Black Soap Research Articles

Assessment of mineral oils, black soap, and essential oils for controlling Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell. 1929) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

Assessment of mineral oils, black soap, and essential oils for controlling Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell. 1929) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

Effects of Packaging on Consumer Buying Decision: A Study of African Black Soap (Alata Samina)

Product packaging plays a key role in consumer purchasing decision as packaging promote brand identity and customer loyalty. However, the African black soap prepared in Ghana has not seen the best of packaging, hence, its rejection in international marketplace. It is in this vein that the researcher sought to examine effect of packaging on consumer buying decision of African black soap (Alata Samina). Correlation and cross-sectional design were used. Cluster and simple random were used to select 245 respondents. Findings revealed that best packaging influence consumers’ perception to buy local Alata Samina soap recorded a cumulative mean of 4.69198 and standard deviation of 3.31842, suggesting respondents’ agreement that best packaging induce consumer buying decision. In terms of relationship, it was clear that strong positive link exist between packaging elements and consumer buying decision; Packaging colour had r(245) = 0.882, p<0.05, Background image had r(245) = 0.881, p<0.05, Packaging materials had r(245) = 0.882, p<0.05, Font style had r(245) = 0.876, p<0.05. Printed information had r(245) = 0.772, p<0.05, Labelling, wrapper design and creativity had r(245) = 0.882, p<0.05. Standard Multiple Regression was used to analyzed the effect of packaging elements on consumer buying decision and the result were packaging colour had 53.8% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.538, p<0.05. Brand image had 85.3 % and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.853, p<0.05. Printed information had 73.8% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.738, p<0.05. Packaging materials had 62.6% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.626, p<0.05. Innovation had 92.3 % and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.923, p<0.05. Labelling quality had 76.5% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.765, p<0.05. Design of wrapper had 44.2% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.442, p<0.05. However, font style had only 1.2% and this effect is not statistically significant; r(245) = 0.012, p<0.05. This means that most consumers do not believe that font style influences consumers’ purchase decision. The study recommends that Institute of Packaging Ghana, Federation of Ghanaian Exporters, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Exports Promotions Authority and Association of Ghana Industries should collaborate to improve the packaging skills of the local African black soap producer. The essence is to enable them to package their products to meet the export market standards.

Physicochemical Properties of African Black Soap Prepared with Alkali Derived from (Empty) Oil Palm Fruit Bunches

The use of oil palm biomass in black soap production was carried out. The soap was prepared using different oils; Palm kernel oil (PKO), Tallow oil (TO), Palm oil (PO), Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and their blends (PKO:PFAD:TO:PO) at 0.5 ratio each. The physiochemical properties of the different oils and their blends were studied. The moisture content, bulk density, foaming stability, pH, solubility of metallic salts and surface tension of the different black soaps produced were analyzed. The results of the oils and their blends had free fatty acid values between (2.56 - 49.48) %, saponification values of (231.4 - 450.20) KOH/g and relative densities of (0.97-1.008) g/ml. The results indicated that the moisture content ranged from (6.0 -7.4) % for all soaps, with the lowest (6.0%) observed in PKO, the highest (7.4%) observed in soaps made with PO and PKO:PFAD:TO:PO blends. The bulk density of the soaps ranged from (0.55 - 0.94) g/cm3. The PKO: PFAD soap had the highest foam stability of 7.4cm and PKO soap (2.08cm) the lowest. The soap produced with various oils and their blends showed a neutral pH in the range of 7.25 -7.38. The metallic salts NaCl, KCl and HgCl2 were soluble in the soap solution with no precipitate formed while MnCl2, PbCl3, and CuCl2 salts precipitated out of the soap solution. The surface tension of water was lowered at different rates by the soaps. The black soap produced with the oils and their blends met the standard quality specification for commercial soaps within the geographical area of manufacture.

