Use Of Chemical Pesticides Research Articles

NanoBioProtectors: Role of plant derived magnetic nanoparticles as a potent biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum ciceris

In the current scenario, where demand for food production is constantly increasing with the rise in population, the threat of plant pathogens has also increased. The destruction of crops due to diseases caused by plant pathogens has become difficult to control with conventional physical and chemical methods. Traditional agriculture often depends on use of chemical pesticides, which have had negative impacts on both living organisms and ecosystems. As a fundamental principle of sustainable agriculture, it is important to limit the use of chemical pesticides in order to safeguard the environment and preserve diverse species. Additionally, sustainable agriculture should operate as a low input system, characterised by reduced production costs and increased net returns. Here, nanotechnology stands as a new weapon against rising challenges in agriculture. Nanotechnology may greatly improve the effectiveness of agricultural inputs, making it a valuable tool for promoting sustainable growth in agroecosystems via the use of nanoparticles. Using magnetic nanoparticles for controlling plant pathogenic fungi can be developed as a potent method for disease management in plants. In the present study, the effect of plant (Carica papaya) -based Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles was synthesized and studied against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris, a chickpea pathogen. The antifungal effect of these nanoparticles and their minimum inhibitory concentration were studied using a soft agar assay and broth assay. Plant-synthesized nanoparticles were able to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris by up to 87 %. It’s in vivo effect was checked with pot trials on chickpeas. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles have shown adequate inhibition of fungus both in vitro and in vivo.

Is the Biopesticide from Tea Tree Oil an Effective and Low-Risk Alternative to Chemical Pesticides? A Critical Review.

The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture contributes to soil, water and air pollution, biodiversity loss, and injury to non-target species. The European Commission has already established a Harmonized Risk Indicator to quantify the progress in reducing the risks linked to pesticides. Therefore, there is an increasing need to promote biopesticides, or so-called low-risk pesticides (LRP). Tea tree oil (TTO) is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. TTO has been extensively studied in pest management as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry; there are already products based on its active substances on the market. This review focuses on the overall evaluation of TTO in terms of effectiveness and safety as a biopesticide for the first time. The collected data can be an added value for further evaluation of TTO in terms of the authorization extension as a fungicide in 2026.

Disease suppression efficacy of Dysoxylum terpenoids against the bacterial sheath light pathogen, Xanthomonasoryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) on susceptible rice (Oryza sativa L) through induced resistance through biocatalysis

The severe disease Xanthomonasoryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes in rice plants is known as rice bacterial blight.As a result of the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, bio elicitors derived from plant sources may be sought after as superior and safer substitutes. Thus, the objective of the current study was to assess the potential of terpenes from Dysoxylummalabaricum (D. Meliaceae) leaf to promote plant defence and provide protection from Xoo. It was observed that D. malabaricum leaves contained eight major terpene compounds (DMT). The application of DMT induced defence enzyme synthesis (peroxidase, PO - polyphenol oxidase, PPO) and accumulation till 120 h post treatment and their levels increased further post infection of Xoo. Direct suppression of Xoo growth in-vitro evidently decreased disease incidence and severity offering effective disease control, consequently enhancing plant growth parameters and biomass. Overall, our study suggests that D. malabaricum terpenes have a significant role in preventing the growth of Xoo in rice plants, providing long-term plant protection.

