Synthetic Chemical Pesticides Research Articles

Exploring the Role of Endophytes in Cannabis sativa L. Polyploidy and Agricultural Trait Improvement

Here, we examine the effects of ploidy variation in Cannabis sativa L. cell lines on the plant host genotype-associated microbiome. The endophytic microbiome has a protocooperative role in improving plant health and productivity and represents an alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides in sustainable agriculture. This study assessed the effects of seed endophytes on diploid and triploid Haze hemp cultivars. Key phenotypic characteristics were evaluated, revealing significant differences in seed germination in vitro as well as vegetative growth and flowering in phytotron conditions. Endophyte-treated triploid plants exhibited significantly taller heights compared to diploids (p < 0.01). These treated triploid plants also showed longer leaves at nodes 2, 6, and 8, except at node 4, indicating a plant in transition from vegetative growth to the generative developmental stage. Additionally, triploids treated with endophytes displayed the highest number of axillary branches, while endophyte-treated diploids had the fewest (p < 0.05). Both cultivars treated with endophytes exhibited a higher number of inflorescences compared to untreated control plants. This study revealed for the first time a direct correlation between the shifts in diameter of the stem and the biomass in both tested hemp hosts, in association with endophytic microbiomes.

An Ecofriendly Nature-Inspired Microcarrier for Enhancing Delivery, Stability, and Biocidal Efficacy of Phage-Based Biopesticides.

In pursuit of sustainable agricultural production, the development of environmentally friendly and effective biopesticides is essential to improve food security and environmental sustainability. Bacteriophages, as emerging biocontrol agents, offer an alternative to conventional antibiotics and synthetic chemical pesticides. The primary challenges in applying phage-based biopesticides in agricultural settings are their inherent fragility and low biocidal efficacy, particularly the susceptibility to sunlight exposure. This study addresses the aforementioned challenges by innovatively encapsulating phages in sporopollenin exine capsules (SECs), which are derived from plant pollen grains. The size of the apertures on SECs could be controlled through a non-thermal and rapid process, combining reinflation and vacuum infusion techniques. This unique feature facilitates the high-efficiency encapsulation and controlled release of phages under various conditions. The proposed SECs could encapsulate over 9 log PFU g-1 of phages and significantly enhance the ultraviolet (UV) resistance of phages, thereby ensuring their enhanced survivability and antimicrobial efficacy. The effectiveness of SECs encapsulated phages (T7@SECs) in preventing and treating bacterial contamination on lettuce leaves is further demonstrated, highlighting the practical applicability of this novel biopesticide in field applications. Overall, this study exploits the potential of SECs in the development of phage-based biopesticides, presenting a promising strategy to enhancing agricultural sustainability.

Plant Agrobiodiversity, Agricultural and Phytosanitary Practices of Market Garden Crops in the Centre‐East Region of Burkina Faso

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn West Africa, market gardeners use various agricultural practices to increase yields. However, many of these practices do not comply with agroecological standards and cause intoxication, pollution, soil degradation and biodiversity loss. This study characterizes the plant agrobiodiversity of market garden crops grown during the rainy season and the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used for their management.Materials and MethodsThe study was carried out in Burkina Faso. Plant agrobiodiversity was assessed in 100 market gardens. Agricultural and phytosanitary practices were characterized using semi‐structured interviews. A Sankey diagram was used to highlight the relationships among market garden crops, bioaggressors and diseases. Principal component analyses were applied to highlight the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used.ResultsThe results revealed rich agrobiodiversity, including 16 market garden crops, 15 local agroforestry species, 17 planted species and 37 weed species. The main market garden crops grown in the rainy season were cabbage (20.30%), lettuce (16.62%), tomato (11.69%), and amaranth (10.15%). The most frequent agroforestry species were Azadirachta indica (18.20%) and Mangifera indica (15.03%). The most common weeds were Eleusine indica (11.02%) and Cyperus reduncus (9.70%). Eleven pests were identified, and the most frequently recorded were caterpillars (39.06%). Sixteen diseases were reported, the most common being leaf yellowing (15.67%) and leaf wilt (11.67%). Numerous market gardeners use mineral fertilizers such as Yaramila (NPK 23‐10‐5), NPK (14‐23‐14), urea (46.00% nitrogen), and liquid fertilizer as well as compost and organic manure. The most common agricultural practice was crop rotation (79.00%). To protect crops, 89.00% of producers used synthetic chemical pesticides in an uncontrolled manner, most of which are purchased on the local market. Only 11.00% of the market gardeners practiced the natural phytosanitary treatments.ConclusionThis study provides important information that can be used for the sustainable management of market gardens. Agroecological standards should be popularized to ensure food security for market garden crops.

