Synthetic Pesticides Research Articles

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.

Cow Urine as Emerging Biopesticides : A Mini-Review

In the current scenario, biopesticides are a topic of significant importance due to their potential to address human health and environmental issues. Loss in quality and quantity of crops due to pests is a major delinquent. To overcome this cause, farmers significantly relied on chemical pesticides, which unknowingly endured the loss of soil fertility, the presence of residue in food products and the development of resistance to pests. Consequently, the use of biopesticides was more welcomed compared to synthetic pesticides due to their substantial pest control ability and impressive versatility in controlling the development of resistance in the pests. Among the several biopesticides, botanical biopesticides demonstrate immense efficacy in controlling pests. A notable method to prepare botanical biopesticides is the combination of cow urine with medicinal plant leaf extract. This unique combination provides a better alternative to synthetic chemicals, which are expensive and cause toxic effects to the farmer, consumer, marketers, and environment. This review focuses on the various preparative methods of cow urine containing biopesticides and its potential to revolutionize agricultural pest control.

Formulation and characterization of nanoemulsion biopesticide from Balanite aegyptiaca seed kernel extract

Consumers’ growing awareness and desire for food free of pesticide residues led to the incubation of this research work. The study aimed at developing a nanoemulsion formulation of Balanite aegyptiaca seed kernel extract for use as a biopesticide. A preliminary study was carried out on the solubility and miscibility of surfactant, carrier, and deionized water utilizing the low-energy spontaneous emulsification method. Information from the study was then used to plot a ternary phase diagram (TPD) showing both the isotropic zone and the anisotropic zones, from which a point with a surfactant, oil, and water ratio (20:20:60) was selected from the isotropic zone for the formulation. The developed nanoemulsion was tested for stability and thermostability, and both results revealed the system was stable. Similarly, the physiochemical properties of the developed nanoemulsion system were characterized, and the results showed that the system revealed the following properties: mean particle size of 173.2±21.6, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.403±0.038, surface tension of 32.53±0.71, viscosity of 37.33±0.67 mPas, and a pH of 4.92±0.02. The formulation appears homogeneous, clear, and transparent, which further indicates it’s a nanoemulsion formulation. Therefore, the nanoemulsion formulation of B. aegyptiaca seed kernel can serve as a safe and environmentally friendly substitute for synthetic pesticides in the management of plant diseases.

Evaluation of Elevated CO2 on Nutritional Quality of Green Gram for the Management of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) during Storage

An experiment was conducted to study the assessment of nutritional quality parameters of green gram treated with elevated levels of carbon dioxide to manage Callosobruchus infestation during 2020-21 at Seed Entomology Laboratory, Seed Research and Technology Centre, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. Nutritional quality of Callosobruchus chinensis infested green gram seeds exposed to four different concentrations of CO2 viz., 20, 40, 60 and 80 per cent was studied. The results revealed that the 80 per cent CO2 concentration maintained high carbohydrate content (62.93 per cent) and crude fat (4.51 per cent) besides less protein (25.26 per cent) content after two months of storage. The 80per cent CO2 treatment was consistently found to be the best treatment when it was retested in bulk quantity (25 kg of seed) after two months of storage period. High carbohydrate, crude fat content and low protein content were observed in all the CO2 treatments (20, 40, 60 and 80 per cent) when compared to untreated control. These findings suggest that using elevated CO2 levels could be a viable alternative to synthetic pesticides chemical fumigants for preserving green gram during storage.

The humic acids influence on the quantity and quality of table grape varieties under the Absheron peninsula conditions

Humates are widely used in viticulture, including ecological viticulture. Humic stuffs benefit the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the grape harvest and can reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This article presents the results of tests on the foliar application of various doses of the “Rostok” fertilizer in the conditions of the Absheron zone of Azerbaijan on local varieties of table grapes – traditional Tabrizi and a selection variety of Scientific Research Institute of Viticulture and Wine-making Ganjavi, grown in the Ampelographic collection of the institute, located on the Absheron peninsula. Fertilizer was applied in three doses – 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 liter per hectar. Under the influence of the fertilizer, such elements of yield as the vigor of shoot growth, the number of opened buds, fruitful shoots, the number of berries in a bunch, the weight of a bunch, as well as the sugar content of berry juice increased. Fertilizer application had a positive effect on eliminating signs of leaf chlorosis. No toxic effect on the vegetative organs of the grape plant, on its development, or on the beneficial insect fauna of the vineyard was noted. Based on the data obtained, as well as calculations of economic efficiency, a four-fold application of fertilizer (twice before flowering, once after, once during veraison) at the rate of 1 liter per hectare was recommended for widespread use in wine-growing farms.