Sustaining beyond the production of cocoa for beans: The preference and impact of products from the cocoa husk

The cocoa pod husk, a waste in most cocoa farms, has recently received alternative uses in various industries. To cocoa farmers, potash and black soap are their main products from the husk. This alternative use presents an excellent opportunity for improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. Nevertheless, there is sparse evidence of farmers' willingness to produce black soap and its potential implication on their welfare. We employed a multistage sampling approach to close this gap to draw data from 150 cocoa farmers from Ahafo Ano North District, Ghana. We analysed the data with binary probit, ordered probit and Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment. We found that marital status, membership of FBO, knowledge of black soap production, and credit access influence farmers' willingness to produce (WTP) black soap. Again, gender, marital status, age, farm income, farming experience and knowledge of black soap have a significant but heterogeneous effect on the tipping point that stimulates farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) black soap production. The impact assessment revealed that black soap production has substantial welfare gains. Thus, it increases farmer's per capita expenditure. Therefore, stakeholders like the Cocoa Research Institute, Ghana COCOBOD and cocoa-licensed buying companies should invest in procuring portable ashing kilns at subsidised prices and train farmers on packaging and labelling to expedite, revitalise and modernise black soap production. Notwithstanding, future research could look at the profitability analysis of black soap production.

Antibacterial Potential of African Black Soap Decoctions against Selected Clinical Isolates

Africa black soap is widely use in Africa. This study aimed at examining antibacterial potential of African black soap and its different decoction preparations against selected bacterial agents. Soap sample was collected and prepared into three different decoctions (i.e. black soap only, black soap with aloe vera and black soap, cam wood and lime water). Afterwards, different concentrations of 200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 25mg/ml of each decoction preparation were prepared. Antibacterial activities of each decoction concentration against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Bacillus subtilis was carried out using agar well diffusion method. The result revealed that black soap with cam wood and lime water at 200mg/ml tested against Streptococcus pneumoniae had the highest (26.5 mm) zones of inhibition while at similar concentration black soap with aloe vera showed zone of inhibition of 24.5 mm, 23 mm, and 21.5 mm against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Black soap only showed lowest inhibitory activities compared to other mixtures because at 200mg/ml, zone of inhibition of 18.5 mm, 17.5 mm and 12.5 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumonia and E. coli, respectively were observed. This study has shown that African black soap mixed with the tested mixtures could have a better synergetic effect in inhibiting different types of pathogenic bacteria compared to using the soap only, therefore, could have potential ability to increasing the antimicrobial properties of the soap during usage. Hence, addition could improve Africa black soap quality by indigenous companies.

Isolation, identification and pathogenicity of local entomopathogenic bacteria as biological control agents against the wild cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) on cactus pear in Morocco

The Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) cactus, a crucial crop in Morocco, is threatened by the wild cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell). The aim of this research was to investigate the efficacy of nine bacterial strains against both D. opuntiae nymphs and adults females applied individually or after black soap in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Using the partial 16S ribosomal DNA, the bacterial isolates were identified as Pseudomonas koreensis, Pseudomonas sp., Burkholderia sp. and Bacillus sp. Under laboratory conditions, the insecticidal activity of P. koreensis strain 66Ms.04 showed the level mortality (88%) of adult females’ at 108 CFU/mL, 7 days after application. At a concentration of 108 CFU/mL, P. koreensis strain 66Ms.04 and Pseudomonas sp. (strains 37 and 5) caused 100% nymphs mortality rate three days after application. Under greenhouse conditions, the use of P. koreensis strain 66Ms.04 at 108 CFU/mL following the application of black soap (60 g/L) demonstrated the maximum levels of females and nymphs’ mortalities with 80 and 91.25%, respectively, after 8 days of treatment. In field conditions, the combined application of the P. koreensis strain 66Ms.04 at 108 CFU/mL with black soap at 60 g/L, for an interval of 7 days, significantly increased the mortality of adult females to 93.33% at 7 days after the second application. These findings showed that the combined treatment of P. koreensis strain 66Ms.04 with black soap can be a potent and eco-friendly pesticide against D. opuntiae.

Field evaluation of different eco-friendly alternative control methods against Panonychus citri [Acari: Tetranychidae] spider mite and its predators in citrus orchards