Recent Advances in Biopesticide Formulations for Targeted Insect Pest Management: A Review

The increasing environmental and health concerns associated with the use of synthetic chemical pesticides have driven the need for alternative, eco-friendly pest management solutions. Biopesticides, derived from natural sources such as plants and microorganisms, offer a promising solution, as they are less toxic, decompose quickly, and target specific pests with minimal impact on non-target organisms. Recent advancements in biopesticide formulations, including nano pesticides, controlled release formulations (CRFs), hydrogels, polymer-coated granules, and tablets, are enhancing the effectiveness, stability, and environmental safety of these products. The integration of nanotechnology and controlled release systems in biopesticides is opening new avenues for sustainable agriculture. This review discusses the various biopesticide formulation technologies, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects.

Exploring the Efficacy and Sustainability of Natural Pesticides in Plant Protection

With the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, the efficacy and sustain-ability of natural pesticides in plant protection, providing a critical assessment of their potential as alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides is the basic demand of the future. This study aimes to examine the diverse categories of natural pesticides, including plant-based, microbial, and mineral-based options, and evaluate their effectiveness against a broad range of pests and diseases. We exam-ine the environmental impact of natural pesticides on non-target organisms, their persistence and degradation, and the potential for bioaccumulation, focusing on their reduced chemical residues and ecological compatibility. Typically, natural pesticides target specific areas of the insect, like its nerv-ous system, leading to the insect's downfall, loss of coordination, paralysis, and eventual death. The majority of botanical pesticides affect the target organism by poisoning its stomach, lungs, or other bodily systems. Sincebotanical pesticides are typically fairly biodegradable and may be quickly bro-ken down by the stomach acids of mammals, their toxicity to humans and animals is typically quite low, and they are environmentally beneficial. Natural pesticides offer significant environmental, health, economic, and social benefits, making them an essential component of modern sustainable agriculture. Their use supports ecological balance, human safety, and long-term agricultural produc-tivity. Overall, it highlights the promising efficacy and sustainability of natural pesticides, underscor-ing their potential for enhancing plant protection while minimizing environmental risks.

Management of Fusarium Wilt of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Ricini with Biorationals and Fungicides under In vitro Conditions

To mitigate the harmful effects of synthetic chemical pesticides, eight biorationals i.e ginger, onion, bougainvillea, garlic, chili, turmeric, neem, and aloe vera were tested at different test concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20% against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini, the pathogen causing wilt in castor. Among all the tested biorationas, chilli found as most effective while aloe vera showed the least pathogen suppression. The study recommended neem and chili as effective biorationals against F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini. New fungicide combinations i.e Picoxystrobin + Tricyclazole, Fluopyram + Tebuconazole, Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin, and Iprovalicarb + Propineb were tested under in vitro condition out of which Picoxystrobin + Tricyclazole and the standard fungicides Carbendazim and Thiophanate-methyl showed cent percent inhibition at all tested concentrations (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm). Fluopyram + Tebuconazole and Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin also showed high efficacy, while Iprovalicarb + Propineb was the least effective. The study revealed that neem and chili are recommended as effective biorationals against F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini. Among fungicides, Picoxystrobin + Tricyclazole proved most effective, suggesting its potential for managing castor wilt.

