Use Of Botanical Extracts Research Articles

Potential uses of botanical extracts of Larrea and Grindelia in organic agriculture: Effects on soil properties and functional traits relative to growth

Biostimulants—including botanical extracts—are natural preparations that have no negative effects on environmental health or populations and improve soil health and plant growth. Our objective was to evaluate the use of botanical extracts from two native species of the Patagonian Monte, an infusion of Larrea nitida (5%-L5 and 10%-L10) and a ferment of Grindelia chiloensis (5%-G5 and 10%-G10), on soil properties and the growth of a model plant (Triticum aestivum). While the 5% and 10% Grindelia ferments increased microbial respiration, soil N and C content, and biomass production, the 10% Larrea infusion inhibited microbial respiration and decreased total biomass. The Grindelia ferment has potential for use as a biostimulant in agroecological production, whereas the Larrea infusion does not show potential for such use. The inhibitory effect of phenolic compounds on microbial activity and plant growth should be addressed in future studies.

Evaluating the Toxicity of Piperine, Azadirachtin, and Quercetin against Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Workers via Feeding Bioassay under Controlled Condition

Exploration of effective management technique against Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) has gained the great concern of researchers because of its well-known negative impacts on public health, economic development and native biodiversity. Among various control measures, use of botanical extracts and essential oils are being highly focused because of eco-friendly in nature. Current study explains the effectiveness of three bioactive compounds including Piperine, Azadirachtin, Quercetin and all of their possible combinations against S. invicta workers. Sugar water (20% w/w) was used as solvent for these treatments. Data of mortality were recorded after every 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results revealed that all the treatments caused satisfied mortality in exposed fire ant workers. The mortality was directly proportional to concentrations and time of exposure in all treatments. Among all the treatments, Piperine and its combinations caused highest mortality of fire ant worker. This study will be more useful to future work regarding chemical ecology of social ants. The results of research presented great potential of these biopesticides against S. invicta.

Evaluation of the aphicidal activity of Salvia microphylla (Lamiaceae) aqueous extracts against Aphis pomi (Aphididae)

Abstract The aphid Aphis pomi represents an important pest of apples. The use of botanical extracts may be a safe and effective way to control this pest. In this context, we studied the aphicidal and repellent effects of aqueous extracts of Salvia microphylla against A. pomi. Five concentrations were tested on two main aphid parameters: mortality rate and percentage of repellency. The results showed that concentrations of 10% recorded the highest mortality rate (73.33%) and percentage of repellency (62.59%). After further field investigations, the use of S. microphylla may constitute a component of the integrated management of aphids.

The influence of plant extracts on root biostimulation in different strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchense) cultivars

The use of botanical extracts is considered an important tool to stimulate plant growth, reduce the use of synthetic pesticides, or both. The impact of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Calendula officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Tagetes sp., and Taraxacum officinale on growth and root development of plants of five strawberry cultivars (‘Albion’, ‘Florence’, ‘Magnum’, ‘Rumba’, and ‘San Andreas’) grown in semi-field controlled conditions was tested in the present study. The vigor and growth of the five strawberry genotypes were significantly affected by the extracts, with cv. Florence consistently producing more biomass than any other variety compared to the untreated control. The extracts also impacted the root system differently depending on the specific genotype. However, the C. officinalis flower extract consistently improved the root architecture, increasing the value of five out of six parameters compared to the control. The genotype-related response points to the strong influence of the “variety factor” on the possible effect of plant extracts considered for biostimulation, plant protection purposes, or both, prompting the need for additional work to unravel the bottlenecks in using botanicals.

Alternative Management of Raoiella Indica Hirst, 1924 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) With Passion Fruit Seed Extract

Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the acaricidal potential of the passion fruit seed extract (Passiflora edulis) in controlling the red palm mite (R. indica). Theoretical framework: Raoiella indica is a pest mite of agricultural interest, considered one of the main pests of banana, coconut, date palm, and ornamental crops. Method: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using passion fruit seed extract, with 7 repetitions and 12 R. indica individuals per repetition. The concentration tested was 1.0; 1.72; 2.95; 5.08; 8.73, and 15.0 %. The experimental units consisted of coconut leaf discs (4 cm in diameter) with moist cotton at the bottom of the Petri dish (10.0 x 1.2 cm) and around the disc to maintain turgidity and prevent the mites from escaping. The application was carried out using an airbrush, connected to a compressor calibrated with a constant pressure of 1.3 psi and 1 mL of solution per plate. The evaluation was conducted at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 hours following the extract's spraying. Results and discussion: Mortality was observed in the dose-response model, the concentration of 15 % showed mortality rates greater than 98.8 % of individuals. Amounts of phenolics of 10.242, tannins of 14.837, and flavonoids of 9.700 in mg g-1 were found, attributing the mortality of individuals to the presence of these compounds. It was concluded that the passion fruit seed extract has an acaricidal effect on R. indica in the laboratory. Implications of the research: Alternative pest management has grown substantially in recent years, given the demand for more sustainable products in the agricultural field. The use of botanical extracts is beneficial to the environment, as it does not promote soil and water contamination and can be an efficient method for controlling agricultural pests. Originality/value: This article adds value to research areas such as alternative management of agricultural pests, and sustainability and suggests a change in the environmentally conscious behavior of rural producers.

A Systematic Review of the Bioactivity of Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) Extracts in the Control of Insect Pests

The use of botanical extracts of the plant Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) represents a valuable alternative to control insect pests and avoid the detrimental effects on the environment and health that arise due to synthetic chemical insecticides. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to summarize the published evidence on the bioactivity of J. curcas against insect pests. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies that assessed J. curcas extracts against insect pests in various types of crops. We included 39 articles that reported the insecticidal and insectistatic activity of several botanical extracts from J. curcas against insects of eight different taxonomic orders. The evidence demonstrates that aqueous and methanolic extracts from seeds and leaves, seed oil, and petroleum ether seed extracts were effective against insect pests of stored grains, aphids of cabbage and sorghum, fruit flies, and desert locusts. The extracts caused high mortality, controlled the populations, reduced oviposition, diminished hatchability, and increased the antifeedant effect. However, the type of solvent used to obtain the botanical extract and the method of application (contact or food) are fundamental to increase its bioactivity. Therefore, botanical extracts from seeds and leaves of J. curcas should be considered as an alternative against insect pests and may be incorporated into integrative and sustainable management for insect control.

BIOPESTICIDES: ALTERNATIVES FOR MANAGEMENT OF CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS

ABSTRACT Among insect pests of stored legumes, Callosobruchus maculatus is ranked as the most important with seed loss as high as 60-100% having been reported. Chemical control using synthetic insecticides is usually advocated. These chemicals can have undesirable side effects including human and animal health concerns, development of insecticide resistance andenvironmental contamination. Biopesticides, especially the use of semiochemicals, botanical extracts and microbial pesticides provide a sustainable and innovative alternative to the sole use of synthetic insecticides. The components of the sex pheromone for C. maculatus have been identified as 3-methyleneheptanoic acid, (Z)-3-methyl-3-heptenoic acid, (E)-3-methyl-3- heptenoic acid, (Z)-3-methyl-2-heptenoic acid and (E)-3-methyl-2-heptenoic acid, nonanedioic acid and 2,6-dimethyl-1, 8-octanedioic acid. The use of semiochemicals and pheromones in particular can allow for better monitoring of C. maculatus in warehouses and other grain storage facilities. In small scale situations, use of pheromones for mass trapping of C. maculatus may be feasible and should be advocated under such circumstances. The use of semiochemicals forenhancement of the effectiveness of biological control agents of C. maculatus has been explored. Preliminary research indicates that it may be possible to use semiochemicals to manipulate the behavior and increase the efficacy of natural enemies of storage pests including C. maculatus. Various plants and their extracts have been investigated for use in management of all stages of C. maculatus. Several of these have repellent, antifeedant, contact toxicity and/or oviposition deterrent properties. Essential oils derived from various plant parts are particularly effective as fumigants due in large measure to their volatile nature. Use of botanical extracts is particularly appealing for resource poor farmers from developing countries as both the plant materials, as well as most of the techniques used for extraction of the active components are readily available to them. Biological control using microbial agents is another viable strategy for management of C. maculatus. A number of entomopathogenic fungi in particular have been isolated, tested and their efficacy against the cowpea seed beetle demonstrated. Culture and formulation preparation of these fungi and other microbial agents can also be done at the farm level. The combination of several biopesticidal options offers sustainable and ecologically appropriate alternatives to the sole use of synthetic insecticides for management of C. maculatus and these are explored in the current chapter.

