Abstract
The Artemisia genus includes a large number of species with worldwide distribution and diverse chemical composition. The secondary metabolites of Artemisia species have numerous applications in the health, cosmetics, and food sectors. Moreover, many compounds of this genus are known for their antimicrobial, insecticidal, parasiticidal, and phytotoxic properties, which recommend them as possible biological control agents against plant pests. This paper aims to evaluate the latest available information related to the pesticidal properties of Artemisia compounds and extracts and their potential use in crop protection. Another aspect discussed in this review is the use of nanotechnology as a valuable trend for obtaining pesticides. Nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and nanocapsules represent a more efficient method of biopesticide delivery with increased stability and potency, reduced toxicity, and extended duration of action. Given the negative impact of synthetic pesticides on human health and on the environment, Artemisia-derived biopesticides and their nanoformulations emerge as promising ecofriendly alternatives to pest management.
Highlights
The Artemisia L. genus contains over 500 species, herbaceous plants and shrubs, widespread in the northern hemisphere, in Asia, Europe, and North America
The results indicated an aggregation of nanocapsules when tween 20 (Tw 20) and Tw 40 were used as emulsifiers and poly vinyl pyrrolidone was used as coemulsifier; using Tw 80 as emulsifier, at 45 ◦C for both micelle preparation and polymerization led to a good stability of nanocapsules with granular and spherical shape and a 40–50 nm size
Experiments show that the activity of the extract often exceeds that of the isolated compounds, and, in addition, the use of a mixture of substances prevents the appearance of the resistance of the pathogen to the pesticide used
Summary
The Artemisia L. genus contains over 500 species, herbaceous plants and shrubs, widespread in the northern hemisphere, in Asia, Europe, and North America. The type of extract, the part of the plant used, and the time of harvest influence the antifungal activity, as underlined in a study carried out with methanol, ethanol, and hexane extracts of Artemisia annua against Aspergillus niger and A. flavus. A common seed contaminant, aflatoxin B1 is a powerful human carcinogen and a serious health risk; it contributes to food deterioration by lipid peroxidation [40] In another experiment, A. nilagirica volatile oil (0.16 μL/mL) completely inhibited the production of aflatoxin B1 by Aspergillus flavus and ochratoxin A by A. niger and A. ochraceus [39]. The phytocompounds mechanism of action against fungi involves the inhibition of enzymes that control energy or structural compounds production, degeneration of fungal cell wall with loss of cytoplasm, and plasma membrane dysfunction Due to their lipophilic nature, components of essential oils can penetrate cell walls, increase cellular membranes permeability and disturb the fungal cells metabolism, causing their death [11]. In the root, stem, and leaves of A. argyi, researchers identified endophytes (Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, Paenibacillus polymyxa) that produce substances capable of inhibiting the growth of the mycelium of Fusarium oxysporum, Magnaporthe grisea, and Alternaria alternata [53]
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