Development of an agroinfiltration-based transient hairpin RNA expression system in pak choi leaves (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) for RNA interference against Liriomyza sativae

The vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza sativae) is a devastating invasive pest of many vegetable crops and horticultural plants worldwide, causing serious economic loss. Conventional control strategy against this pest mainly relies on the synthetic chemical pesticides, but widespread use of insecticides easily causes insecticide resistance development and is harmful to beneficial organisms and environment. In this context, a more environmentally friendly pest management strategy based on RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool to control of insect pests. Here we report a successful oral RNAi in L. sativae after feeding on pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) that transiently express hairpin RNAs targeting vital genes in this pest. First, potentially lethal genes are identified by searching an L. sativae transcriptome for orthologs of the widely used V-ATPase A and actin genes, then expression levels are assessed during different life stages and in different adult tissues. Interestingly, the highest expression levels for V-ATPase A are observed in the adult heads (males and females) and for actin in the abdomens of adult females. We also assessed expression patterns of the target hairpin RNAs in pak choi leaves and found that they reach peak levels 72 h post agroinfiltration. RNAi-mediated knockdown of each target was then assessed by letting adult L. sativae feed on agroinfiltrated pak choi leaves. Relative transcript levels of each target gene exhibit significant reductions over the feeding time, and adversely affect survival of adult L. sativae at 24 h post infestation in genetically unmodified pak choi plants. These results demonstrate that the agroinfiltration-mediated RNAi system has potential for advancing innovative environmentally safe pest management strategies for the control of leaf-mining species.

'The Garlic Gambit': an alternative strategy for controlling vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.; Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Plant protection products derived from plant material are proposed to be a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic chemical pesticides. This study determines the efficacy of a commercially available bioinsecticide based on garlic (Allium sativum L.; Asparagales: Amaryllidaceae) extract against vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) eggs and larvae in contact, fumigation and a combination of contact and fumigation bioassays under laboratory conditions. Results showed that garlic significantly reduced egg hatch rate compared to the control group when applied as a fumigant. Similarly, the egg hatch rate was reduced compared to the control group when garlic was applied as combined contact and fumigant applications. No effect was observed when the garlic product was applied as a contact application. The bioinsecticide significantly reduced larval survival when either contact or fumigant applications were used. A combined contact and fumigant effect was shown also when vine weevil eggs were exposed to the bioinsecticide for 30 days in plastic containers containing growing media. The number of larvae recovered after this period was significantly reduced compared to the control group. This study demonstrates the potential of garlic-based bioinsecticides, such as Pitcher GR, for vine weevil control. Further studies are, however, needed to determine the efficacy of such bioinsecticides under field conditions and investigate how these products can be most effectively used as a part of a wider vine weevil integrated pest management program.

Seed extracts as an effective strategy in the control of plant pathogens: Scalable industry bioactive compounds for sustainable agriculture

With a growing global population, maintaining sufficient agricultural production is crucial. However, agriculture faces numerous challenges today, particularly due to the undeniable impacts of climate change, which are expected to intensify pest and disease pressures. The traditional approach to combat these phytopathological issues has relied on synthetic chemical pesticides. While their use has indeed increased productivity, it is also evident their detrimental and cumulative effects on the environment, and the current negative perception of the population toward these chemicals. In response, governments are prompting the search for alternatives to synthetic pesticides, through different policies, such as the strategy From Farm to Fork in the European Union, which aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030, among other measures. At this point, seed extracts with biocidal activity are emerging as a viable option for the control and management of various pathogenic agents, such as harmful bacteria, fungal and oomycete pathogens, and plant-parasitic nematodes. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that most of the studies have been only conducted under highly controlled conditions. Thus, this line of research should be still more deeply developed, including proofs under field conditions, in order to become the extensive and widespread use of these bio-products a reality. In this review, we compile the main studies focused on the use of these compounds for phytosanitary purposes, describing and analysing the key metabolites, their composition, extraction processes and the mechanisms involved in their antagonistic effects. Additionally, we analyse the primary factors contributing to the limited adoption of these extracts in the field, such as the scarcity of studies under real conditions or the possible impact on non-target organisms, and discuss future prospects for their development.