Study Of The Effect Of Accumulated Cypermethrin Residues In Cattle Meat In Some Areas Of Karbala Province

The synthetic pesticide cypermethrin is used in livestock and agriculture in Iraq. Due to the excessive use of these pesticides, they accumulate in the first feed of animals, causing health problems. Accordingly, the following study was designed for demonstration determination of synthetic cypermethrin by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) in cattle meat samples. One hundred samples were collected from various local markets and butcher shops from (Al- Hassainya, City Center, Al-Hur, Twairij, and Ain Al-Tamer) Kerbala-Iraq. Five grams were collected separately from each sample. Then, the samples (cattle meat) were crushed and homogenized, after which 25 ml of acetonitrile was added for extraction the pesticides residues from these sample then the reagents were added to extract then the extract were injected to HPLC instrument. The obtained results revealed that (Al-Hassainya, City Center, Al-Hur, Twairij, and Ain Al-Tamer) (0.1569; 5.408; 6.409; 5.509; 5.408ppm), in cattle meat, respectively. From the results in this study, Al-Hur cattle meat (6.409±0.1137) was contaminated more than all regains of Karbala distract. This study showed the dangers of the presence of synthetic cypermethrin in cattle meat, threatening consumer health.

Synthesis and application of biodegradable seed coatings to assess the infestation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds by pests

Pulses such as chickpeas face significant damage caused by pests during their growth and storage. The overuse of synthetic pesticides on seeds requiring several cycles of active ingredient applications results in increased expenses and environmental risks by contaminating soil, water, and air. These risks of seed damage without use of harmful pesticides can be reduced by coating the seeds with biodegradable seed coatings. The objective of the study was assessing the effectiveness of biodegradable seed coating in managing stored grain pests and to examine its effects on the germination of chickpeas. For this study chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds were coated with biodegradable coatings like polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients, neem oil, chitosan and mucilage-starch nanocrystals. The characterization of coatings was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. Germination of coated and uncoated chickpea seeds was observed by paper-towel method after 5 and 10 days. Chitosan coated seeds had greatest root length (3.10 ± 0.05 cm), shoot length (3.93 ± 0.08 cm), dry weight (0.24 ± 0.05 g), fresh weight (0.43 ± 0.05 g), germination rate (98.87 %) and vigour index (639.09 ± 0.05) followed by polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients coated seeds, mucilage-starch nano crystals coated seeds and control group after ten days. The lowest root length (0.97 ± 0.14 cm), shoot length (1.53 ± 0.12 cm), dry weight (0.1 ± 0.005 g), fresh weight (0.21 ± 0.14 g), germination rate (65 %) and vigour index (163.75 ± 4.72) were displayed by neem oil-coated seeds. The impact of stored grain pests was evaluated and it was shown that neem oil had the highest efficacy in controlling pulse beetle infestations followed by chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients and mucilage-starch nano crystals. Neem oil coating enhanced pest mortality by 95 % after 15 days, reduced seed damage by 16.3 % and minimized seed weight loss by 10.6 % after 30 and 45 days. Biodegradable seed coating is a cost-effective and environment friendly way to improve seed performance and protect crops sustainably.

