Plant Insecticides Research Articles

Akt-FoxO signaling drives co-adaptation to insecticide and host plant stresses in an herbivorous insect

IntroductionOngoing interactions between host and herbivorous insect trigger a co-evolutionary arms race. Genetic diversity within insects facilitates their adaptation to phytochemicals and their derivatives, including plant-derived insecticides. Cytochrome P450s play important roles in metabolizing phytochemicals and insecticides, due to their diversity and almost perfect evolution. ObjectivesThis study aims to uncover a common molecular mechanism in herbivorous insects by investigating the role of kinase-transcription factor regulation of P450s in conferring tolerance to both insecticides and phytochemicals. MethodsRNA interference, transcriptome sequencing, insecticide, and phytochemical bioassays were conducted to validate the functions of Akt, FoxO, and candidate P450s. Dual-luciferase activity assays were employed to identify the regulation of P450s by the Akt-FoxO signaling pathway. Recombinant P450 enzymes were utilized to investigate the metabolism of insecticides and phytochemicals. ResultsWe identified an Akt-FoxO signaling cascade, a representative of kinase-transcription factor pathways. This cascade mediates the expression of eight P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of insecticides and phytochemicals in Nilaparvata lugens. These P450s are from different families and with different substrate selectivity, enabling them to respectively metabolize insecticides and phytochemicals with structure diversity. Nevertheless, the eight P450 genes were up-regulated by FoxO, which was inhibited in a higher cascade by Akt through phosphorylation. The discovery of the Akt-FoxO signaling pathway regulating a series of P450 genes elucidates the finely tuned regulatory mechanism in insects for adapting to phytochemicals and insecticides. ConclusionThese finding sheds light on the physiological balance maintained by these regulatory processes. The work provides the experimental evidence of co-adaptation to the stresses imposed by host plant and insecticide within the model of the kinase-TF involving various P450s. This model provides a comprehensive view of how pests adapt to multiple environmental stresses.

Role of grass endophytic fungi as a natural resource of bioactive metabolites.

Grass endophytic fungi have garnered increasing attention as a prolific source of bioactive metabolites with potential application across various fields, including pharmaceticals agriculture and industry. This review paper aims to synthesize knowledge on the diversity, isolation, and bioactivity of metabolites produced by grass endophytic fungi. Additionally, this approach aids in the conservation of rare and endangered plant species. Advanced analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatograpy-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography are discussed as critical tools for metabolite identification and characterization. The review also highlights significant bioactive metabolites discovered to date, emphasizing their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities and plant growth regulation properties. Besides address the challenges and future prospects in harnessing grass endophytic fungi for sustainable biotenological applications. By consolidating recent advancements and identifying agaps in the current research, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential grass endophytic fungi as a valuable resource for novel bioactive compounds.

Genetic diversity, essential oil's chemical constituents of aromatic plant Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze Syn. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. and its uses in crop protection: a review.

This review provides evidence on the genetic diversity, chemical constituents, and ecotoxicology of Mesosphaerum suaveolens ' essential oil. It emphasizes the agricultural benefits such as crop protection effectiveness of the plant and highlights the existing knowledge gaps and research perspectives to promote its utilization in agriculture. A systematic and extensive review of the literature was done and all pertinent full-text articles and abstracts were analyzed and incorporated into the review. Mesosphaerum suaveolens is used traditionally in pharmacology to treat several diseases such as malaria, constipation, stomach problems, and renal inflammation. It also treats cramps, digestive infections, headaches, and skin infections. To date, very few studies have been conducted worldwide about its genetic diversity. These studies highlighted three morphological variants, the blue-flowering, the white-flowering, and the light-purple flowering M. suaveolens. Its wide biological actions may be attributed to the numerous groups of chemical constituents in its essential oil including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Biological studies highlighted evidence of M. suaveolens being used as an antifungal, bactericidal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and repellent plant. The essential oil extracted from M. suaveolens showed significant potential for the control of agricultural pests such as Sitiophilus zeamais, Helicoverpa armigera and Helminthosporium oryzae. M. suaveolens is commonly used worldwide as a pesticidal plant in healthcare, agriculture, and food preservation. However, there is a lack of studies concerning the toxicity and effectiveness of isolated potent phytotoxic substances, the efficacy screening in the field, the genetic diversity, the essential oil yield, and productivity. Consequently, further studies are required to fill the knowledge gaps.