Toxicity effect of green synthesized nanoparticle silver nitrate (AgNO3) and titanium oxide (TiO2) against mosquitoes

Most widely affecting species include Culex quinquefasciatus, A. albopictus and A. aegypti which serve as vectors for many hematophagous diseases. Various control measures have been used to control the mosquitoes but most important is the use of synthetic insecticides. This research focused on the use of botanical extracts and green synthesized silver nanoparticles of four different plants i.e. Moringa Olifera, Zingiber officinale, Syzygium aromaticum and Datura stramonium. Percent mean mortality was calculated. The results of the study indicated that on maximum concentration and all-out exposure time (96 hours) of application of plant extracts and green synthesized silver nanoparticles on mosquitoes Moringa Olifera based plant extract give highest percent mortality that was 79% and Silver nanoparticles of that plant also give highest percent mortality that was 92%.

Controlling Greenhouse Whitefly with Erectomocerus eremicus Rose & Zolnerowich and Crude Plant Extracts of Garlic and Chilli Improves Yield of Tomato

Despite its economic importance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), many growers are unable to achieve maximum yield of high quality due to insect pest infestation. This study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of parasitoid Erectomocerus eremicus and crude plant extracts of garlic and chilli as an integrated alternative control method of greenhouse whitefly (GHW) on yield of tomato variety ‘Anna F1’. The study was conducted at Egerton University using a split plot arrangement in randomized complete block design, replicated three times. Parasitoid was the main plot factor at two levels (with and without E. eremicus) while sprays of distilled water (negative control), Abamectin (positive control), chilli and garlic extracts formed the sub-plot factors. Data on GHW incidence, population density, parasitisation rate, yield was collected. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and means of significant treatments separated using Tukey’s test at p = 0.05. Combined use of botanical extracts and E. eremicus had better effects on the management of whitefly population, infestation, and in enhancing growth and yield of greenhouse tomato plants compared to where they were used alone. Botanical plant extracts and/or E. eremicus can be used in the management of GHW and to improve tomato yields.

In vitro compatibility of Pimpinella anisum and Origanum vulgare essential oils with nematophagous fungi and their effects against Nacobbus aberrans

The soil nematode Nacobbus aberrans (Thorne & Allen) is one of the recurrent biotic adversities in crops growing under cover, and its presence in the horticultural area of Rio Cuarto, Argentina, is reported from the 1980s to the present day. The use of botanical extracts in combination with biological control agents could be a promising method for the control of this nematode. Nematicidal effects of Pimpinella anisum (anise) and Origanum vulgare (oregano) essential oils (EOs) against second-stage juveniles (J2) of N. aberrans were evaluated in vitro. Fisher LSD tests evidenced significant nematicidal (α = 0.05) effects of the two EOs tested, with LD100 of 200 and 600 µL L−1 for anise and oregano, respectively. Compatibility assays between EOs and five nematophagous fungi were microscopically and macroscopically performed on soil extract solid medium (SESM) conditioned at different water activities (0.99 and 0.98 aw) and incubated at 30, 25 and 20 °C. Purpureocillium lilacinum SR14 was the fungal strain that showed compatibility at levels of spore germination, viability of propagules and growth rate under the different anise oil doses, temperatures and aw assayed. In conclusion, the integrated application of anise EO with the nematophagous fungus, which combines two action mechanisms, could generate, on the one hand, a rapid larval mortality effect caused by the EO and, on the other hand, a parasitic effect that has the advantage of remaining in time under variable environmental conditions.

The Use of Botanical Extracts in East Asia for Treatment of Hyperpigmentation: An Evidenced-Based Review.

Recent years have seen a growth in the Asian cosmeceutical industry and an expanding worldwide marketplace with increasing consumer use of plant-based skin care products. The rising prevalence of Asian cosmeceuticals has led to research studies assessing the safety and efficacy of these products. We seek to review current evidence on safety and efficacy of key ingredients used in Asian cosmeceuticals to treat disorders of hyperpigmentation. A comprehensive search on PubMed was conducted to identify hyperpigmentation-related research studies on eight popular ingredients used in Asian cosmeceuticals: green tea, soy, orchid, licorice, rice water, ginseng, bamboo, and aloe. Both in vitro studies and clinical trials involving human subjects were included. Of the ingredients reviewed, soy and licorice had the most clinical evidence supporting their efficacy, while all other ingredients were supported by in vitro studies. More research is needed to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of Asian cosmeceutical ingredients in treatment of hyperpigmentation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(7): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4776.

