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Special Issue "Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products"

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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Protection, Diseases, Pest and Weeds".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2023 | Viewed by 5933

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Khalid Haddi

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, MG, Brazil
Interests: ecotoxicology; insect molecular biology; insecticides resistance; botanicals; IPM

Prof. Dr. Geraldo Andrade Carvalho

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Guest Editor

Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, MG, Brazil
Interests: selectivity; IPM; biological control; natural insecticides

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The indiscriminate use of synthetic chemical pesticides is frequently associated with environmental and toxicological problems, resulting in an increased interest and enormous research efforts focused on new environmentally benign solutions. In this context, botanicals and plant-derived pesticides, such as essential oils, have been advocated for as sustainable alternatives in pest management strategies. Such perceived advantages are attributed to their low environmental and mammalian risk, higher specificity and safety to non-target organisms and lower risk of resistance development. However, despite their proven biological activities and the overwhelming research efforts, the large-scale commercialization and use of plant-based pesticides is still lacking. Besides raw material availability, price and legislation barriers, rapid degradation under field conditions and the need for frequent reapplications are often cited as the major limitations to the field performance of botanical insecticides in terms of both efficacy and persistence.

This Special Issue aims to present recent advances in research on botanical pesticides, including the identification and chemical characterization of pesticidal plants and their active molecules, evaluation of their bioactivities against pests and disease vectors, selectivity to non-target organisms, molecular and physiological mechanisms of action as well as nanotechnology-based new solutions for botanicals’ application in integrated pest management.

Prof. Dr. Khalid Haddi
Prof. Dr. Geraldo Andrade Carvalho
Guest Editors

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Keywords

botanical pesticides
essential oils
plant extracts
integrated pest management
bioactivity
lethal and sublethal effects
selectivity
molecular mechanism of action
nano-biopesticides

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical and Physiological Responses of Cucumis sativus L. to Application of Potential Bioinsecticides—Aqueous Carum carvi L. Seed Distillation By-Product Based Extracts

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Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051019 - 07 May 2023

Viewed by 499

Abstract

The extensive application of synthetic insecticides and herbicides over the past 50 years has led to a number of problems, including negative effects on non-target organisms and the evolution of pesticide-resistant pests. As an alternative means of pest control, plant-based biopesticides have emerged. While developing a new bioinsecticide, allelopathy on both target pests and target crops must be evaluated. We evaluated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total phenolic content (TPC), total sugars and antiradical activity (ARA), as well as 18 photosynthetic apparatus characterizing functional parameters as stress signaling response to aqueous caraway seed distillation by-product-based extracts. VOCs were detected by headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). The caraway extract application decreased “green leaf volatile” C4, C5 and C6 alcohol content in the cucumber leaves. Total phenolic content (TPC), total sugars and antiradical activity (ARA) using high-throughput 96-well plate spectrophotometric methods were tested in dried leaves. No significant changes in these parameters were detected in cucumber leaves after the application of extracts. The caraway extract application did not cause changes in the functioning of the photosynthesis apparatus. Aqueous caraway seed distillation by-product-based extracts can be considered non-phytotoxic to cucumber plants; however, they modify the VOC emissions even ten days after treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products)

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Open AccessArticle

Survival and Demography of the Tomato Borer (Tuta absoluta) Exposed to Citrus Essential Oils and Major Compounds †

Gabriel Tadeu de Paiva Silva

Karolina Gomes Figueiredo

Dejane Santos Alves

Denilson Ferreira de Oliveira

Geraldo Humberto Silva

Gabriela Trindade de Souza e Silva

Murilo Silva de Oliveira

Antonio Biondi

and

Geraldo Andrade Carvalho

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030538 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 754