Abstract Biotic stress caused by pests on citrus trees has become a major problem for ecologists around the world, hence the need to develop ecological approaches to surmount this stress. To evaluate the effectiveness of diverse control methods on the pest Panonychus citri and its predators, Euseius stipulatus, Phytoseiulus persimilis, and Typhlodromus sp. Different treatments were applied in orchards planted by Citrus clementina in the Gharb area of Morocco (T0 = treated by water only, T1 = spirodiclofen (the molecular formula is C21H24Cl2O4). 0.5 L/ha, T2 = 5% black soap 125 L/ha, Its ingredients are: argan oil, olive oil, black olive, salt, water, vegetable potash, without chemicals. T3 = mixture of two detergents; Oni product is composed of the following ingredients (sodium C12-13 parenth sulfate, and sodium C14-17 alkyl sec sulfonate) and Tide product with the following ingredients (sodium C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonate, propylene glycol and sodium borate). Results obtained during the follow-up period showed that the black soap, spirodiclofen, and two detergent treatments provided a decrease in the P. citri population in comparison with plot treated by water during the whole monitoring period. We found 5,044 mobile forms of P. citri in the plot treated by water only, 1,544 forms in the plot treated with spirodiclofen, 3,002 forms in the plot treated with black soap, and 1,567 mobile forms in the plot treated with two detergents. This study demonstrated that all three treatments had a negative effect on the predators that survived in comparison to the control (T0), while the negative impact of spirodiclofen on beneficial phytoseiid mites was greater than that of black soap and detergents. However, the increase in temperature according to the follow-up weeks showed a significant effect on the evolution of the density of the studied mites. Unfortunately, the chemical products like spirodiclofen used against various citrus pests are considered toxic to phytoseiids and to the agro-ecosystem in general. This comparison aims to detect the effectiveness of black soap and mixtures of two detergents on P. citri and their impacts on its predators: E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodromus sp. to replace the use of pesticides by these alternative methods, which remain effective and environmentally friendly.

Chemical profiling of Artemisia herba-alba, Cuminum cyminum, Cinnamomum camphora, and Salvia rosmarinus essential oils and assessment of their insecticidal potential to control the wild cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell)

The wild cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), has become a serious pest of prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica L. in the Mediterranean region. The present study investigated the insecticidal activity of four essential oils, namely Cuminum cyminum, Cinnamomum camphora, Artemisia herba-alba, and Salvia rosmarinus against D. opuntiae nymphs and adult females in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays. Laboratory tests showed that at a concentration of 2.5%, C. cyminum oil was the most effective (inducing 100% nymph mortality at 3 h after treatment), followed by C. camphora, A. herba-alba and S. rosmarinus oils which recorded comparable mortality rates ranging from 89.40 to 100%, while S. rosmarinus and C. cyminum oils induced the highest mortality rates on adult females (88% and 86%, respectively) 8 days after treatments. Under greenhouse conditions, the combined application of C. cyminum oil (2.5%) and black soap (10 g/L) showed the highest nymphs’ mortality (100%) at 3 days after application. Adult female mortality in the greenhouse was lower than in the laboratory bioassay for all tested oils, with S. rosmarinus inducing 47% mortality at 2.5% at 14 days after the second spray. Eucalyptol was the main constituent of S. rosmarinus (41.20%) and C. camphora (56.47%) oils, and thujon-camphor was the major chemotype of A. herba-alba (30.55%/28.16%), while cuminaldehyde was the main compound of C. cyminum oil seeds (32.53%). These findings showed that the compounds of the two essential oils S. rosmarinus and C. camphora potential sources of insecticidal compounds and warrant further investigation.

Comparative antimicrobial analysis of indigenous black soap variants

Comparative antimicrobial analysis of indigenous black soap variants

The Preparation and Physicochemical Analysis of Local Black Soap from Coconut Oil and Plantain Peel Biochar

Local black soap, produced from coconut oil and plantain peel biochar (alkaline source) was presented in this study since the agricultural raw materials gain significance in environmentally benign feedstocks for saponification reactions. The physicochemical analysis of the coconut oil and plantain peel biochar shows remarkable free fatty acid (FFA) and alkalinity contents respectively suitable for soap making. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared local black soap demonstrated a good moisture content (15.1 %) showing that it can be stored for long periods without any water-associated deteriorations. The percentage of matter insoluble in water (4.4 %), matter insoluble in alcohol (12.3 %), FFA content (2.1 %), and pH (9) were found to be higher than the acceptable limit according to the Nigerian Industry Standards (NIS). Also, the total fatty matter (TFM) was higher (67.6 %) than the minimum acceptable level with a good foam height of 2.5 cm. The overall results show good soap properties and are suitable for domestic purposes.

“A New Form of Black Genre Communication”: Video, Urban Development, and the Ensemblic Production of a Black Soap Opera

This article demonstrates how the soap opera Personal Problems reveals a crucial yet overlooked moment of Black media production in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Tracing the evolution of the show from radio drama to television program, I illuminate how video technology, generic innovation, and collaborative networks provided the foundation for new representations of Black life. While scholarly accounts typically focus on Hollywood and the LA Rebellion, I argue that the crew's location shooting animated a critique of New York City's media-focused urban redevelopment policies while challenging the broader inequities of creative industries. The trajectory of Personal Problems serves as a model for rethinking Black film history.