Bioactivity of Common Pesticidal Plants on Fall Armyworm Larvae (Spodoptera frugiperda).

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a recent invasive pest species that has successfully established across sub-Saharan Africa where it continues to disrupt agriculture, particularly smallholder cereal production. Management of FAW in its native range in the Americas has led to the development of resistance to many commercial pesticides before its arrival in Africa. Pesticide use may therefore be ineffective for FAW control in Africa, so new and more sustainable approaches to pest management are required that can help reduce the impact of this exotic pest. Pesticidal plants provide an effective and established approach to pest management in African smallholder farming and recent research has shown that their use can be cost-beneficial and sustainable. In order to optimize the use of botanical extracts for FAW control, we initially screened ten commonly used plant species. In laboratory trials, contact toxicity and feeding bioassays showed differential effects. Some plant species had little to no effect when compared to untreated controls; thus, only the five most promising plant species were selected for more detailed study. In contact toxicity tests, the highest larval mortality was obtained from Nicotiana tabacum (66%) and Lippia javanica (66%). Similarly, in a feeding bioassay L. javanica (62%) and N. tabacum (60%) exhibited high larval mortality at the highest concentration evaluated (10% w/v). Feeding deterrence was evaluated using glass-fibre discs treated with plant extracts, which showed that Cymbopogon citratus (36%) and Azadirachta indica (20%) were the most potent feeding deterrents among the pesticidal plants evaluated. In a screenhouse experiment where living maize plants infested with fall armyworm larvae were treated with plant extracts, N. tabacum and L. javanica were the most potent species at reducing foliar damage compared to the untreated control whilst the synthetic pesticide chlorpyrifos was the most effective in reducing fall armyworm foliar damage. Further field trial evaluation is recommended, particularly involving smallholder maize fields to assess effectiveness across a range of contexts.

AGRICULTORES FAMILIARES E A TRAÇA-DAS-CRUCÍFERAS: RECONHECIMENTO, CONTROLE E DIFICULDADES

Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) is the main pest that attacks kale (Brassica oleracea L.) and, when poorly controlled, can compromise the entire production. The objective of this work was to carry out a diagnosis of P. xylostella control practices adopted by family farmers who grow cabbage in the municipalities of Lucas do Rio Verde, Sorriso and Sinop, aiming to generate knowledge that increases the consumption of vegetables, as foods that promote health. These municipalities together produced 143 tons of cabbage, almost entirely produced by family farmers. It were selected 42 producers who answered the proposed questionnaire and it was found that the most used method of controlling is chemical, followed by biological. Regarding chemical control, it occurs with the use of 28 commercial products, of which only 10 are registered, and this activity exposes producers to direct contact with pesticides during the application of the products. Allied to this, the EPIs are not used properly, although they know its importance. Alternative controls such as the use of botanical extracts and / or alternative components are known, but little used and there are several difficulties reported to control the moth.

English

Lepidopteran pests cause considerable damage to Solanum macrocarpon Linnaeus (Solanaceae). Their control by the use of botanical extracts is a promising alternative to improper use of chemical insecticides. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three doses of leaf extract of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica Adrien-Henri de Jussieu (Meliaceae) against Lepidopteran pest species that attack S. macrocarpon L. in southern Togo. The experimental design used for the study was randomized complete blocks with three replicates and five treatments: three doses (N1: 300, N2: 600 and N3: 900 L/ha) of neem leaf aqueous extract, a synthetic insecticide “Cydim Super” (C.S.) and a Control (C) in field. Botanical exctract and synthetic insecticide were applied after Lepidopteran pest species frequency and number collected once a week for 8 weeks. The yield data were obtained by weighing the aerial parts (leaves and stems) of S. macrocarpon harvested. Three species of Lepidoptera (Selepa docilis Butler (Noctuidae), Spoladea recurvalis Fabricius (Crambidae) and Scrobipalpa ergasima Meyrick (Gelechiidae)) were recorded. The neem leaf extract reduced frequency and numbers of all the three species found on S. macrocarpon than Control. S. recurvalis and S. ergasima were not recorded on plots treated with N3: 900 l/ha. No Lepidopteran pest species was recorded on plots treated with synthetic insecticide. S. macrocarpon yields obtained on plots treated with neem leaf extract N1, N2 and N3 were higher (5.42 ± 1.80 t/ha, 7.39 ± 1.88 t/ha and 6.97 ± 0.96 t/ha, respectively) than that of synthetic insecticide which was 3.51 ± 0.72 t/ha. Key words: Biopesticide, Lepidopteran pests, Solanum macrocarpon, southern Togo.