ETUDE DE LEFFICACITE DES BIOPESTICIDES A BASE DE GRAINESDE NEEM ET DELENTOMOPATHOGENEBEAUVERIABASSIANA(BALS.) VUILL.POUR LA GESTION DES PRINCIPAUX INSECTES RAVAGEURS DE LA CULTURE DU NIEBE DANS LA REGION DE MARADI AU SAHEL

The insect pests of cowpea, Vignaunguiculata L. Walper, is one of the constraints which affect the cultivation this crop in Africa. The pod sucking bug Clavigrallatomentosicollis(Stål), the flower thripsMegallurothripssjöstedti(Trybom) and the pod borer Marucavitrata(Fabricius) are the main insect pests whose damage causes considerable yield losses on cowpea crop. In this study, neem Azadirachtaindica based biopesticides and the entomopathogenBeauveriabassiana(Bals.) Vuill were tested todeterminetheir efficiency in the management of cowpea insect pests. The trials were established in a farming environment with producers in 15 villages of the Maradiregion during three consecutive cropping seasons 2020, 2021 and 2022. The experimental design is the Fisher block with 4 treatments (Neem grain, B. bassiana, Chemical pesticide and the control without treatment) and two repetitions per site. The results for this studybiopesticide treatments (Neem grains and entomopathicfungus B. bassiana) reduced the insect pest damageof 73.21% and a yields increase of 104.12% compared to the control treatment. . Neem was effective as the synthetic chemical pesticide in the management of insect pests as it reduced the populations of M. sjöstedti, M. vitrata and C. tomentosicollis by 67.29, 70.57 and 71.26%respectively. This Neem biopesticide resulted a yield increase of 140.33% on cowpea for the three years of the study. Thus, for low-income producers, neem is an available resource that can constitute an effective and ecological alternative for managing cowpea insect pests in the Sahel.

Actinobacteria mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Streptomyces diastaticus and their biological efficacy against human vector mosquitoes and agricultural insect pests

Mosquitoes and agricultural insects were harmful to both public health and crops. Prolonged use of synthetic chemical pesticides for insect pest control was associated with resistance development and negative human and ecological effects. This study investigates the larvicidal activity of Ag-NPs produced using Streptomyces diastaticus against Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, Spodoptera litura, and Plutella xylostella. UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, SEM-EDX, FT-IR, TEM, DLS, and Zeta potential analysis were used to characterize the biosynthesized Ag-NPs. The results showed that biosynthesized Ag-NPs were more toxic to, A. stephensi, C. quinquefasciatus, and A. aegypti with LC50 values of 15.70, 11.10, and 17.53 µg/mL, respectively. Biosynthesized Ag-NPs exhibited the highest antifeedant effects against S. litura (88.73 %) and P. xylostella (92.36 %) at 50 µg/mL concentration. The mortality bioassay revealed considerable larvicidal activity against S. litura and P. xylostella larvae at greater doses of 50 µg/mL, 80.67 and 84.05 %, respectively. Morphogenetic variations were observed on treated larvae of C. quinquefasciatus, A. aegypti, and A. stephensi, S. litura, and P. xylostella with Ag-NPs. In the present investigation the impact of Ag-NPs on the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), the activity of each enzyme were dramatically increased with higher concentrations resulting in significant differences. The study also found that Ag-NPs inhibited the detoxifying enzyme (GST and AChE) activity of target organisms. The histological structure of the treated and untreated larvae revealed structural changes between the midgut epithelial cells. As a consequence of these findings, the S. diastaticus-mediated Ag-NPs serve as a possible, eco-friendly biopesticide and alternative to synthetic chemicals for the control of human vector mosquitoes and destructive arthropod insect pests.