Larvicidal Potency of Ashes of Two Insecticidal Plants against the Activities of Anopheles coluzzii and Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes

Larvicidal Potency of Ashes of Two Insecticidal Plants against the Activities of Anopheles coluzzii and Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes

Insecticidal Triterpenes in Meliaceae III: Plant Species, Molecules, and Activities in Munronia-Xylocarpus.

Plants of the Meliaceae family have long attracted researchers' interest due to their various insecticidal activities, with triterpenes being the main active ingredients. In this paper, we discuss 93 triterpenoids with insecticidal activity from 37 insecticidal plant species of 15 genera (Munronia, Neobeguea, Pseudocedrela, Nymania, Quivisia, Ruagea, Dysoxylum, Soymida, Lansium, Sandoricum, Walsura, Trichilia, Swietenia, Turraea, and Xylocarpus) in the family Meliaceae. Among these genera, Trichilia deserves further research, with twelve species possessing insecticidal activity. The 93 insecticidal molecules included 27 ring-seco limonoids (comprising 1 ring A-seco group chemical, 1 ring B-seco group chemical, 5 ring D-seco group chemicals, 14 rings A,B-seco group chemicals, 5 rings B,D-seco group chemicals, and 1 rings A,B,D-seco group chemical), 22 ring-intact limonoids (comprising 5 cedrelone-class chemicals, 6 trichilin-class chemicals, 7 havanensin-class chemicals, 2 azadirone-class chemicals, 1 vilasinin-class chemical, and 1 other chemical), 33 2,30-linkage chemicals (comprising 25 mexicanolide-class chemicals and 8 phragmalin-class chemicals), 3 1,n-linkage-group chemicals, 3 onoceranoid-type triterpenoids, 2 apotirucallane-type terpenoids, 2 kokosanolide-type tetranortriterpenoids, and 1 cycloartane triterpene. In particular, 59 molecules showed antifeedant activity, 30 molecules exhibited poisonous effects, and 9 molecules possessed growth regulatory activity. Particularly, khayasin, beddomei lactone, 3β,24,25-trihydroxycycloartane, humilinolides A-E and methyl-2-hydroxy-3β-isobutyroxy-1-oxomeliac-8(30)-enate showed excellent insecticidal activities, which were comparable to that of azadirachtin and thus deserved more attention. Moreover, it was noteworthy that various chemicals (such as 12α-diacetoxywalsuranolide, 11β,12α-diacetoxycedrelone, 1α,7α,12α-triacetoxy-4α-carbomethoxy-11β-hydroxy-14β,15β-epoxyhavanensin, and 11-epi-21-hydroxytoonacilide, etc.) from Turraea showed excellent insecticidal activity. Specially, the insecticidal activity of khayasin from Neobeguea against the coconut leaf beetle were similar to that of rotenone. Therefore, it was a promising candidate insecticide for the control of the coconut leaf beetle.

