kremen et al. 2012). A framework for adopting an agroecological approach to promote integrated pest and disease management is provided by Birch et al. (2011) and includes (i) use of pest-resistant cultivars, (ii) optimising synthetic pesticide and biopesticide applications, (iii) use of bioactive substances (e.g. pheromones, semiochemicals), (iv) enhancing biocontrol using natural enemies, and (v) ecological engineering of habitats and landscapes to optimise pest and disease suppression. This chapter reports on recent progress and available options for these management measures in Rubus plantations.

Simple SummaryThis 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.

The leaf and stem extracts of Boehmeria nivea (BN) collected from three different regions in Korea were screened for their antioxidant, neuroprotective, estrogenic, insulin secretion, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. We also examined whether BN extracts regulate cancer cell growth, inflammatory-related gene expression, and lipid accumulation in cellular system. Leaf extracts possessed greater antioxidant, anti-proliferative in cancer cells, neuroprotective, estrogenic activity, and inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory gene expression than stem extracts. Leaf and stem extracts inhibited lipid accumulation in three T3-L1 adipocytes but did not affect glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1 cells. We isolated and identified the phytochemical constituents in the n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions of BN leaves by combining silica gel column chromatography with mass spectrometry and 1 H- and 13 C-NMR analysis. The active compounds (caffeic acid, isoquercitrin, p-coumaric acid, and rutin) exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which may contribute to the biological activities of BN leaf extract. An analytical method was developed to quantify marker compounds for the discrimination of BN collected from different regions. Our results support the use of this analysis method for accurate identification and quantification of marker compounds in BN for the development of functional foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Boehmeria nivea (BN) has been used as a raw material for the textile industry or traditional herbal medicine. The current study established the biological activities and active components of BN. Our results showed that BN leaf and stem extracts exhibit antioxidant, neuroprotective, and estrogenic activity. BN leaf extract also inhibited cancer cell growth, inflammatory mediators and cytokines production, and lipid accumulation in vitro. Moreover, the bioactive compounds, such as caffeic acid, isoquercitrin, p-coumaric acid, and rutin, exert ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Therefore, BN could potentially be a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals for the development of functional foods or drugs.

Eco-friendly management of insect pests using sustainable measures is the need of the hour to prevent crop yield losses caused by pests. For sustainable agriculture, the use of biological methods, viz., botanicals, biological control, biopesticides, and pheromones for pest management, should be adopted and popularized on high priority. Chemical pesticides accumulate in the soil, disrupting its structure and fertility over time, causing long-term contamination and ecological imbalance. Biological control is a central component of integrated pest management (IPM), which constitutes an array of scientific methods adopted in both conventional and organic farming systems. The main objective of the study is to better understand the potential of botanicals in sustainable pest and disease management while maintaining ecological balance to assess the effectiveness of various botanical extracts or chemicals in eradicating specific pests, diseases, or weeds and to identify natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides and herbicides, thereby lowering the environmental and health dangers connected with chemical use. The study utilized search engines, research papers, online databases, and books, with data from various platforms contributing to this study. Unlike chemical pesticides, botanicals degrade quickly, hence enhancing soil health and maintaining rhizosphere microorganisms. They are cost-effective, non-toxic, and accessible for pest management. Botanicals are a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals that benefit soil health, protect microflora, and support organic farming. Plants, such as Azadirachta indica, Chrysanthemum, Pongamia, Lantana, Calotropis, Shorea robusta, etc., are used as botanicals. The development and utilization of botanicals in pest management offer an environmentfriendly and cost-effective approach. The focus should be on advancing wellresearched botanical solutions to promote sustainable agriculture. These botanicals can play a crucial role in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. By integrating these natural solutions into sustainable agricultural practices, we can reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, minimize ecological harm, and promote long-term agricultural productivity and soil health.

The escalating demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategies has raised interest in harnessing the pathogenic potential of microorganisms. Serratia marcescens, a Gram-negative bacterium, has emerged as a potential biological control agent for sustainable pest management. This review critically examines the history, biology, identification, and pathogenicity of S. marcescens strain with their potential application in pest management. The diverse mechanisms employed by the strain to exert control over pests, including the production of metabolites and the induction of systemic resistance in plants, are examined. The review also summarizes the ecological significance and global distribution of S. marcescens associated with the use of S. marcescens in biological control strategies. Furthermore, the usage efficacy of S. marcescens over other conventional chemicals is discussed. A comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic potential of S. marcescens strains as biological control agents is crucial for developing effective and sustainable pest management strategies. This review consolidates current research advances on S. marcescens, and provides insights into the prospects and challenges of using S. marcescens for integrated pest management.