Flies Menaces in Dairy Farm and its Strategies for Prevention and Control- An Overview

India being a tropical country faces high fly attack problem during summer season that adversely affects dairy animal health and performance. Fly attack may compromise animal welfare and cause monetary losses due to distress suffered by the animals, feeding disruptions and decreased milk production. Conventional insecticides are used for flies control, but safety alarms and buildup of insecticide resistance indicate the need for alternative control strategies. Thus, to deal with the issue of insecticide resistance many plant extracts and oils are being exploited which composed of bioactive compound that can exert different modes of action, averting resistance and these are Allium, Azadirachta, Cymbopogon, Eucalyptus, Pogostemon, Mentha, Ricinus. Use of non-host semiochemicals and kairomones baited on the traps are the other control methods that are also effective against the various fly species. Therefore, with the appropriate use of botanical extracts, oils, non-host semiochemicals and kairomones problem of various fly species can be controlled significantly without affecting overall welfare of dairy animals.

Commentary: Data Analysis in Bionanoscience—Issues to Watch for

Nanobiotechnology is receiving extensive research attention worldwide, with special reference to the so-called “green synthesis” of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, which relies on the use of botanical extracts, invertebrate byproducts (e.g., chitosan) and microbial-borne metabolites to fabricate novel and highly effective pesticides and drugs. However, personal experience reveals that proper analysis of biological data presented in studies of biological activities of nanoparticle or nanocomposite materials is often lacking. This oversight can lead to high rejection rates during the peer-review process. In this Commentary, a short protocol about statistical analysis required for proper presentation and discussion of biological data in the field of bionanoscience is presented.

Feeding preference of Plutella xylostella for leaves treated with plant extracts

Plutella xylostella L. is one of the main agents to cause damages to plants of Brassica genus, provoking negative impacts in cultures. The use of botanical extracts in plants protection has been related in literature, however, their use in the species analyzed in this study is not yet reported. We assessed the effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of the species: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Pink Pepper), Annona coriacea Mart. (Araticum), Duguetia furfuracea (A. St.-Hil.) Benth. & Hook. (Pindaúva do campo) and Trichilia silvatica C. DC. (Catiguá-branco), occuring in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and whose feeding preference of P. xylostella larvae of 3rd instar. We intend to answer the following questions: (1) Are the plant species analyzed fagodeterrentes? (2) what type of extract produces the least food preferrence? To answer these questions, we treated cabbage disks with aqueous extracts stored in a refrigerator in periods of 0, 7, 14 and 21 days and the methanolic extracts were treated at concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0mg/mL. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of T. silvatica presented the lowest values of feeding preference, 0.113 and 0.06, respectively, compared to other extracts.

Antifungal effects of selected botanicals on fungal pathogens of watermelon fruit

This study investigates the use of botanical extracts (Piper guineense, Xylopia aethiopica and Bambusa vulgaris at 5, 10 and 15% concentration levels) for controlling deteriorating fungal pathogens in vitro. Identification of the fungal pathogens after pathogenicity test reaffirm isolates identity as Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium verticillioides and Botryodiplodia theobromae. All the fungal pathogens induced rot in the watermelon fruit. The botanical extracts were best effective at high concentration levels (10 and 15%), though varied in their inhibitory activity. P. guineense and X. aethiopica were observed to be more effective than B. vulgaris. This study showed the efficacy of the botanical extracts on deteriorating fungal pathogens of watermelon fruit. Thus, the botanical extracts can be employed as antideteriorating biological-based fungicides for watermelon fruits.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica linn.) and Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.Moench): their Potential Utilization in Phytotherapy