Formononetin derivatives containing benzyl piperidine: A brand new, highly efficient inhibitor targeting Xanthomonas spp

IntroductionPlant bacterial diseases take an incalculable toll on global food security. The indiscriminate use of chemical synthetic pesticide not only facilitates pathogen resistance of pathogenic bacteria, but also poses a major threat to human health and environmental protection. Therefore, it is of great economic value and scientific significance to develop a new antibacterial drug with environmental friendliness and unique mechanism of action. ObjectivesTo design and synthesize formononetin derivatives based on natural products, evaluate their in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities and elucidate the mechanisms involved. MethodsThe synthesis was carried out by classical active group splicing method. The antibacterial activities were evaluated using turbidimetry and pot experiments. The antibacterial mechanism was further investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), virulence factors, defense enzymes activities, proteomics and metabolomics. Results40 formononetin derivatives containing benzyl piperidine were designed and synthesized. The antibacterial results demonstrated that H32 exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo) with the EC50 of 0.07 μg/mL, while H6 displayed the highest inhibitory activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri (Xac) with the EC50 of 0.24 μg/mL. Furthermore, the control efficacy of H32 against rice bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and H6 against citrus canker (CC) was validated through pot experiments. SEM, virulence factors and host enzyme activities assay indicated that H32 could not only reduce the virulence of Xoo, but also activate the activities of defense enzymes and improve the disease resistance of host plants. The proteomics and metabolomics analysis demonstrated that H32 could inhibit the synthesis of branched-chain amino acids, make Xoo cells in a starvation state, inhibit its proliferation, weaken its virulence and reduce its colonization and infection of host cells. ConclusionFormononetin derivatives containing benzyl piperidine could be used as potentially effective inhibitors against Xanthomonas spp.

The Use of Bio-control Agents in Mulberry Pest Management: Successful Techniques and Important Issues

Since bio-control agents target specific pests without affecting the usefulness insects or/and damaging the soil and water resources, it plays a role in conservation of ecological balance in the environment. A variety of insect and non-insect pests, as well as hosts of parasites (fungi, insect, and mite parasites), occur in silkworm sericulture. This method does not in any way influence the sustainability of environment through pest control as required by sustainable agriculture. Since bio-control agents are known to be harmless to human beings and other organisms that may be of equal importance in the ecosystem such as pollinators, wildlife etc., they also have safety advantages. This is a big step forward to eradicating pests as compared to the chemical pesticides which have been known to affect the human lives and other wildlife. In the meantime, the bio-control agents may be cost effective in the long run. Because bio-control agents could offer continuous control of pests with minimal extra cost, it is possible, even when the outlay of obtaining and developing such organisms is more expensive than straightforward chemical applications. Further, the use of bio-control agents may reduce the reliance on traditional chemical pesticides and hence cost outlay and pest control costs and also reduce the probabilities of pesticide resistance. In the farming of mulberry, bio control agents are one the most important components of integrated pest management and have proved be an effective substitute to chemical control. Bio-control agents offer long-term pest suppression in comparison to chemical control methods, whose impacts tend to weaken after several generations of treatment. The continuous use of chemicals may result in pest resistance to the pesticides used. Spraying synthetic pesticides leads to the formation of pesticide residues on mulberry foliage, which affects food products and environmental health.

The Role of Organic Farming for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Development: A Review

Climate Change, exacerbated by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2), is a pressing global crisis that disrupts long-term weather patterns, ecosystems, and human well-being. Organic agriculture offers a viable solution to mitigate these effects. By lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil carbon sequestration, organic farming strengthens ecosystem resilience. Practices such as eliminating synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, rotating crops, and utilizing organic waste foster robust agricultural systems capable of enduring extreme weather and water scarcity. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how organic farming contributes to climate change mitigation, detailing practices that support soil carbon sequestration, reduce nitrogen oxide (N2O) emissions, and boost biodiversity. It also addresses challenges such as emissions measurement and consumer behaviour, emphasizing the need for further research and supportive policies. Organic agriculture not only advances sustainable development but also promotes food security and environmental sustainability in the face of climate change.

Goatweed Flower Extract (Ageratum conyzoides L.) as A Botanical Insecticide for Pest Control Crocidolomia binotalis Z.