Microencapsulation of Annona muricata L. seed extract for the control of Plutella xylostella

Insecticidal plants have stood out in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), associated with other control strategies, and therefore, the development of microencapsulated formulations, which make the active ingredient protected with slow and continuous release, becomes necessary. Thus, the present study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate the lethal effect of the Microencapsulated Ethanolic Extract (MEE) from Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) seeds on Plutella xylostella. MEE was developed in a B-290 BUCHI Mini Spray Dryer, using polymers starch, maltodextrin, gelatin and aerosil, and characterization was carried out through microparticle size and humidity, polydispersity index, morphologic analysis, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). MEE presented particle distribution with evident bimodal behavior, with diameters from 0.48 to 79.43 μm and polydispersity index equal to 6.414. Through SEM analysis, microparticles presented spherical and irregular shape, with smooth and rough/wavy, continuous, homogeneous surface, with variable size and external surface continuous in walls, with no apparent cracks. TGA demonstrated 5 decomposition stages, similar to the ethanolic extract. The estimated Lethal Concentrations (LC) for the ethanolic extract and MEE were: LC50 and CL99 of 0.204 and 5.675 g/L and 0.114 and 4.166 g/L, respectively. It could be concluded that the development of MEE was effective using the spray dryer method, with uniform microcapsules with insecticidal action able to be more soluble and persist the action of the active ingredient for longer times, improving its application in the field.

Plant-Based Insecticides for Control of Aedes aegypti, Sitophilus zeamais and Nasutitermes corniger: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Insect pests can transmit diseases or affect the economy and their uncontrolled growth is intensified by human activity, which has affected ecosystems and interfered with trophic chains. Aedes aegypti L. transmits dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever, while Sitophilus zeamais Motsch is a stored grain pest, and Nasutitermes corniger Motsch attacks trees and urban buildings. This work provides a review of the state of art and current trends, as well as a bibliometric analysis on the insecticidal activity of plant-based products against Ae. aegypti, S. zeamais and N. corniger. The review of literature data showed that plant insecticides comprise secondary metabolites and proteins that can impair the viability of embryos, larvae, pupae, and adults, as well as fertility and oviposition or feeding behavior of insects. Also, they tend to be more biodegradable and less harmful to non-target organisms compared to synthetic insecticides. The bibliometric analysis revealed the concentration of publications in tropical regions worldwide, where there is a strong occurrence of diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti. These reports were far more numerous than those on N. corniger and S. zeamais. Furthermore, the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from plant products has strongly emerged as a current trend.

Enhancing Systemic Translocation of Insecticides via Nanoformulations Incorporating β-Cyclodextrin Octadecarboxylate as a Carrier.

The conversion of contact-killing pesticides into systemic pesticides can significantly enhance the bioavailability of pesticides, thereby reducing pesticide usage and environmental harm. A series of β-cyclodextrin fatty acid esters with varying branch chains were synthesized and employed as carriers in nanoformulation of insecticide. The investigation revealed that nanoformulations prepared using β-cyclodextrin octadecarboxylate (β-CDs) exhibited superior stability and remarkable systemic translocation within plants. Six contact-killing insecticide nanoformulations were developed utilizing β-CDs as carriers, and tests indicated that β-CDs significantly enhanced the systemic translocation of insecticides in plants compared to carrier-free nanoformulations. It was found that β-CDs increased the level of systemic translocation of insecticides by 5-12 times. Additionally, characterization results from λ-cyhalothrin-β-CDs nanoformulation demonstrated their superior ability to improve photolysis resistance, prolong release time, and extend insecticidal duration. Consequently, β-CDs can be utilized as a green additive in pesticide production to enhance the systemic translocation of pesticides in plants and increase their bioavailability.

Ethnobotanical investigations of insecticidal plants in Guinean flora: Case of the Boke region (Republic of Guinea)

Ethnobotanical investigations of insecticidal plants in Guinean flora: Case of the Boke region (Republic of Guinea)

The Effect of Landscape Composition on The Diversity and Abundance of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Cabbage Cultivation Area