Abstract

Tuta absoluta is a pest of importance: quick to disperse and difficult to control due to the cases of resistance to insecticide active ingredients. Thus, studies using essential oils (EOs) to search for new molecules should be intensified. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity of EOs from Citrus aurantifolia (lime), Citrus aurantium (petitgrain) and Citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) and its major compounds against T. absoluta in a topical application test. Additionally, the demographic parameters of T. absoluta were studied after the topical application of EOs. The median lethal time (LT₅₀) of the population was 12h for the three EOs tested. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was 33.75, 38.78 and 35.05 µg µL⁻¹ for C. aurantifolia, C. aurantium and C. aurantium bergamia, respectively. As found using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) quantification, 44.74% of the EO of C. aurantifolia is α-terpineol, while 55.45% and 58.12% of the EO of C. aurantium and C. aurantium bergamia, respectively, is linalyl acetate. The toxicity of the major compounds was tested at concentrations equivalent to the LC₅₀ of the EOs, that is, 16.2 µg µL⁻¹ for α-terpineol, and 25.8 µg µL⁻¹ for linalyl acetate, using topical application. Both of the major compounds showed less toxicity than the EOs. In the sublethal effects tests, all the EOs negatively affected the demographic parameters of T. absoluta, with a decrease in the duration of larval instars, duration of the pupal period, fecundity, oviposition and viability of the eggs, implying a reduction in the population growth parameters of this pest. The EOs of lime, petitgrain and bergamot are toxic to T. absoluta, and low concentrations cause deleterious effects on the reproductive and population parameters of T. absoluta. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products)

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Open AccessArticle

Duguetia lanceolata A. St.-Hil. (Annonaceae) Essential Oil: Toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Selectivity for the Parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Mayara Ketllyn de Paula Rosetti

Dejane Santos Alves

Isabela Caroline Luft

Katiane Pompermayer

Andressa Soares Scolari

Gabriela Trindade de Souza e Silva

Murilo Silva de Oliveira

Javier Andrés García Vanegas

Horácio Bambo Pacule

Geraldo Humberto Silva

Denilson Ferreira de Oliveira

and

Geraldo Andrade Carvalho

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020488 - 18 Feb 2023

Viewed by 754

Abstract

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous pest that is difficult to control due to populations resistant to various active ingredients. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils (EOs) from the organs of Annona neolaurifolia, Duguetia lanceolata, and Xylopia brasiliensis, against the FAW and its natural enemy, Trichogramma pretiosum. The most active EOs were those from the leaves and stem bark of D. lanceolata, which presented LD₉₀ to S. frugiperda equal to 70.76 and 127.14 µg of EO/larvae, respectively. The major compounds in the EO of D. lanceolata (leaves) were β-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide. Although individually inactive against the FAW, when combined, those compounds reduced the insect’s probability of survival. However, the mortality was lower than that caused by EO. This result suggests that other components of EO contribute to the activity against FAW. Furthermore, the EO of the leaves from D. lanceolata presented low toxicity to the egg-larva stage of T. pretiosum, but was toxic to other phases. Thus, EO from D. lanceolata is potentially useful for developing new products to control S. frugiperda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products)

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Open AccessArticle

Growth Inhibitory Activities and Feeding Deterrence of Solanaceae-Based Derivatives on Fall Armyworm

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Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020420 - 10 Feb 2023

Viewed by 606

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda is a pest of worldwide importance, responsible for significant economic losses, mainly in maize crops. The use of botanical derivatives emerges as a promising alternative to control this insect pest. In this work, we evaluated the effect of ethanolic extracts (EE) and semi-purified fractions of Acnistus arborescens and Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) on the biological development of S. frugiperda and the effects of the semi-purified fractions on feeding behavior of 4th instar caterpillars. Crude extracts and fractions caused lethal and sublethal effects, namely increasing both duration of larval and pupal stages as well as deformities in adults, and decreasing weight of pupae. In turn, the effects on feeding deterrence were more pronounced in treatments with A. arborescens fractions. Our results highlight the potential of EE from solanaceous species as a source of allelochemicals that can be used in the integrated management of S. frugiperda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products)

Open AccessArticle

Low Concentrations of Eucalyptus Essential Oil Induce Age, Sex, and Mating Status-Dependent Stimulatory Responses in Drosophila suzukii