Biocontrol potential of endophytic fungi against phytopathogenic nematodes on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are a vital pest that causes significant yield losses and economic damage to potato plants. The use of chemical pesticides to control these nematodes has led to environmental concerns and the development of resistance in the nematode populations. Endophytic fungi offer an eco-friendly alternative to control these pests and produce secondary metabolites that have nematicidal activity against RKNs. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of Aspergillus flavus (ON146363), an entophyte fungus isolated from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds, against Meloidogyne incognita in filtered culture broth using GC–MS analysis. Among them, various nematicidal secondary metabolites were produced: Gadoleic acid, Oleic acid di-ethanolamide, Oleic acid, and Palmitic acid. In addition, biochemical compounds such as Gallic acid, Catechin, Protocatechuic acid, Esculatin, Vanillic acid, Pyrocatechol, Coumarine, Cinnamic acid, 4, 3-indol butyl acetic acid and Naphthyl acetic acid by HPLC. The fungus was identified through morphological and molecular analysis, including ITS 1–4 regions of ribosomal DNA. In vitro experiments showed that culture filtrate of A. flavus had a variable effect on reducing the number of egg hatchings and larval mortality, with higher concentrations showing greater efficacy than Abamectin. The fungus inhibited the development and multiplication of M. incognita in potato plants, reducing the number of galls and eggs by 90% and 89%, respectively. A. flavus increased the activity of defense-related enzymes Chitinas, Catalyse, and Peroxidase after 15, 45, and 60 days. Leaching of the concentrated culture significantly reduced the second juveniles’ stage to 97% /250 g soil and decreased the penetration of nematodes into the roots. A. flavus cultural filtrates via soil spraying improved seedling growth and reduced nematode propagation, resulting in systemic resistance to nematode infection. Therefore, A. flavus can be an effective biological control agent for root-knot nematodes in potato plants. This approach provides a sustainable solution for farmers and minimizes the environmental impact.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Kulit Bawang Merah Menjadi Pestisida Alami Sebagai Substitusi Pestisida Kimia Di Desa Mungkung, Nganjuk

In Mungkung Village, Rejoso District, Nganjuk Regency, KKNT students at the East Java "Veteran" National Development University conducted research to use onion skin waste as raw material for making natural pesticides. The main goal is to reduce people's dependence on chemical pesticides which have negative impacts on health and the environment. The research process was carried out through observation, socialization and demonstration. The results of the activity show that natural pesticides from onion skin waste are effective in controlling plant pests and are safe for the environment because they do not leave dangerous residues. The success of this outreach and demonstration increased public awareness of the importance of using agricultural waste wisely. This activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in responsible consumption and production as well as protecting life on land, by reducing the use of chemical pesticides and utilizing organic waste. It is hoped that this waste management model can be widely adopted for more environmentally friendly and efficient agriculture.

Empowering Communities with Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Agriculture

Background: The aim of this community development initiative, centered around community engagement, is to address the pressing issue of declining agricultural productivity due to pest infestations in the Asahan Regency, a developing area. Through educational and training programs, the initiative seeks to advocate for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and safe pesticide usage among farmers, while also addressing the environmental impacts of chemical pesticide use. Contribution: The primary focus is to gauge the impact of these initiatives in fostering sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices in Asahan Regency, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the farming community. Method: A total of 50 farmers actively participated in these programs, all of whom derived substantial benefits that directly contributed to the improvement of their livelihoods. Results: The implementation of IPM with a community development approach has the potential to significantly enhance paddy rice productivity while promoting sustainable agriculture Conclusion: By involving the local community, improving pest control methods, reducing environmental impact, and fostering knowledge sharing, this approach can lead to positive outcomes for both farmers and the environment

Food Sovereignty in Nepal : A Current Appraisal

Food sovereignty issue is integrated with agro ecology, climate and environmental justice, right of food workers, agrarian reform and justice to women and peasants. Despite of the promises of food security by the use of new practices and technologies global hunger has significantly increased. Industrial food production and indiscriminant use of chemical fertilizers pesticides have caused air, water and soil pollution and consequently environment and human health has been seriously impaired. Nepal being a developing economy could hardly endow all her possible resources just to address food security issue, hence the food sovereignty issue remained veiled till 2075B.S. Present study aims to enquire the working status of food sovereignty principal on real grounds in the country. The study is based on secondary data and is quantitative in nature. As pre design it is descriptive and prescriptive both. The study examines efficacy of food sovereignty principal on six pillar of it which are: focus on food for people; Value food providers; localize food system; puts control locally; builds knowledge and skills and work with nature. Examining through facts and figures, it is found that there is food crisis in the country with its quantity and nutritive value. The extended net works of cooperative throughout the country may play significant role in activating food sovereignty principals. Existences of middle man, poorer financial assistance, poorer insurance coverage, limitation of minimum price support policy to fewer crops are some of the major problems. In addition land fragmentation, diminishing wet and dry land area are additional bottlenecks. Indiscriminant use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides pose a crucial problem to practice organic farming. Activities as river bed farming, tharu alu cultivation, Jhol mal preparation, kitchen gardening, community seed bank and use of local biochar are working well with positive outcomes to support food sovereignty efforts.