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a vegetable with significant potential for cultivation due to its high economic value. However, cabbage production experiences fluctuations each year primarily due to pest factors. To control these pests, natural enemies such as ants can be utilized. Ants are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat, making them known as environmental bioindicators. Additionally, landscape structure can influence the presence of insects, including predators and parasitoids. This study aims to determine the effects of cultivation methods, habitat conditions, and landscape composition on ant diversity and abundance. The research was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 across 12 fields in four different sub-districts: Pujon, Tumpang, Poncokusumo, and Purwodadi. The research process included landscape mapping and characterization, determination of observation plots, trap installation and sampling, species identification, collection of supporting data, and data analysis. The study yielded a total of 4,053 individuals representing 26 genera and 52 morphospecies. The ant species with the highest abundance was Lophomyrmex sp.3, while the greatest diversity was observed within the genus Tetramorium. Insecticide application and plant age did not significantly affect ant diversity and abundance; however, elevation did influence ant abundance. Additionally, landscape composition, particularly the class area (CA) of natural habitats, correlated positively with both ant diversity and abundance.

Endoterapia como técnica alternativa às pulverizações

Endotherapy is a technique of injection or infusion of phytosanitary products inside the trunk of trees or palm trees, which are subsequently translocated through the plant internal vascular tissues. There are few studies about this science in the Brazilian academic world. Thus, this study aims to review this topic with emphasis on reporting successful experiences in different countries. A significant number of papers shows the advantages of using phytosanitary products infusions and injections in plants to control pests and diseases, when compared to traditional spraying. In endotherapy there is no product drift and, therefore, it is minimal the chance of reaching non-target organisms. Furthermore, the protective effect is more persistent due to the non-exposure of the products to the climate adverse effects. It is currently applied only in small areas in medium and large perennial plants due to its high cost, requiring new technologies for large-scale application. In Brazil, there are few studies about the efficiency of this tactic in phytosanitary management. Furthermore, there are studies to determine residues of fungicides and insecticides in plants through chromatographic techniques. Thus, endotherapy can be an efficient technique for phytosanitary defense.

Variable-rate spray system for unmanned aerial applications using lag compensation algorithm and pulse width modulation spray technology

To ensure that a variable-rate spray (VRS) system can perform unmanned aerial spray in accordance with a prescription map at different flight speeds, we examine in this paper such significant factors as the response time of the VRS system and the pressure fluctuation of the nozzle during the variable-rate spraying process. The VRS system uses a lag compensation algorithm (LCA) to counteract the droplet deposition position lag caused by the system response delay. In addition, pulse width modulated (PWM) solenoid valves are used for controlling the flowrates of the nozzles on the variable-rate spray system, and a mathematical model was constructed for the spray rate (L min-1) and the relative proportion of time (duty cycle) each solenoid valve is open. The pressure drop and solenoid valve response time at different duty cycles (50%~90%) were measured by indoor experiments. Meanwhile, the lag distance (LD), spray accuracy, and droplet deposition characteristics of the VRS system were tested by conducting outdoor experiments at different flight speeds (4m s-1, 5m s-1, 6m s-1). The results show that LCA can effectively reduce the lag distance. The lag distance (LD) values of the VRS system with LCA ranged from -0.27 to 0.78m with an average value of 0.32m, while without LCA, the LD values increased to 3.5~4.3m with an average value of 3.87m. The overall spray position accuracy was in the range of 91.56%~97.32%. Furthermore, the spray coverage and deposition density, determined using water sensitive paper (WSP), were used to evaluate the spray application performance taking into account the spray volume applied. The VRS system can provide the most suitable spray volumes for insecticide and fungicide plant protection products. Based on a prescription map, the optimized VRS system can achieve accurate pesticide spraying as well as desirable spray coverage and deposition density.