Insecticidal Activities of Atriplex halimus L., Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. and Cuminum cyminum L. against Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) under Laboratory and Greenhouse Conditions.

Simple SummaryThe wild scale insect Dactylopius opuntiae is one of the major insect pests of prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) in Morocco. The present study investigated the insecticidal potential of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Atriplex halimus (leaves), Salvia rosmarinus (leaves), and Cuminum cyminum (seeds) to control nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Among the tested samples, the aqueous extract of A. halimus showed the highest activity on nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae in the laboratory and when combined with black soap under greenhouse conditions. The difference in toxicity of the plant species in the study was correlated with their saponin content. These results provide evidence that the aqueous extract of A. halimus leaves could be incorporated into the management of the wild scale insect as an alternative to chemical insecticides.The wild cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) is one of the major insect pests of the prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) in Morocco, a well-known fruit and vegetable crop of arid and semi-arid regions around the world. The present study investigated the insecticidal potential of six extracts (three aqueous and three hydroalcoholic (MeOH/H2O, 20/80 (v/v)) from Atriplex halimus (leaves), Salvia rosmarinus (leaves) and Cuminum cyminum (seeds) to control nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Out of the tested samples, A. halimus aqueous extract showed the highest activity, inducing mortality rates of 67.04% (after 4 days) and 85% (after 8 days) on nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae, respectively, at a concentration of 5% under laboratory conditions. It also showed the highest mortality rate of nymphs with 100% (4 days after application) and 83.75% of adult females (7 days after the second application) at a concentration of 5% when combined with black soap at 10 g/L under greenhouse conditions. The difference in the toxicity of plant species of the study was correlated with their saponin content. A total of 36 of these triterpene glucosides were suggested after a comprehensive LC-MSn profiling of the most active extract, A. halimus, in addition to phytoecdysones and glycosylated phenolic acids and flavonoids. These findings provided evidence that the aqueous leaf extract of A. halimus could be incorporated in the management of the wild cochineal as an alternative to chemical insecticides.

Entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents of Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions

The cactus Opuntia ficus-indica L. is widly cultivated in Morocco and has a very an important economic role as a source of food, livestock feed and not forgetting that it is considered to be an income for people in rural communities. This crop is subject to the attack of a serious insect pest, the Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell), which sucks the sap from the plant causing huge production losses since its introduction to the country in 2014. The present study investigated the entomopathogenic effect of six fungal isolates {Beauveria bassiana [HASS; RFSL10; SPT 011(a)]; Akanthomyces lecanii [RFSLV; SPT R 215] and Cordyceps farinosa [SPSBI4]} for controlling of both nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays. Under laboratory conditions, the highest mortality of female D. opuntiae was registered by B. bassiana strain HASS at 108 conidia ml−1 with 100%, followed by B. bassiana strain RFSL10, A. lecanii RFSLV, and C. farinosa SPSBI4 isolates with 98%, respectively, 10 days after treatments. Similarly, the highest level of nymph mortality (100%) was recorded by B. bassiana RFSL10 and HASS isolates at 108 conidia ml1, respectively, 4 and 5 days after application. Under greenhouse conditions, B. bassiana (HASS and RFSL10) and A. lecanii (RFSLV) isolates sprayed alone expressed a higher toxicity on nymphs with 75, 68.5 and 58%, respectively, 12 days after treatments. However, no significant difference was observed in adult female's mortality between different fungal isolates, where B. bassiana (HASS) at 108 conidia ml−1 presented a moderate mortality rate with 55%, 12 days after application. In fact, the combination of black soap (60 g/L) with B. bassiana HASS and RFSL10 and A. lecanii (RFSLV) isolates at 108 conidia ml−1 caused the highest toxic activity on D. opuntiae adult females, with 70.5, 68.75 and 67.65%, respectively. These findings showed that entomopathogenic fungi are promising for developing a biopesticide formulation for the management of D. opuntiae as an adequate and safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF BLACK SOAP (TOILET SOAP) BLENDED WITH DE-OILED JATROPHA CAKE ADDITIVE AS SOLID LUBRICANT IN DIRECT COLD EXTRUSION OF ALUMINIUM ALLOYS