A Review on Environmental Impacts and Risks of Beneficial Microorganisms

The diverse realm of microorganisms, including bacteria, Achaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Microbes are present in various environments, such as Arctic regions and thermal vents, where they participate in vital functions like nutrient cycling, soil formation, pollutant decomposition, and symbiotic interactions with plants. Their positive effects on soil quality, plant development, and animal well-being are a result of their metabolic processes, relationships with other organisms, and utilization in different applications. While beneficial microorganisms present opportunities for improving agriculture, bioremediation, genetic modification, and sustainable biotechnology practices, safety concerns must be addressed. In agriculture, beneficial microorganisms are employed as biopesticides to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, although potential impacts on non-target species need to be considered. Bioremediation, an environmentally friendly method that uses living organisms to break down pollutants, offers benefits with minimal harm to the environment. Nonetheless, challenges such as effectiveness in extreme conditions and the risk of incomplete degradation or unintended ecological disturbances remain significant. Wastewater treatment harnesses beneficial microorganisms to degrade pollutants, leading to reduced chemical usage and the promotion of energy-efficient processes like anaerobic digestion. Yet, issues related to antibiotic resistance development and incomplete remediation are raised. Genetic engineering presents environmental advantages through genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs), assisting in bioremediation, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and bioenergy generation. However, concerns arise regarding potential ecological disruptions caused by altered microbial populations and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Addressing environmental and safety risks associated with beneficial microorganisms necessitates comprehensive approaches, including thorough risk evaluations, implementation of containment strategies, assurance of ecological harmony, and contemplation of ethical and social consequences. This study aimed to investigate the environmental impacts and safety considerations involved in the application of beneficial microorganisms.

Designing of an Innovative Multiplex Model to Control Insects/Pests (Whitefly) in Okra Crop Fields and Assessment for its Efficacy in Control Viral Diseases

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) destroys a great proportion of crops in India. Whitefly is the carrier of begomovirus which causes okra yellow vein mosaic viral disease. Preventing the pest infestation without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is the need of the hour. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involves strategies that maintain pest population below Economic Injury Level (EIL). In the present study a multiplex insect catching trap was constructed with the aim of controlling pest infestation in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. The multiplex trap was prepared using yellow sticky papers and Methyl Eugenol pheromone as an insect/pest attractant. The traps were placed in field and thereafter plants were tested for the presence of viral DNA using PCR. The fields in which traps were placed showed negligible or few instances of viral infection while the fields in which no traps were placed showed considerable virus infection. Additionally, the fields with the trap showed a higher yield percentage of crop compared to the field with no trap.

The Increase of Insect Pest Population in Paddy Field Managed with an Ecological Approach using Refugia Plants and Biopesticides

Insect pests can damage plants and act as vectors of diseases such as brown planthoppers which can transmit dwarf virus disease. The presence of insect pests is influenced by the type of variety, planting patterns, and excessive use of chemical pesticides so that insect pests increase and are difficult to control. This research wanted to provide insights into the effectiveness of combining insectary plants and biopesticides as ecological strategies to manage paddy (Oryza sativa Linnaeus) insect pests. The study was conducted in February-April 2024 in Sukodadi Village, Sukodadi District, Lamongan Regency. Method of study was conducted using a combination of direct observation, insect traps, and quantitative analysis to evaluate the impact of refugia plants and biopesticides on insect pest populations in paddy fields. The analysis includes the species diversity index (Shannon-Winner), species evenness index, species richness index (Margalef), dominance index (Simpson) and similarity index (Bray-Curtis). The study obtained 2,687 individual insect pests in paddy fields with refugia and fobio and 1,761 individuals in paddy fields without refugia and fobio. Insect pests were more abundant in paddy fields with refugia and fobio compared to fields without refugia and fobio. Refugia provides alternative habitats and additional resources for insect pests, and the use of biopesticides can create temporary ecosystem imbalances, and increase the population of insect pest.

Multidimensional performance of agroecology in mixed and agropastoral farming systems of Ethiopia: empirical evidence based on the tool for agroecological performance evaluation (TAPE)

ABSTRACT This study presents the results of agroecological performance evaluation in Ethiopia. The study utilized the TAPE methodology on a relatively large number of farms (619). The results showed that transition to agroecology had a positive effect on tenure security, agricultural output, gross revenue, and diversity of Income-Generating Activities. More advanced agroecological farms were found to have better soil health and agrobiodiversity, and reduced use of chemical pesticides. They were also associated with better dietary diversity; more empowered youth and women; and created on-farm employment opportunities. These results call for support and public investments on agroecological transition in the country.