Crocidolomia binotalis Z. is an important cabbage plant pest in Indonesia. Nevertheless, pest control strategies depend on synthetic pesticides, negatively impacting ecosystems.Therefore, developing an effective organic pesticide approach to controlling C. binotalis is necessary. This research aimed to test the effectiveness of goatweed flower extract (Ageratum conyzoides L.) in controlling pest C. binotalis. The research consisted of two sets of experiments with two methods: the stomach and contact poison. Each experimental set was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The treatments were six levels of extract concentration at 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, and 75%. The results showed that the application of A. conyzoides flower extract using the stomach and contact poison methods significantly increased the percentage of larval mortality 24 hours after application (haa) and the percentage of total larval mortality. The flower extract treatment of A. conyzoides significantly reduced the percentage of leaf area eaten, increased larval mortality, inhibited pupation and imago emergency, and shortened the larval stage's duration. The percentage of larval mortality through contact poison was higher than stomach poison.

Microbial Production of Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture

Food security is threatened by biotic stress on crops, e.g., from invasive pests, in the context of climate change. Pest control has traditionally been achieved using synthetic pesticides, yet pollution and the persistence and toxicity of some pesticides are inducing food contamination and, in turn, generating public concern. As a consequence, biopesticides are increasingly used, notably for organic crops. For instance, some microorganisms produce biopesticidal compounds such as secondary metabolites or growth-inhibitory enzymes. Most reviews on this topic mainly focus on describing microbial species and their active compounds. However, there are very few studies and reviews describing various process parameters. Here, we review both microbial biopesticides and factors controlling physicochemical conditions for the scaling up of biopesticide production. We present biopesticides from bacteria (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis), algae, fungi, and viruses and review the biocontrol mechanisms and applications of commercial biopesticides. The benefits of genetic engineering for enhancing activity and drawbacks such as commercialization are also discussed.

Mycotoxicity of leaf extract of Tabernaemontana pachysiphon Stapf against Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht, a postharvest fungal rot pathogen of taro

Taro, otherwise known as cocoyam, is one of the major sources of calories in the tropics. However, losses of its corm during storage are high, partly due to pathogenic diseases. Fusarium oxysporum is one of the principal fungal pathogens causing about 50% of postharvest losses of taro corms in the tropics. The rise in pesticide-resistant fungal pathogens, amongst other factors, has necessitated the recent search for alternatives to synthetic pesticides. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of six concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) of aqueous leaf extract of T. pachysiphon on spore germination, mycelial growth and reproduction of F. oxysporum both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiment was conducted using the poison bait technique, while the in vivo experiment involved 21 corms (200 g) artificially infected with F. oxysporum and treated with the respective concentrations of the test extracts or griseofulvin. The control consisted of fungus-infected corms only. Generally, the experiments consisted of 7 treatments replicated 3 times and were laid out in a completely randomized design. Results of the cultures studies showed that all aqueous extract of T. pachysiphon significantly (P< 0.05) and to varying degrees impeded spore germination (56.38–70.24%) and retarded radial growth of the pathogen (68.27–82.01%). The percentage rot expression in the living tissues treated with the extracts ranged between 19.4% and 40.4%. All results were statistically (P< 0.05) superior to the control but comparable to the results (75.06%, 86.41%, and 17.2%) obtained with griseofulvin for these features, respectively. The inhibitions were linearly correlated with the dose of application of the biotoxicant both in vitro and in vivo.

Effect of the Botanical Insecticides on <i>Amegilla</i> Friese, 1897 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Foraging on the Cowpea Flowers in Dang (Adamaoua, North-Cameroon)