Identification of highly active compounds from insecticidal plant Oroxylum indicum L. (Vent.) and the induction of apoptosis by lapachol on Sf9 cells

Identification of highly active compounds from insecticidal plant Oroxylum indicum L. (Vent.) and the induction of apoptosis by lapachol on Sf9 cells

Integration of insecticidal plant crude protein and the entomopathogenic fungus crude protein against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Mitotype Asia II-1

Integration of insecticidal plant crude protein and the entomopathogenic fungus crude protein against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) Mitotype Asia II-1

Uji Efektifitas Ekstrak Daun Sirih Hijau (Piper betle L) dan Ekstrak Daun Pepaya (Carica papaya L) Terhadap Mortalitas Larva Nyamuk Aedes aegypti L

Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti L. One of the DBD vector eradication programs involves using synthetic insecticides. The use of synthetics (chemicals) is known to be very effective, relatively easy, and practical, but it has a negative impact on the environment. One is using natural insecticides; in this way, it is expected to inhibit the life cycle of mosquitoes before they develop to adulthood. The natural insecticide used is a plant insecticide from the green leaf plant (Pipper betle L) and the leaf of the papaya (Carica papaya L), because both plants have a secondary metabolite compound that can inhibit the growth of the larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti L. The method in this study is a simple experimental design with a complete random effect (RAL) to see the effectiveness of extracts of green coriander leaves and papaya leaves. With each extract being tested for its effectiveness, three treatments and one control were performed. The research using the extraction method, i.e., the mazeration method of observing larval death, was conducted for 1 hour of observation to determine the effectiveness of treatment extracts tested using Anova level 5% and probit analysis to determine LC50 values. The average mortality of mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti L) after treatment with ethanol extract of green syrup leaves at a concentration of 60% at 100%, at a concentration of 40% at 87%, and at a concentration of 20% at 47%.

Utilization of Various Vegetable Insecticides to Control Grayak Caterpillars (Spodoptera litura) on Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) in Laboratory

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of various vegetable insecticide extracts on controlling armyworm (Spodoptera litura) on soybean plants in the laboratory. The research was conducted at the Plant Protection Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Medan Area, from November 2021 to April 2022, using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) Non Factorial, consisting of 7 treatment levels, namely: N0 = no treatment (control), N1 = Mindi leaf extract concentration 5% (50 m/l water), N2 = Mindi leaf extract 10% (100 ml.l water), N3 = Mindi leaf extract concentration 15% (150 m/l water), N4 Babadotan concentration 5 % (50 ml/l air), N5 = 10% concentration of Babadotan leaf extract (100 ml/lair), N6 = 15% concentration of Babadotan leaf extract (150 ml/lair), with repetition 3. Parameters observed for Armyworm Mortality (%), LC50, LT50, the proportion of the effectiveness of vegetable insecticides on armyworm mortality and the amount of feed consumed. The results showed that the application of vegetable insecticides had a significant and very significant effect on armyworm mortality from 4 days after application to 10 days after application with the highest mortality proportion at a concentration of 15%. The LC50 values of the plant insecticides mindi leaves and babadotan leaves were almost the same, namely 4.69 and 4.48%. The LT 50 value for a concentration of 15% showed that babadotan leaf extract was faster than mindi leaf extract, namely mindi leaves 5.145 days and babadotan leaves 4.633 days. Concentrations of 10 and 15 % of the 2 plant extracts tested showed the same effectiveness on mortality of S. litura caterpillars and higher dissolving concentrations of 5%. The amount of feed consumed was also significantly different with the highest amount of feed in the control treatment (60.75 g) followed by the treatment of mindi leaves and babadotan leaves at concentrations of 15, 10, and 5%.

Documentation of Mosquito Repellant Plants from Fringe Villages of Manas National Park, Assam, India