Impact of IPM training on pest management practices in major vegetables in Palpa, Nepal

A study assessed the impact of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training on pest management practices in major vegetable crops in Palpa district. A total of 138 respondents were selected through purposive random sampling from Tansen municipality and the rural municipalities of Bagnaskali and Ribdikot. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews on prevailing IPM practices, pesticide handling, and challenges in IPM adoption. The analysis, employing descriptive and inferential statistics including chi-square tests, revealed that most trained respondents were from Tansen municipality, with more females than males receiving training. Although respondents preferred botanical methods, they predominantly used chemical pesticides due to availability, lack of biopesticides, high costs of IPM, social constraints, and the absence of block farming. Agro-vet stores were the main information source on pesticides. The level of pest control influenced chemical pesticide purchases, with low awareness of pest resistance. Both trained and non-trained respondents sprayed pesticides during pest outbreaks, with few reporting symptoms from exposure. Trained respondents exhibited greater awareness of the impacts of chemical pesticides on beneficial insects and soil health, the importance of waiting periods, safe pesticide disposal, and safety precautions. Significant associations were found between IPM training and chemical pesticide use, awareness of their impacts on beneficial insects, pesticide disposal methods, waiting periods, safety precautions, and perceptions of soil impact. The study highlighted the critical role of training in enhancing pest management practices and awareness of the adverse effects of chemical pesticides, underscoring the need for increased availability of biopesticides and support for IPM adoption.

Theoretical and practical propositions for more sustainable livestock production

A brief review is made of theoretical and practical propositions for more sustainable livestock production (meat and milk). An Organic Livestock Conversion Index (OLCI) was developed to evaluate the level of approximation of Livestock Production Units (LPU) to the organic model. Organic practices such as crop rotation, use of cover crops, mechanical and manual weed control, and recycling of manure reduce soil erosion and pest problems and generally allow for avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which - along with the substitution of nitrogen fertilizer with legumes and/or manure – reduces energy use in organic systems. Furthermore, practices by LPU contribute to sustainable livestock production by means of minimal use of chemical fertilizers in pastures; adding nutrients to the soil solely by cattle depositing manure during grazing, manual weed control, use of silvopastoral systems, and energy efficiency by the farmers. The approximation of the LPU to organic production, the use of organic practices, Silvopastoral Systems and more energy efficiency demonstrate the potential of organic livestock farms for contributing to more sustainable production as compared to conventional livestock production.

Dual-loaded nano pesticide system based on industrial grade scaleable carrier materials with combinatory efficacy and improved safety

Repeated and widespread use of single chemical pesticides raises concerns about efficiency and safety, developing multi-component synergistic pesticides provides a new route for efficient control of diseases. Most commercial compound formulations are open systems with non-adjustable released rates, resulting in a high frequency of applications. Meanwhile, although nano pesticide delivery systems constructed with different carrier materials have been extensively studied, realizing their actual scale-up production still has important practical significance due to the large-scale field application. In this study, a boscalid and pyraclostrobin dual-loaded nano pesticide system (BPDN) was constructed with industrial-grade carrier materials to facilitate the realization of large-scale production. The optimal industrial-scale preparation mechanism of BPDN was studied with surfactants as key factors. When agricultural emulsifier No.600 and polycarboxylate are used as the ratio of 1:2 in the preparation process, the BPDN has a spherical structure with an average size of 270 nm and exhibits superior physical stability. Compared with commercial formulation, BPDN maintains rate-stabilized release up to 5 times longer, exhibits better dispersion and spreading performance on foliar, has more than 20% higher deposition amounts, and reduces loss. A single application of BPDN could efficiently control tomato gray mold during the growing period of tomatoes due to extended duration and combinatory effectiveness, reducing two application times and labor costs. Toxicology tests on various objects systematically demonstrated that BPDN has improved safety for HepG2 cells, and nontarget organism earthworms. This research provides insight into creating safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly pesticide production to reduce manual operation times and labor costs. Accompanied by production strategies that can be easily scaled up industrially, this contributes to the efficient use of resources for sustainable agriculture.