Synthetic pesticides present risks of pollution of the environment, humans and livestock and the alternative proposed today is to use botanical extracts in the fields against crop pests. But in North Cameroon, little information exists concerning the effect of these extracts on useful pollinating insects in general and no information exists in particular on foragers of the genus <i>Amegilla</i> Friese, 1897 (Apidae: Apinae: Anthophorini). The frequency and foraging activities of <i>Amegilla</i>, on newly blooming flowers of <i>Vigna unguiculata </i>(L.) Walp., 1843 (Fabales: Fabaceae) were recorded during five consecutive days in 2021 and 2022 planting campaigns. Plants were divided into untreated plots and plots treated using the synthetic insecticide Parastar (l p.c..ha<sup>-1</sup>) or 10%, 20% and 30% aqueous leaf extracts of <i>Calotropis procera</i> (Aiton) Aiton, 1811 (Gentianales: Apocynaceae), <i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis </i>Dehnh., 1832 (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) and <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> (Hemsley) Gray, 1883 (Asterales: Asteraceae) respectively. Among 8,987 insects collected (48.9% in 2021), <i>Amegila calens</i> Le Peletier. 1841 with stockier foragers (2021 campaign: 2.2% of the total collection, entomophily F<sub><i>A. calens</i></sub>=4.5%; 2022 campaign: 0.7%, F<sub><i>A. calens</i></sub>=1.3%; pooled campaigns: 2.9%, F<sub><i>A. calens</i></sub>=2.9%) and <i>Amegilla</i> sp. with slender foragers (2021: 3.8%, F<sub><i>Amegilla </i>sp.</sub>=7.7%; 2022: no data) were recorded. Foragers started activity from 6 a.m. and stopped foraging before noon, with a peak of activity in 8 to 9 a.m. time slot for <i>A. calens </i>and 10 to 11 a.m. time slot for <i>Amegilla</i> sp.. During the five consecutive days from the first blooming day of the flowers, 598 visits (89.8% in 2021 and 10.2% in 2022) were recorded with a peak of visits during the 3<sup>rd</sup> day and then declined until it stopped during the 5<sup>th</sup> day. Treatments including the synthetic insecticide (which was the most repellent to the wild bees), did not significantly reduce the frequency of visits. But 20% aqueous extract of <i>Ca. procera</i> showed a significant increased of the mean duration of visits of the bees, compare to the results recorded in Parastar-treated plots. Therefore, the tested extracts, especially 20% aqueous leaves extract of <i>Ca. procera</i> may be recommended to control field insect pests and for preservation of foraging activities of <i>Amegilla </i>genus.

Evaluation of the biocide activity of tomatine-rich extracts from tomato cannery residues against fungi and bacteria

Synthetic pesticides are discouraged for their environmental and health impacts, making research into alternatives essential. Several solutions of vegetal origin are being evaluated. The use of residual biomass from the agri-food system is particularly suitable due to its abundance and often unexplored potential. This study focuses on characterizing and assessing the activity of extracts obtained from wastes of the tomato cannery industry (including green fruit, stems, and leaves), which are rich in steroidal glycoalkaloids such as α-tomatine and tomatidine in different proportion. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts was tested on three bacterial strains belonging to the Escherichia coli (EC), Xanthomonas campestris (XC), and Bacillus pumilus (BP) species, as well as the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (BC). In particular, the mechanism of action of the extracts in relation to their surfactant properties was investigated, with the effect of the analytical standard serving as a reference. Both extracts showed strong inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth in vitro, with values reaching 100 %.The inhibitory effect was mainly due to the presence of α-tomatine in the extracts, which reached its aggregated state of micelle at the critical micelle concentration (CMC). Tomatidine, although known for its biocidal properties, did not contribute significantly due to its limited solubility. However, exceptions to this pattern were observed for extract rich in tomatidine, which exhibited efficacy at doses below the CMC. A possible explanation could be the enhanced solubility of tomatidine (which corresponds to enhanced bioactivity) in the presence of surfactant secreted by BP or as a consequence of the interaction between tomatidine and α-tomatine at the pre-micellar state for BC. In vivo assays with BC showed a reduction in symptoms comparable to that of a commercial fungicide available for organic agriculture, particularly at low concentrations. The relative content of α-tomatidine and tomatidine in the extracts modulated their bioactivity. An excess of tomatidine relative to α-tomatine led to a decrease in biocidal effect due to the chemical interactions among these species.

Characterization and genome sequence of N,N-dimethylformamide degradation in Paracoccus sulfuroxidans DM175A1-1 isolated from activated sludge of wastewater.