Pengendalian Terpadu Hama dan Penyakit Tanaman Semusim di Desa Tanjung Seteko Kecamatan Indralaya Kabupaten Ogan Ilir

In the North Indralaya sub-district, annual crop agriculture, including annuals, melons, and watermelons, relies on conventional cultivation methods using expensive synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides to enhance production and combat pests and diseases. This community service initiative aims to educate and implement integrated control practices for sustainable annual crop cultivation while providing knowledge on pest and disease management in Tanjung Seteko Village, Indralaya District, Ogan Ilir Regency. The project, part of Sriwijaya University's integrated community service program, seeks to transform the village into a vegetable center in Ogan Ilir. The activities involve socializing integrated control methods through focused group discussions, practical sessions on biostimulant preparation, and field application. Farmers actively participate, posing questions about optimal annual crop cultivation and integrated control solutions. Preliminary results indicate that combining biostimulants with integrated control effectively manages pests and plant diseases. Continued intensive support aims to enable farmers in Tanjung Seteko village to adopt integrated control practices successfully, contributing to the village's potential as a vegetable center in Ogan Ilir.

Reduction potentials of chemical-synthetic pesticides – A case study using the example of an Eco-Scheme in southern Germany

Chemical-synthetic pesticides (CSPs) are associated with several negative environmental effects. The European Commission aims to reduce their use by 50% by 2030. This paper looks at the German Eco-Scheme, an agri-environmental payment scheme, for the foregoing of chemical-synthetic pesticides (CSPs) in arable crops for a one-year period. Using Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany as a case study, we investigated the suitability of the Eco-Scheme as a policy tool for CSP reduction. We used a field-based, georeferenced integrated land use model based on linear programming. Different payment levels for the Eco-Scheme were simulated. In addition, we analyzed the effect of labor availability, crop yield requirements, and market prices on Eco-Scheme implementation (uptake).The implementation potentials at €130/ha, the payment level in 2023, were limited and strongly dependent on market prices as well as potential food supply targets. The percentage decline in overall CSP use (measured in active substance mass) was even lower than the implementation in the percentage of acreage attributed to the Eco-Scheme. The implementation potentials were mainly observed on marginal sites. Higher simulated payment levels led to lower cost efficiency and dead weight losses. This trade-off between cost efficiency and effective reduction questions the suitability of the Eco-Scheme, at least for more substantial CSP reductions. To increase economic efficiency, we recommend differentiating payments based on abatement costs, for example on a crop-basis.

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review of Organic Farming Practices and Environmental Impact

Organic farming, characterized by the exclusion of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, represents a sustainable approach to agriculture. This study investigates the impact of organic farming practices on soil health, focusing on the proliferation and activity of soil microorganisms. Natural fertilizers such as farmyard manure, poultry litter, composts, green manures, and oil-free cakes were utilized to enhance soil fertility. The research reveals that these practices significantly improve soil health by fostering a robust microbiome, which is essential to the cycling of nutrients and overall health of the soil vitality. The safety and nutritional benefits of organic food products were also evaluated. Comparative analysis with conventionally grown foods indicates that organic produce contains lower levels of harmful residues such as pesticides, nitrates, metals, and antibiotics. This reduction in contaminants mitigates potential risks to human health associated with conventional farming practices. Furthermore, organic foods are found to be richer in essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, thereby offering superior nutritional value. The economic implications of organic farming were explored, highlighting its potential to enhance the economic viability of small-scale farmers. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for organic products, farmers practicing organic methods can command higher prices for their produce, thereby improving their economic sustainability and resilience. In conclusion, organic farming emerges as an environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative to conventional agriculture. By promoting soil health, reducing chemical residues in food, and meeting consumer demand for nutritious products, organic farming offers a pathway towards sustainable agricultural practices.