The use of petro-lubricants in metal forming leads to lamination of oxide on the extrudates due to temperature increase and reaction of the base metal with some elements in the lubricant, hence resulting poor surface quality of the end product. The non-biodegradability of these lubricants also leads to environmental pollution. Although De-oiled Jatropha Caked has been volarised for so many applications, with some oil left in the cake it can still be employed for use in other applications. In this paper a bio-solid lubricant is formulated from Black soap (Toilet soap-vegetable oil-based) as base and De-oiled Jatropha cake as additive. Jatropha seeds were processed to ≤ 0.5 um particles size powder and de-oiled using Soxhlet apparatus. Black soap and de-oiled Jatropha cake was then mixed in ratios: 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50. Each of these was further mixed with de-ionized lukewarm water in ratio 50:50 by weight to produce solid lubricant blends B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5, respectively. Each of the Black soap-enriched solid lubricant blends were then used to test for coefficient of friction on mirrored surface prepared aluminum specimens using Ball-on-disc Tribometer. The solid lubricant blends were again used to conduct Extrusion tests on Ø25.4 mm by 25.4mm aluminum alloy billets in direct cold extrusion process on a 2000 KN capacity UT CO821 machine. The results showed blend B3 (70:30) recording the minimum coefficient of friction and extrusion force values μ=0.732 and 170.53KN, respectively. These results reveal that enriched solid lubricant B3 (70:30) is most suitable for aluminum alloys extrusion.

Cultural-Bound Syndrome and the Case of Ode-Ori (Schizophrenia) Among Healers Among Onko-Speaking People of Oke-Ogun Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

This study profiles the nature of culturally bound syndrome perception of Ode-Ori (schizophrenia) incident among faith based and traditional mental illness healers in the Oke-Ogun area. The study relied on Interviews with mental health healers in the faith based and traditional treatment of mental illness. The interviews were recorded on tape, processed, and analyzed. Narratives indicated that local mental health experts conceptualize Ode-Ori as a psychotic syndrome resulting from spiritual attack, punishment for taboo violations or genetic inheritance from parents to their offspring. The disorder was viewed as having poor prognosis. Healers apply local treatment in the form of; holy water, spiritual bath, head washing with leaves sap mixed with black soap (osedudu), incision on the forehead and syncretism prayers and exorcism to return the patient to normality. This study concludes that there is cultural coloration to understanding of schizophrenia, it causes located in supernatural, spiritual and genetic factors. There is the need for more education about nature and causes of schizophrenia among Onko people in Nigeria.

English

Tinea capitis  is a common infection among children in Nigeria and appropriate management will reduce its incidence among the pediatric population. The study assessed the opinions of mothers on the local and orthodox management of children infected with Tinea capitis. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and was conducted among 390 women in two states in Southern Nigeria. Pretested, translated questionnaires were administered to them in their various houses, and data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Findings from the study showed that the majority of the mothers were older adults (42%). Higher percentages of the mothers reported choice of local products for management of Tinea capitis which includes toothpaste (60%), black soap (61%), lime (49%), and herbal cream (41%). However, 66 mothers reported the use of orthodox medication out of which Fulcin (52%) had the highest percentage with wrong prescriptions. In conclusion, mothers used more local products compared to orthodox medication in managing Tinea capitis among children and the effectiveness of such products, in the management of Tinea capitis have not been confirmed. Orthodox medicines were also used inappropriately. Public Health professionals should create awareness among mothers on the proper management of Tinea capitis. Key words: Tinea capitis, local management, orthodox management, mothers.

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Management Methods on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Predators in Citrus Orchards.

To evaluate the effectiveness of eco-friendly treatments based on detergents classified as non-hazardous and black soap on the pest Tetranychus urticae Koch 1836, and their predators (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960, Typhlodromus sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957), different treatments were applied to citrus orchards planted with Valencia late (Orange) in the Mechraa Belksiri region of Morocco (T0 = control experiment; T1 = spirodiclofen 0.5 L/Ha; T2 = 125 L/Ha (5%) of black soap; T3 = detergent; 4 L/Ha of Oni product + 2 L/Ha of Tide product). The results obtained during the whole monitoring period indicated that the three treatments used, namely spirodiclofen, black soap, and detergents, ensured a reduction in the rate of population of the pest T. urticae compared to the untreated plot. In the untreated plot, the average was 45.01 A± 4.90 mobile forms, while the plot treated with spirodiclofen it was only 21.10 C ± 2.71, the black soap 31.49 B ± 3.35, and in the plot treated with detergents, the average was similar to that obtained by spirodiclofen (22.90 C ± 2.18). On the predators (E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodropmus sp.), the black soap and the treatment with detergents were less harmful compared to the chemical spirodiclofen.