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,3,497-503.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.3.052Published:June 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Himangshu Baruah, Harmonjit Boro, and Ananta Swargiary Author(s) affiliations:Himangshu Baruah, Harmonjit Boro, Ananta Swargiary* Department of Zoology, Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Lab., Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Mosquito-borne diseases are among the common problems in developing countries. For centuries, herbal formulations have been used by tribal communities as medicines. A survey was carried out to document the insecticidal plants from fringe villages of Manas National Park. Materials and Methods: The survey was carried out from April to July 2020. The survey was conducted in a face-to-face manner with a ready-made questionnaire. Results: A total of 25 fringe villages were surveyed, and 57 informants were interviewed. Most of the informants were male (87%) and aged (>50 years old). A total of 24 plant species belonging to 18 families were recorded in the present study. Among the plant families, Solanaceae and Lamiaceae were the most famous families. Brassica rapa was the most popular plant with five citations, followed by Cinnamomum tamala and Nicotiana tabacum. Leaves were the most commonly used plant parts, followed by stems. The survey also reported that smokes, produced by burning plant parts, are the most commonly practised mode of use, followed by the rubbing of raw juices of plant parts to repel mosquitoes by fringe villagers of Manas National Park. Conclusion: With a solid ethnobotanical knowledge system supported by scientific evidence, the present study may be used by researchers to explore further the insecticidal and mosquitocidal activities of the plants. Keywords:Fringe village, Larvicidal, Manas National Park, Medicinal plants, Mosquitocidal.View:PDF (314.94 KB)

Systemic insecticides in cotton plants: seed treatment, protection against early-season sucking insects, and their ecological selectivity with predatory insects of different feeding habits

Systemic insecticides in cotton plants: seed treatment, protection against early-season sucking insects, and their ecological selectivity with predatory insects of different feeding habits

Corteva sentenced for criminal negligence after incident

A Corteva Agriscience subsidiary has pleaded guilty to criminal negligence, 8 years after an accidental chemical release killed four employees and injured several others at a now-defunct insecticide plant in La Porte, Texas. On April 24, a US district judge ordered the subsidiary, EIDP Inc., formerly E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Inc., to pay a $12 million penalty and make a $4 million community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. EIDP must also serve 2 years of probation, during which time the company must provide the US Probation Office full access to all its operating locations. The accident, which occurred on Nov. 15, 2014, at what was then a DuPont facility, released nearly 11 metric tons of highly toxic methyl mercaptan after plant workers tried to clear a section of blocked piping. A US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board probe after the incident

Management of Capsule Borer Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenee) on Castor Ricinus communis L. Using Some Plants Oil

The insecticides were tested under field conditions on the basis of percentage of capsule bore Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenee) infestation noticed under field condition. The capsule borer C. punctiferalis (Guenee) damage goes on decreasing among the chemical and plant based insecticidal treatments at first and second week after spraying. Among the eight treatments, the lowest capsule borer damage/plant recorded by T5 Mahua oil 2% with 43.55% reduction over control followed by T6 neem oil 2% recorded 36.05% reduction over control recorded during 1st week after spray. The percentage of capsule borer C. punctiferalis (Guenee) damage per plant was highest recorded by T1 treatment it was mainly due to, this treatment did not receive any insecticidal spray either chemical or plant based insecticides throughout the experimental period. Same trend was noticed after 2nd week after spray. During 2nd week after spray highest percent of reduction over control recorded by T6 neem oil 2% recorded 80.27% reduction over control followed by T7 pongamia oil 2% recorded 79.09% reduction over control. Lowest percentage of castor capsule borer C. punctiferalis (Guenee) per plant recorded by T6 neem oil 2%, T7 pongamia oil 2% and T5 mahua oil 2% which were statistically at par with throughout the observation. The T6 neem oil 2% and T7 pongamia oil 2% recorded as best treatments over rest of the treatments. The grain yield in the treatment significantly highest grain yield @3730.00 kg and 3627.63 kg recorded by T6 Neem oil 2% and T7 Pongamia oil 2% followed by T5 Mahuva oil recorded yield @ 3283.30kg. However, the chemical treatments viz., T3 Profenophos 50 EC @0.03% and T4 quinolphos 25 EC @ 0.05% recorded yield @ 2956.66 and 2936.00 kg/ha both at par with each other. Whereas untreated control recorded the lowest yield @2426.03 kg/ha.