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is an organic solvent with stable chemical properties and high boiling point. Based on its good solubility, DMF is widely used in synthetic textile, leather, electronics, pharmaceutical and pesticide industries. However, the DMF pollutes the environment and does harm to human liver function, kidney function, and nerve function. Herein, an efficient DMF-degrading strain, DM175A1-1, was isolated and identified as Paracoccus sulfuroxidans. This strain can use DMF as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Whole-genome sequencing of strain DM175A1-1 revealed that it has a 3.99-Mbp chromosome a 120-kbp plasmid1 and a 40-kbp plasmid2. The chromosome specifically harbors the dmfA1 and dmfA2 essential for the initial steps of DMF degradation. And it also carries the some part of genes facilitating subsequent methylotrophic metabolism and glutathione-dependent pathway. Through further DMF tolerance degradation experiments, DM175A1-1 can tolerate DMF concentrations up to 10,000 mg/L, whereas the majority of Paracoccus strains could only show degradation activity below 1,000 mg/L. And the efficiency of organic nitrogen conversion to NH3-N in DMF can reach 99.0% when the hydraulic retention time (HRT) is controlled at 5 days. Meanwhile, it showed a significant degradation effect at a pharmaceutical enterprise in Zhejiang Province with high concentration of DMF wastewater. This study provides a new strain Paracoccus sulfuroxidans DM175A1-1 which shows a significant influence on DMF degradation, and reveals the characterization on its DMF degradation. It lays the foundation for the application of biological method in the efficient degradation of DMF in industrial wastewater.

Pollinator visitation decline due to pesticide application beyond threshold frequency brings down crop yield

Abstract The deleterious effects of pesticides on pollinating insect abundance are well established but the relationship among pesticide application, pollinator decline and the corresponding change in marketable yield is not fully understood. In this study, we assessed what level of pesticide exposure causes maximum pollinator loss and at that level of pollinator loss if there is any crop yield loss. We primarily assessed pollinator crop flower visitation in 27 aubergine farms with different degrees of pesticide application. Subsequently, we also observed pollinator activity and aubergine yield (fruit set) in a semi‐controlled field experiment with four different pesticide treatments. Pesticide application frequency was the most important driver of pollinator visitation compared with quantity. Pesticide spray above once a week caused a drastic drop in pollinator visitation in a non‐linear fashion showing a threshold of pesticide application. In high pesticide frequency experimental plots, pollinator visitation was significantly lower than in control, low and medium frequency plots. This resulted in lowering of aubergine fruit set by 27.4% in high pesticide frequency plots. Use of synthetic pesticides to safeguard yield seems to be doing just the opposite by bringing down yield from pesticide‐induced pollinator limitation.

Trichoderma role as an essential plant growth promotion-a review

In the world, pest infestation is responsible for 70% or more of per cent losses in agricultural productivity, and mycopesticide can provide an alternative option to pest control option as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. Trichoderma is a genus of fungal species, and Trichoderma viride is one of the known fungal species in categories that exhibit biocontrol mechanisms since it is well-identified for 100% effectiveness in pest control. The mycelium of T. viride has shown its capabilities for the production of various types of enzymes, including cellulases and chitinase, with degradation capability for celluloses and chitin polymers, respectively. It is ubiquitous in nature. It is widely used for the management of crop diseases and is basically soil-borne, but it is also foliar. Trichoderma has shown its potential due to diversity, ecology, and application. The mechanism of action includes competition, production of different metabolites, induced resistance and enzymes, etc. There are several commercial formulations available all over the world that are used against crop diseases. Trichoderma, due to its potential for degradation capability, can be utilised from waste to wealth. Later on, with the development of more research on Trichoderma, various utilities were found. This includes its effective control against harmful insects in agricultural as well as health sectors. It also can detoxify the heavy metals. In the health sector, continuous exploration of its benefits for drug discovery is being done. As a whole, it can be considered soil gold and a promising future beneficial microbe.