Antimicrobial Activity of Commonly Used Medicated Soaps on Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Background: The spread of antibiotic resistant infections in both hospital and community settings is a global public health problem. Proper hand washing with soaps has been described as a simple means of preventing disease transmission. Objectives: The antimicrobial activities of six commonly used medicated soaps - Safeguard®, Dettol®, Crusader®, Septol®, Tetmosol® and Sabulun salo (Local black soap) against multi-drug resistant pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolates were investigated in Maiduguri metropolis. Methods: Two isolates each of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were collected from laboratory unit of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and confirmed using standard microbiological procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined using standard disc assay method. The effectiveness of the soaps against these organisms was determined using agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods. Results: The E. coli and S. aureus isolates were multi-drug resistant to the tested antimicrobials. Only one of the S. aureus isolates was susceptible to Safeguard®, Dettol®, Tetmosol® and Sabulun salo, while the other three isolates were resistant using the agar well diffusion method. Dettol®, Tetmosol® and Sabulun salo had the highest activity against all the isolates. One of the S. aureus isolates exhibited the highest susceptibility at MIC 1.56mg/ml and MBC 3.175mg/ml of the soaps’ concentrations. Conclusion: This study showed that Dettol®, Tetmosol® and Sabulun salo are the most effective soaps against antibiotic resistant bacteria and thus can be used to control the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in hospitals and communities through proper hand hygiene.

Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Potential of Six Essential Oils from Morocco against Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) under Field and Laboratory Conditions.

Simple SummaryThe prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica L. has an important economic role as a source of food for human consumption, for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes, and as fodder for livestock in Morocco. This crop is now attacked by a new sap-sucking insect pest, the wild-scale Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell). The aim of this study was to investigate the insecticidal potential of essential oils as alternative to synthetic insecticides for the control of D. opuntiae nymphs and adult females under laboratory and field conditions. Results revealed that Mentha pulegium and Origanum vulgare oils provided a rich source of bioactive compounds and exhibited high contact toxicity against D. opuntiae. In addition, M. pulegium and O. vulgaris oils applied in combination with black soap induced the highest toxic activity on adult females under field conditions.The carmine cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) is the major insect pest of the prickly-pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) in Morocco. The present study investigated the insecticidal activities of six essential oils (EOs) against nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae applied singly or in combination with a detergent under laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare L. essential oils showed a high level of insecticidal activity at 5%, with 98% and 92% females’ mortality, respectively, 5 days after treatments. The M. pulegium and O. vulgaris oils at 5% applied in combination with black soap at (60 g/L) induced the highest toxic activity on adult females, 100% and 96% at 5 days after treatments, respectively. Under field conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils at 5% in combination with black soap (60 g/L) showed the highest adult female mortalities with 96.33 and 92.56%, respectively, 7 days after the first application. The double application of M. pulegium oil at 5% significantly increased the mortality of adult females up to 91%, 5 days after the second spray. GC-MS analysis revealed that the most abundant constituent of M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils was pulegone (84.69%) and durenol (76.53%), respectively. These findings showed that the use of M. pulegium and O. vulgare in combination with black soap or in double sprays could be incorporated in the management package for the control of the wild cochineal D. opuntiae, as a safe and natural alternative to chemical insecticides.

Outcome of the consultation with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for approval of black soap E470a to be used in plant protection as an insecticide on arable crops, ornamental flower beds, house plants, plant trees, ornamental woody plants, ornamental crops, vegetables crops, berry fruit crops, pome fruit crops, stone fruit and olive tree crops; and as

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to provide scientific assistance with respect to the evaluation of applications received by the European Commission concerning basic substances. In this context, EFSA's scientific views on the specific points raised during the commenting phase conducted with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for black soap E470a are presented. The context of the evaluation was that required by the European Commission in accordance with Article 23 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 following the submission of an application for approval of black soap E470a as a basic substance to be used in plant protection as an insecticide on arable crops, ornamental flower beds, house plants, plant trees, ornamental woody plants, ornamental crops, vegetables crops, berry fruit crops, pome fruit crops, stone fruit and olive tree crops; and as a fungicide on vegetables and ornamental plant crops. The current report summarises the outcome of the consultation process organised by EFSA and presents EFSA's scientific views on the individual comments received.