Molecular Characterization Reveals Biodiversity and Biopotential of Rhizobacterial Isolates of Bacillus Spp

Bacillus species appearas the most attractive plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. The present study examined the antagonistic potential of spore forming-Bacilli isolated from organic farm soil samples of Allahabad, India. Eighty-seven Bacillus strains were isolated and characterized based on their morphological, plant growth promoting traits and molecular characteristics. The diversity analysis used 16S-rDNA, BOX-element, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus. Two strains, PR30 and PR32, later identified as Bacillus sp., exhibited potent in vitro antagonistic activity against Ralstonia solanaceorum. These isolates produced copious amounts of multiple PGP traits, such as indole-3-acetic acid (40.0 and 54.5 μg/mL), phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (4.4 and 5.3), ammonia, siderophore (3 and 4 cm), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (8.1and 9.2 μM/mg//h) and hydrogen cyanide. These isolates were subjected to the antibiotic sensitivity test. The two potent isolates based on the higher antagonistic and the best plant growth-promoting ability were selected for plant growth-promoting response studies in tomatoe, broccoli, and chickpea. In the pot study, Bacillus subtilis (PR30 and PR31) showed significant improvement in seed germination (27–34%), root length (20–50%), shoot length (20–40%), vigor index (50–75%), carotenoid content (0.543–1.733), and lycopene content (2.333–2.646 mg/100 g) in tomato, broccoli, and chickpea. The present study demonstrated the production of multiple plant growth-promoting traits by the isolates and their potential as effective bioinoculants for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of phytopathogens.

Using predatory species and entomopathogenic fungi as alternatives to chemical pesticides in green bean field

BackgroundGreen bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fam.: Leguminosae) is a widely consumed grain legume prized for its edible seeds and pods. It is susceptible to infestations with various pests as insects and mites throughout the growing season. In this study, the efficacy of the predatory species, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), as well as conventional pesticides, Mospilan and Vertimec, were evaluated against the most important pests, mainly the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, infesting the green beans cultivated at two locations Giza and El-Menoufia Governorates in Egypt.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that treatments using C. carnea and M. anisopliae effectively reduced the whitefly population, while pesticide treatments were comparatively less effective. In the Giza plots, at the end of the experiments, the use of both M. anisopliae and C. carnea showed high reductions in whitefly population (85.57 and 84.87%), respectively, while in El-Menoufia, C. carnea (97.74%) was the most effective treatment followed by M. anisopliae (90.32%). Pesticide treatment in this case yielded a reduction rate of (22.76 and 59.67%) in Giza and El-Menoufia plots, respectively. However, for spider mite control, P. persimilis proved to be the most effective treatment in Giza and El-Menoufia plots, reducing the spider mite population to 98.44 and 96.14%, respectively. Metarhizium anisopliae treatment also displayed moderate effectiveness, with reduction rates of 75.62 and 75.37% in Giza and El-Menoufia plots, respectively. In comparison, pesticide treatment showed low effectiveness, with reduction rates of only 23.92 and 53.16% in the two locations, respectively.ConclusionApplications of the predator, C. carnea and the EPF, M. anisopliae were highly effective in reducing the population of whitefly, while the predator mite P. persimilis proved to be the most effective for controlling the spider mites. Overall, the study suggests that biocontrol agents, such as the predators and the EPF, can be considered as alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides for controlling pests infesting green beans.

Enhancing arthropod occurrence in wheat cropping systems: the role of non-chemical pest management and nitrogen optimization

This study analyzes arthropod biomass and abundance to track the changes in arthropod occurrence in relation to pesticide use in three winter wheat cropping systems managed at different intensities (organic, conventional, and hybrid). Arthropod occurrence was surveyed using three collection tools: sweeping nets, eclector traps, and yellow traps. Sampling was conducted over three years from 2020 to 2022 with 588 samples collected. The wet weight of the captured organisms was determined and arthropod abundance calculated. The application of a NOcsPS (no chemical-synthetic pesticides) strategy, a new hybrid cultivation method realized with optimized use of nitrogen fertilizers but without chemical-synthetic pesticides, showed a higher arthropod occurrence and performed more convincingly regarding produced arthropod biomass and abundance than the other cropping variants. The results also demonstrate a dependence of the obtained insect indices on the collection method. Although arthropod biomass and abundance correlated for all collection methods, the combination of various methods as well as multiple procedures of sample analysis gives a more realistic and comprehensive view of the impact of the wheat cultivation systems on the arthropod fauna than one-factor analyses.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of Guizotia abyssinica L. leaf and flower extracts