Nutritional Composition and Fungi Isolates Associated with Moringa Oleifera Leaves and Seeds

Moringa oleifera (miracle tree) as it is popularly called, has been found useful both medicinally and economically. Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of the monogeneric family, the Moringaceae, which is indigenous to South Asia. This fast-growing plant is a highly valued and cultivated one in the tropics and sub-tropics. With its high nutritive values, every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes. The leaves of this tree are worthy of special attention. The leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins, and other essential phytochemicals. This research is aimed at determining the nutritional composition and fungi isolates associated with Moringa oleifera. The Sabaraud Dextrose Agar was used to culture for pure growth and three microorganisms were isolated which consisted of Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. The nutritional analysis of Moringa oleifera was carried out and its composition includes; crude lipids, crude fiber, moisture, ash, protein, and carbohydrates. They aid in treating digestive problems, reduce cholesterol and immunomodulation benefits, proper growth of the sperm cells, synthesis of DNA and RNA and they help to lower blood pressure. The mineral composition analyzed in Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds constituted zinc, copper, silver, and manganese. The microorganisms isolated produce toxins that cause harm and damage to humans. These toxins can be controlled if post-harvest interventions that reduce aflatoxin include rapid and proper drying, proper transportation and packaging, sorting, cleaning, drying, smoking, post-harvest insect control, and the use of botanicals or synthetic pesticides as storage protectants. The health benefits of Moringa oleifera include, they are anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence of isothiocyanates, having anti-oxidative properties and protecting against the damaging effects of free radicals present in the body, stabilizing blood sugar levels due to the presence of isothiocyanates. They support brain health and work as neuro-enhancers, they are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. They are used as supplements in food to improve the nutritional composition that is lacking in the body.

Evaluating larvicidal, ovicidal and growth inhibiting activity of five medicinal plant extracts on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), the West Nile virus vector

Mosquitoes, one of the deadliest animals on the planet, cause millions of fatalities each year by transmitting several human illnesses. Synthetic pesticides were previously used to prevent the spread of diseases by mosquitoes, which was effective in protecting humans but caused serious human health problems, environmental damage, and developed mosquito pesticide resistance. This research focuses on exploring new, more effective, safer, and environmentally friendly compounds to improve mosquito vector management. Phytochemicals are possible biological agents for controlling pests and many are target-specific, rapidly biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The potential of extracts of Lantana camara, Melia azedarach, Nerium oleander, Ricinus communis, and Withania somnifera against 3rd instar Culex pipiens (Common house mosquito) larvae was evaluated. Methanol extracts had more toxic effects against Cx. pipiens larvae (95–100%, 24 h post-treatment) than aqueous extracts (63–91%, 24 h post-treatment). The methanol extracts of Nerium oleander (LC50 = 158.92 ppm) and Ricinus communis (LC50 = 175.04 ppm) were very effective at killing mosquito larvae, 24 h after treatment. N. oleander (LC50 = 373.29 ppm) showed high efficacy in aqueous plant extracts. Among the different extracts of the five plants screened, the methanol extract of R. communis recorded the highest ovicidal activity of 5% at 800 ppm concentration. Total developmental duration and growth index were highly affected by R. communis and M. azedarach methanol extracts. In field tests it was clear that plant extracts decreased mosquito larval density, especially when mixed with mosquito Bti briquette, with stability up to seven days for N. oleander. GC–MS results showed that the methanol extract had a higher number of chemical compounds, particularly with more terpene compounds. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used to detect the existence of non-volatile polyphenols and flavonoids. All five methanol extracts showed high concentrations of active ingredients such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid (more than 100 μg/ml) and the rosmarinic acid was also found in all the five extracts in addition to 17 active polyphenols and flavonoids presented at moderate to low concentrations. Molecular modeling of 18 active ingredients detected by the HPLC were performed to the vicinity of one of the fatty acid binding proteins of lm-FABP (PDB code: 2FLJ). Rutin, Caffeic acid, coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid which presented densely in R. communis and N. oleander showed multiple and stable intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The inhibition ability of the fatty acid binding protein, FABP4, was evaluated with remarkable receptor inhibition evident, especially with R. communis and N. oleander having inhibitory concentrations of IC50 = 0.425 and 0.599 µg/mL, respectively. The active phytochemical compounds in the plants suggest promising larvicidal and ovicidal activity, and have potential as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic insecticides.