Entomofauna presente en refugios vegetales en un campo de vid var. Crimson Seedless en Ica-Perú

The use of chemical pesticides to control pests also affects beneficial insects, so it is necessary to implement mechanisms that allow them to be protected and promote their development. In the present investigation, three plant shelters were installed to identify their entomofauna and determine the plant species with the potential to host biological controllers of grapevine pests. The study was carried out in the 2020-21 growing season, with seven plant species to make up three plant shelters (A, B, and C) that were installed on the edges of a vineyard of the Crimson Seedless variety in Ica, Peru. In total, 1,209 insects were reported, in six orders, nine families, and sixteen species; the most abundant were pollinators, followed by phytophagous, predators, and some parasitoids. There were no statistical differences between the shelters in terms of the abundance of parasitoids and pollinators, but there were in predators and phytophagous specifically between shelters A and B with C. Shelters A and B, which included the fennel Foeniculum vulgare Mill., stood out for having a larger population of predators, including Chrysoperla externa (Hagen), the main controller of the “vine mealybug” (Planococcus spp.). The importance of plant shelters was demonstrated and their implementation in vineyards is recommended to promote biological control and contribute to integrated pest management in this crop. Keywords: biodiversity, natural enemies, conservation biological control.

Nanobiosensors based on on-site detection approaches for rapid pesticide sensing in the agricultural arena: A systematic review of the current status and perspectives.

The extensive use of chemical pesticides has significantly boosted agricultural food crop yields. Nevertheless, their excessive and unregulated application has resulted in food contamination and pollution in environmental, aquatic, and agricultural ecosystems. Consequently, the on-site monitoring of pesticide residues in agricultural practices is paramount to safeguard global food and conservational safety. Traditional pesticide detection methods are cumbersome and ill-suited for on-site pesticide finding. The systematic review provides an in-depth analysis of the current status and perspectives of nanobiosensors (NBS) for pesticide detection in the agricultural arena. Furthermore, the study encompasses the fundamental principles of NBS, the various transduction mechanisms employed, and their incorporation into on-site detection platforms. Conversely, the assortment of transduction mechanisms, including optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric tactics, is deliberated in detail, emphasizing its advantages and limitations in pesticide perception. Incorporating NBS into on-site detection platforms confirms a vital feature of their pertinence. The evaluation reflects the integration of NBS into lab-on-a-chip systems, handheld devices, and wireless sensor networks, permitting real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making in agronomic settings. The potential for robotics and automation in pesticide detection is also scrutinized, highlighting their role in improving competence and accuracy. Finally, this systematic review provides a complete understanding of the current landscape of NBS for on-site pesticide sensing. Consequently, we anticipate that this review offers valuable insights that could form the foundation for creating innovative NBS applicable in various fields such as materials science, nanoscience, food technology and environmental science.

Bioprospecting endophytic fungi for bioactive metabolites with seed germination promoting potentials

There is an urgent need for new bioactive molecules with unique mechanisms of action and chemistry to address the issue of incorrect use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which hurts both the environment and the health of humans. In light of this, research was done for this work to isolate, identify, and evaluate the germination-promoting potential of various plant species’ fungal endophytes. Zea mays L. (maize) seed germination was examined using spore suspension of 75 different endophytic strains that were identified. Three promising strains were identified through screening to possess the ability mentioned above. These strains Alternaria alternate, Aspergilus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus were isolated from the stem of Tecoma stans, Delonix regia, and Ricinus communis, respectively. The ability of the three endophytic fungal strains to produce siderophore and indole acetic acid (IAA) was also examined. Compared to both Aspergillus flavus as well as Aspergillus terreus, Alternaria alternata recorded the greatest rates of IAA, according to the data that was gathered. On CAS agar versus blue media, all three strains failed to produce siderophores. Moreover, the antioxidant and antifungal potentials of extracts from these fungi were tested against different plant pathogens. The obtained results indicated the antioxidant and antifungal activities of the three fungal strains. GC-Mass studies were carried out to determine the principal components in extracts of all three strains of fungi. The three strains’ fungus extracts included both well-known and previously unidentified bioactive compounds. These results may aid in the development of novel plant growth promoters by suggesting three different fungal strains as sources of compounds that may improve seed germination. According to the study that has been given, as unexplored sources of bioactive compounds, fungal endophytes have great potential.