Sustainable agricultural systems demand less or no use of synthetic chemicals, which have various adverse effects on the environment and human health. In this context, studies on phytochemicals with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties hold great promise to suppress plant diseases and, thereby, reducing the application of synthetic chemical pesticides. Such an alternative approach requires screening and identification of bioactive compounds from various plant species. In the present study, Guizotia abyssinica L., an oilseed crop plant that usually requires less water with no pesticide inputs to grow, was screened for its potential antioxidant and antimicrobial phytochemicals. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers of G. abyssinica were tested for their polyphenol content (total phenols and flavonoids) and antioxidant potential. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of both methanolic and aqueous extracts were higher in comparison to many previously reported plant extracts. Furthermore, leaf extracts of G. abyssinica have shown slightly higher antioxidant activity than flower extracts. In vitro antimicrobial studies confirmed the inhibitory effect of methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers against phytopathogens like Xanthomonas oryzae RR24, Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. The chemical nature and composition of these crude extracts were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Approximately, 28 bioactive compounds detected in GC-MS were predicted to have antimicrobial activity. Based on our results, we conclude that the extracts derived from G. abyssinica have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation of phytopathogens, thus exhibiting immense potential in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Pendampingan Demplot Teknik Budidaya Bawang Merah pada Musim Hujan Secara Ramah Lingkungan

Background: Shallot cultivation in the rainy season faces the constraints of more severe plant disease problems. Utilization of mixed biopestisda Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus sp. B8 and Pseudomonas flourescens P8 as well as proper cultivation techniques have not been adopted by farmers. It is necessary to assist farmers in implementing the technology The objectives of the activity are: assisting farmers in implementing the shallot cultivation technology package appropriately, increasing the quantity and quality of crop production, and increasing farmers' income through increasing farm efficiency. Method: The farmers participating in the activity are members of the farmer group "Lestari" Tambak Sogra Village, Sumbang District, Banyumas Regency. Technology transfer method through demplot assistance. The biopesticide technology package and environmental manipulation are compared to the conventional package of synthetic chemical pesticides. Data on the growth and yield of technological plot crops compared to conventional plots. The large number of farmers who can independently apply the technology is observed. Results: mentoring activities showed that farmer group members were able to independently implement technology packages. The use of biopesticides and proper cultivation techniques can produce growth and yield equivalent to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides. Conclusion: 80% partner farmers can apply technology packages, the use of biopesticides is able to substitute the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, technology packages are able to increase 5.9% of shallot bulbs and reduce 75% production costs.

Toxicological, biological, and biochemical impacts of the egyptian lavender (Lavandula multifida L.) essential oil on two lepidopteran pests

The use of essential oils as an eco-friendly tool in pest management stems from their natural origin and the presence of bioactive compounds that exhibit pesticidal properties, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. This study explores the toxicity of Lavandula multifida (lavender) essential oil (EO), as a botanical pesticide against two widespread and destructive Noctuidae pests, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). GC-MS was employed to characterize 23 compounds in the EO, with 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (eucalyptol) (39.84%), being the primary component. The leaf dipping technique was utilized to assess the toxicity of the EO to both insects. At 96 hours post-treatment, the LC50 of lavender EO to S. littoralis and A. ipsilon larvae were 2.350 and 2.991 mg · ml–1, respectively. Concerning its biological effect, both concentrations of the EO (LC15 and LC50) significantly shortened the duration of the larval (to 15.24 and 14.23 days) and pupal (to 11.19 and 10.55 days) stages of S. littoralis. Biochemical assays revealed that the LC50 of lavender EO significantly inhibited α-esterase activity in S. littoralis at 72- and 96 hours post-treatment (0.031 and 0.063 mmol · min–1 · mg–1), and A. ipsilon at 96 hours post-treatment (0.129 mmol · min–1 · mg–1 protein). Given its significant toxicological, biological, and biochemical effects on S. littoralis, it is suggested that lavender EO could be considered for use in integrated pest management strategies while ensuring its safe application to protect non-target organisms.