The use of botanical extracts and essential oil in skin care has been increasing due to greater demand on the part of consumers to use natural ingredients. Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum really have big potentials for reaching the public and showcasing its benefits , thus this study could encourage growers to raise more Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum in their areas not only as food but as a raw material in the production of natural products which are for health and wellness. Both Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum possess skin healing effect which may be attributed to their biologically active components. Tamarind possess to have bioflavonoids and alkaloids which occur in its leaves, pulp and bark. The bark contains tannin which are recommended for treatments of inflammation, ulceration and skin disease. Tamarind has Tartaric acid that makes it possible for tamarind to works wonders on oily skin with pimples and on sun-damaged. Sweet Sorghum on the other hand contains emulsion, a substance that can give a moisturizing effect on the skin. the majestic phytochemistry of Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum encouraged the researcher to produce and test the acceptability, efficacy and safety of different skin care products that are commonly needed by the community. The Tamarind Leaves soap was proven to be highly acceptable in terms of its color, odor, texture, hardness and overall appearance. Both the Tamarind soap and the Sweet Sorghum soap were safe and free from insoluble soap and fatty acid soap. The percent reduction of acne in using Tamarind soap, Sweet Sorghum and Commercial soap have similar effect on the tenth and twelve days of use. The initial means of the treatments ranges from 10.00 pustule to 2.00 pustule. After 12 days of treatment the mean decrease is zero or equivalent to 100% decrease in the number of acne. The result of this study maybe explained with the result on antibacterial property test ( against Staphylococcus A.) of Tamarind soap and Sweet Sorghum Soap. Tamarind soap with 8% extract was found to be most effective in reduction of pimples. The Tamarind shower gel and Sweet Sorghum shower gels were effective against Staphylococcus Aurous. Tamarind Bark Ointment was an effective anti – inflammatory agent particularly on swelling and redness as well as for wound healing. Tamarind scrub salt, shower gel and liniment were also highly acceptable and found to be safe and effective. Result on the acceptability of Sweet Sorghum natural products are comparable to the acceptability of Tamarind natural products. The development of technology for the Production of Natural Products from Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum is timely, considering the growing consciousness of consumers on safe, organic and healthy natural products. Likewise, this product diversification scheme can promote multi-uses and competitive of the Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum.

Short Review: Green Trends in Insect Control Edited by O Lopez and J. G. Fernandez- Bolanos

This book forming the 11th part of the RSC Green Chemistry Series discusses the present approaches for insect pest control as green alternatives to the classical and generally more toxic agrochemicals. The first chapter contains the fundamentals of entomology, especially of the insects (mosquitoes, biting midges, flies, fleas and lice) causing diseases (malaria, typhus, lymphatic filariasis, dengue, hemorrhagic fevers and certain encephalitis) by microbial pathogens. The discussion of the mode of action of insecticides allows for the design of up-to-date and more efficient compounds. The second chapter gives a historical account of the classical insecticides that are mostly non-green and should be replaced. The three major groups, organochlorine, organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides are reviewed critically in the light of the recommendations and restrictions of the European Union Committees and the World Health Organization. The next two chapters are devoted to the discussion of the more developed insecticides, such as pyrethroids and neonicotinoids that are much greener than the above shown classical agents due to their low mammalian toxicity. The advantages of these up-to-date insecticides place them as promising pesticides of the future for domestic use or in the agriculture. Up-to-date information is released on the mode of action of insecticides, and the toxicity and environmental impacts are also discussed for all kinds of insecticides included in this book. Chapters 5 and 6 describe the recent developments at Dow Agro-Chemicals. The first group embraces spinosyns, macrocyclic lactones that were discovered ca. 25 years ago. The agents belonging to this group are green, on the one hand, in terms of the production process (fermentation and semi-synthesis), and on the other hand, in terms of environmental behaviour. The other group includes bisacylhydrazines belonging to the non-steroidal family of insect growth regulators that are again up-to-date insecticides. The use of botanical extracts as insecticides is discussed in the next chapter. Their market is rather limited (~1%), but their importance is significant. Chapter 8 gives an overview on the production of insecticides from microbial sources (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.), and the utilization of genetically-modified organisms is also discussed. Finally, the principles of the Integrated Pest Management programmes are summarized, according to which the use of synthetic pesticides must be reduced, while the pest populations should be maintained at an acceptable level. An important issue is the intensification of crops meaning the appropriate selection of plant species utilizing bioengineered crops. The recent advances in insecticide control are well summarized and are of interest for agrochemists, biochemists, chemists, chemical engineers, biologists and toxicologists. The book may also be useful in academia to utilize its up-to-date knowledge in the training of students.