Small-scale market gardeners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of chemical pesticides in the Kabare territory (South-Kivu) in Eastern D.R. Congo

Damage caused by pests and diseases is one of constraints on crop production for food security. Based on the use of questionnaire and interviews that were conducted in Kabare territory (South-Kivu), this study was carried out to (i) assess farmers practices, attitudes, and knowledge about pesticides use, and (ii) assess the human health and physical environment effects using pesticides. Data was collected from 300 small-scale farmers in study area. Results showed that majority of our respondents were men (59 %) rather than women (41 %) and local knowledge of pesticide use was low (60 %). Education level had a significant influence (p < 0.01) on level of knowledge about pesticide use, time and dose of treatment, method of control, and persistence time. In addition, education level influence significantly farmers' attitudes before and after pesticide treatment (p < 0.05). Pest management control, time of pesticide application, and packaging management method varied significantly with level of local knowledge (p < 0.01). Pesticides use by small-scale farmers has an effect on water, soil, and air quality. It also causes human pathologies such as vomiting, eye irritation, and even loss of life in event of heavy exposure. Inhalation and dermal exposure are main and most dangerous routes of pesticide exposure in our study area, which lacks protective strategies. Finally, use of pesticides disrupts biodiversity through the disappearance of pollinators, predators, parasitoids, and soil microorganisms. Therefore, broad continuity of this study with integration of other scientific aspects would effectively contribute to the improvement of environmental quality.

Discovery of novel piperidine-containing thymol derivatives as potent antifungal agents for crop protection.

Plant fungal diseases pose a significant threat to crop production. The extensive use of chemical pesticides has led to growing environmental safety risks and pesticide resistance of various plant pathogens. Therefore, it is an urgent task to explore novel eco-friendly fungicidal agents with high efficacy to combat fungal infection. In this study, we rationally designed a series of novel thymol derivatives by incorporation of the sulfonamide moiety and evaluated their biological activities against plant pathogenic fungi. The bioassay results underscored the remarkable in vitro antifungal activity of compounds 5m and 5t against Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici), with EC50 values of 8.420 and 8.414 μg/mL, respectively. Their efficacies were superior to that of widely used commercial fungicides azoxystrobin (AZO, 20.649 μg/mL) and cabendazim (CAB, 251.625 μg/mL). Furthermore, compound 5v exhibited excellent in vitro antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum), with an EC50 value of 12.829 μg/mL, significantly outperforming AZO (63.629 μg/mL). In vivo bioassays demonstrated the impactful activity of compound 5v against S. sclerotiorum, achieving over 98% curative and protective efficacies at the concentration of 200 μg/mL. Further mechanistic investigations unveiled that compound 5v induced mycelial shrinkage and collapse in S. sclerotiorum, resulting in organelle damage and the accumulation of antioxidant enzyme activity. The significant antifungal efficacy of the prepared thymol derivatives shall encourage further exploration of compound 5v as a promising candidate to develop novel fungicides for crop protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microbial pesticides – challenges and future perspectives for testing and safety assessment with respect to human health

Plant protection measures are necessary to prevent pests and diseases from attacking and destroying crop plants and to meet consumer demands for agricultural produce. In the last decades the use of chemical pesticides has largely increased. Farmers are looking for alternatives. Biopesticides should be considered a sustainable solution. They may be less toxic than chemical pesticides, be very specific to the target pest, decompose quickly, and be less likely to cause resistance. On the other hand, lower efficacy and higher costs are two disadvantages of many biopesticides. Biopesticides include macroorganisms, natural compounds and microorganisms. Microbial pesticides are the most widely used and studied class of biopesticides. The greatest difference between microbial and chemical pesticides is the ability of the former to potentially multiply in the environment and on the crop plant after application. The data requirements for the European Union and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are highlighted, as these regulatory processes are the most followed in regions where local regulations for biopesticide products are not available or vague. New Approach Methods already proposed or harmonized for chemical pesticides are presented and discussed with respect to their use in evaluating microbial pesticide formulations. Evaluating the microbials themselves is not as simple as using the same validated New Approach Methods as for synthetic pesticides. Therefore, the authors suggest considering New Approach Method strategies specifically for microbials and global harmonization with acceptability with the advancements of such approaches. Further discussion is needed and greatly appreciated by the experts.