Synthesis and characterization of air filter media made from cellulosic ramie fiber (Boehmeria nivea)

Biogeochemical cycles of nutrients, rare earth elements (REEs) and Al in soil-plant system in ion-adsorption REE mine tailings remediated with amendment and ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.)

The emerging pest and disease incursions in coconut growing countries result in great economic yield losses and negative impact to the industry, biodiversity loss, and disrupted native and agricultural system.Repeated use of the same active ingredient of pesticide to control pests and diseases could lead to pest and disease resistance. The inevitable effect of climate change, other environmental factors, and the destruction of natural enemies could trigger the incursion and migration of devastating pests and diseases. The massive planting and replanting could create homogeneity in coconut farms, predisposing these to disease infection and pest infestation. The concurrent reported outbreaks of Brontispa in Southeast Asia, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, Guam type (CRB-G) in Guam, and Asia-Pacic countries, Coconut Scale Insect in the Philippines, Lethal Yellowing in Jamaica, and Mexico, Bogia Coconut Syndrome in Papua New Guinea, Sexava, Rhyncophorus in Indonesia, and the recognition of the need to develop international biosecurity protocols for safe germplasm exchange have prompted the International Coconut Community (ICC) to hold the 1st IPM symposium.We know that pests and diseases reduced the ability of the industry to fully benefit from the market opportunities. In the face of this situation ICC Sessions and Ministerial meetings as the highest authority and the ICC recommended the ICC Secretariat to convene an IPM symposium to help countries overcome low coconut production due to pests and diseases.The general objective of the symposium is to establish an international IPM network system and synergy to protect the coconut producers & industries and conserve the coconut genetic resources and diversity from the adverse impact of pests and diseases through expertise and experience sharing.The specific objectives of the symposium are:1. To bring together key members of the scientific community for an interactive discussion on emerging issues and advances related to IPM, that will help enhance and develop IPM extension and research on invasive coconut pests and diseases2. To craft ecologically sound, science-based, and sustainable pest and disease management approaches based on IPM practices across countries.3. To create an international platform/network among coconut growing countries to strengthen the development of IPM strategies, pest and disease risk assessment, and inter-country collaborations that will address the research gaps and challenges of managing invasive pests/diseases losses and negative impact on the industry, biodiversity loss, and disrupted native and agricultural system.List of Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Associate Editor, Scientific Committee of IPM Symposium Proceedings are available in this Pdf.

This chapter emphasizes the importance of devoting more efforts to create sustainable farming system for plant disease prevention and management in the tropics. We highlight sustainable pest management approaches that: (1) enhance high biological diversity through polyculture instead of the conventional preference of monoculture cropping systems; (2) increase ecosystem community stability by promoting natural enemies of multiple pests and pathogens; (3) stimulate inherent plant defenses; (4) improve plant health by maintaining nutrient cycling and energy flow; and (5) target vulnerable stages of a pest or pathogen through the understanding of their ecology. The use of therapeutic approaches, whether biological, chemical, or physical, is in violation of the five fundamental approaches for sustainable pest management listed above. The foundation for disease management in sustainable agricultural systems should be based on an understanding of the total agroecosystem composite of the biology of pathogens, host plant defenses, plant mixtures, soil, natural enemies, and timing of cultural practices to avoid creating a conducive environment for disease development. Successful examples of sustainable pest management strategies using these approaches are listed for key plant pathogens. While the literature review on sustainable pest management approaches for different groups of plant pathogens has been reviewed separately, future work in developing sustainable pest management should design approaches that can target multiple pests and plant pathogens concurrently through environmentally friendly and renewable strategies.

Developing integrated pest and disease management approaches for sustainable management of key insect pests and diseases of lablab bean in Tamil Nadu, India

Botanical extracts have long been recognised for their pest and disease control potential. However, challenges such as poor stability and limited efficacy often hinder their practical application in agriculture. In recent years, the emergence of nanoemulsion formulations has offered a promising solution to overcome these limitations. Nanoemulsions are isotropic systems of two immiscible liquids (oil and water) combined to generate a single formulation. The nano size and surface characteristics of the droplets play a crucial role in enhancing the biological behaviour of the formulation. This review article aims to assess the potential of employing nanoemulsion formulations containing botanical extracts as a viable and environmentally sustainable strategy for insect pest management in Sri Lankan agriculture. The article discusses the potential botanicals available in Sri Lanka that can be developed as nanoemulsions, examples of plant extracts improved as nanoemulsions in other countries, advantages of nanoemulsion formulations, formulation techniques, optimisation strategies, and their potential applications in pest management. It emphasises the need for further research and practical implementation to fully harness the potential of nanoemulsion formulations for sustainable agricultural pest management in Sri Lanka.