Maria Pineda

Emanuel Lucas de Andrade Alves

Julia Almeida Antunes

Vinícius de Castro Carvalho

and

Khalid Haddi

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020404 - 09 Feb 2023

Viewed by 901

Abstract

Plant-extracted essential oils are generally suggested as potential sources for alternatives to synthetic insecticides in insect pest control strategies. The increased interest in the use of essential oils derives from the generalized perception of their safety for the environment, human health, and non-target organisms as well as a lower risk of resistance development. However, studies on essential oils have largely focused on their activity on targeted insect pests while overlooking their potential unintended effects on insect biological and reproductive traits, especially with sublethal exposures. Here, we first determined the toxicity of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil to adults of Drosophila suzukii and assessed the effects of low concentrations (i.e., LC₅ and LC₂₀) in old (5–7 days) and mated flies. Subsequently, we assessed longevity and fecundity in newly emerged virgin flies from four couples’ combinations: unexposed couples, exposed females, exposed males, and exposed couples to the low concentration LC₂₀. Our results show that eucalyptus essential oil has good insecticidal activity against adults of D. suzukii. However, compared to untreated flies, the exposure to low concentrations enhanced the females’ fecundity only when both old and mated female and male flies were exposed, while the females’ but not males’ life span was extended only in couples where newly emerged virgin females were exposed. Our findings suggest that although the eucalyptus essential oil may be a good control alternative for adult D. suzukii, its age-, sex-, and mating status-dependent stimulatory responses mediated by exposure to low concentrations need to be considered and further investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products)

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Open AccessArticle

Bioactivity of Essential Oil from Citrus aurantium Peel against the Pulse Beetle Callosbruchus maculatus F. on Chickpea

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Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020232 - 18 Jan 2023

Viewed by 932

Abstract

Plant essential oils (EOs) and their active compounds are recognized as sustainable tools for the management of arthropod pests. The bitter orange, Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae), is a widespread tree in the Mediterranean region that is used especially as a rootstock for other Citrus. Although most of this plant’s parts are accredited with medicinal properties, its fruits are not consumable and generally considered as non-valued waste. The aim of this work was to assess the potential use of the EO extracted by hydrodistillation from C. aurantium peel in the fumigation of chickpea seeds against Calloosbruchus maculatus. Analysis of EO of the bitter orange peel by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) identified twenty-two compounds with limonene as the major component (86%). EOs of C. aurantium peel exerted toxic effects, in a concentration-dependent manner, on eggs (LC₅₀ = 62.7 µL/L air), larval stages inside the seed (LC₅₀ = 62.8 µL/L air), and adults (females: LC₅₀ = 148 μL/L air and males: LC₅₀ = 109 µL/L air). The C. aurantium EO also negatively affected the biological and demographic performances of the weevil compared to the untreated control. Fecundity and the number of emerged adults were reduced by more than 57 and 71, respectively, while the net reproduction rate and the intrinsic rate of increase were respectively decreased by over 71% and 37%, resulting in the total extinction of the pest at a concentration equal to 100 µL/L air. Our findings suggest the possible valorization of bitter orange peel by using them as a source of bioinsecticide to be integrated within sustainable programs for the management of stored product pests. Further studies are needed to verify similar uses of essential oils extracted from solid wastes from citrus-processing industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products)

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Open AccessArticle

Toxicity, Histopathological Alterations and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition of Illicium verum Essential Oil in Drosophila suzukii

Luciano de Souza

Maria das Graças Cardoso

Isaac Filipe Moreira Konig

Vanúzia Rodrigues Fernandes Ferreira

Alex Rodrigues Silva Caetano

Gabriela Aguiar Campolina

and

Khalid Haddi

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1667; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101667 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 898

Abstract

In recent years, studies on the potential use of essential oils (EOs) as pesticides have enormously increased owing to their remarkable biological activities and health benefits. However, given the scant knowledge on the mode(s) of action behind insecticidal activity of individual essential oils, as well as their mixtures, much more work has yet to be undertaken. Furthermore, the variable and complex mixtures of essential oils suggest that their biological activities are likely due to several mechanisms acting on different physiological processes. Here, we firstly assessed the toxicity of Illicium verum, Myristica fragrans and Schinus molle EOs on Drosophila suzukii adults. Then, their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity as a potential mode of action was investigated. Subsequently, we explored potential structural alterations caused by exposure to low concentrations (LC₂₀ and LC₅₀) of I. verum oil on the fat body, midgut and muscular tissues of female flies. The results showed that the three EOs had good insecticidal activity against D. suzukii flies and although I. verum oil was more toxic than the two others, its acetylcholinesterase inhibition was the lowest. However, exposure to I. verum EO promoted severe concentration-dependent histological and structural alterations in the carbohydrate contents, muscle fiber, midgut epithelium as well as fat droplets area of exposed females. Collectively, our findings revealed that the insect’s internal organs are potential target sites of I. verum EO’s acute toxicity. Further studies are needed to confirm I. verum as a promising insecticidal compound against insect pests, to better elucidate its physiological and molecular action sites as well as assess its toxicity to non-target organisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Plant Extracts and Essential Oils as Potential Alternative Biocontrol Products)

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