Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2026.100183
Mohammad Reza Abbasi-Mozhdehi , Arash Zibaee
The present study evaluated the field efficacy of an olive kernel–derived protein hydrolysate optimized with destruxin purified from Metarhizium anisopliae for the management of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae Rossi. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design in an olive orchard with approximately 250 trees per hectare planted at 5-m row spacing. To assess the effects of the formulated protein bait on adult population density and fruit infestation, 100 trees of the Zard cultivar were selected per experimental plot, with four replicates assigned to each treatment. Adult capture data obtained using a commercial protein hydrolysate and the destruxin-amended formulation (OKD) revealed two distinct population peaks in 2024, occurring from early June to mid-July and from early August to late September. In 2025, the first peak occurred at a similar time, whereas the second peak was observed earlier, extending from mid-August to mid-September. Regardless of sampling period, OKD consistently resulted in significantly higher total, male, and female captures of B. oleae compared with the commercial protein hydrolysate. Capture trends were comparable between OKD and commercial bait traps across both seasons. Sticky yellow traps recorded the lowest numbers of captured adults, whereas captures in OKD- and pheromone-baited traps increased significantly by four- to five-fold, with no significant difference detected between these two treatments. Moreover, the application of OKD resulted in a significant reduction in olive fruit infestation during both seasons, with infestation levels approximately 20 % lower than those recorded in orchards without trapping.
{"title":"A field study on a plant-based protein hydrolysate containing insecticidal protein from Metarhizium anisopliae Metchnikoff against Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae)","authors":"Mohammad Reza Abbasi-Mozhdehi , Arash Zibaee","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2026.100183","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2026.100183","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study evaluated the field efficacy of an olive kernel–derived protein hydrolysate optimized with destruxin purified from <em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em> for the management of the olive fruit fly, <em>Bactrocera oleae</em> Rossi. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design in an olive orchard with approximately 250 trees per hectare planted at 5-m row spacing. To assess the effects of the formulated protein bait on adult population density and fruit infestation, 100 trees of the Zard cultivar were selected per experimental plot, with four replicates assigned to each treatment. Adult capture data obtained using a commercial protein hydrolysate and the destruxin-amended formulation (OKD) revealed two distinct population peaks in 2024, occurring from early June to mid-July and from early August to late September. In 2025, the first peak occurred at a similar time, whereas the second peak was observed earlier, extending from mid-August to mid-September. Regardless of sampling period, OKD consistently resulted in significantly higher total, male, and female captures of <em>B. oleae</em> compared with the commercial protein hydrolysate. Capture trends were comparable between OKD and commercial bait traps across both seasons. Sticky yellow traps recorded the lowest numbers of captured adults, whereas captures in OKD- and pheromone-baited traps increased significantly by four- to five-fold, with no significant difference detected between these two treatments. Moreover, the application of OKD resulted in a significant reduction in olive fruit infestation during both seasons, with infestation levels approximately 20 % lower than those recorded in orchards without trapping.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100183"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens) has become a major constraint to wheat production in South Asia, and the increasing reliance on synthetic insecticides has raised concerns related to resistance development, ecological safety, and production sustainability. This study evaluated the efficacy of four plant defense elicitors—jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), methyl salicylate (MeSA), and chitosan—for managing S. inferens under natural field conditions during two winter seasons. Elicitors were applied as foliar sprays at 35th and 45th day after sowing, and their effects on pest incidence and grain yield were assessed. JA at 5 mM was consistently the most effective treatment, reducing dead-heart and white-ear symptoms by 31.7 % and 27.9 %, respectively, and increasing grain yield by 28.9 % compared with the untreated control. SA and MeSA provided moderate suppression (15–24 %), whereas chitosan showed only marginal effects. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed that JA application and herbivory induced a more diverse and distinct volatile blend than that emitted by healthy plants, with hydrocarbons such as eicosane, octadecane, and n-hexadecanoic acid markedly elevated. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated that these volatiles significantly enhanced the foraging efficiency of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis, producing parasitism rates comparable to natural kairomonal cues. The integrated field, chemical, and behavioural findings demonstrate that JA-induced volatile signaling provides dual benefits: direct suppression of pink stem borer injury and indirect enhancement of biological control. JA therefore represents a practical, eco-friendly input for strengthening integrated pest management strategies in wheat against pink stem borer.
{"title":"Semiochemical potential of elicitor–induced plant volatiles strengthen wheat defense and enhance Trichogramma-mediated biological control of pink stem borer","authors":"Malawanthkar Rani, Ramasamy Kanagaraj Murali-Baskaran","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2026.100182","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2026.100182","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pink stem borer (<em>Sesamia inferens</em>) has become a major constraint to wheat production in South Asia, and the increasing reliance on synthetic insecticides has raised concerns related to resistance development, ecological safety, and production sustainability. This study evaluated the efficacy of four plant defense elicitors—jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), methyl salicylate (MeSA), and chitosan—for managing <em>S. inferens</em> under natural field conditions during two winter seasons. Elicitors were applied as foliar sprays at 35<sup>th</sup> and 45<sup>th</sup> day after sowing, and their effects on pest incidence and grain yield were assessed. JA at 5 mM was consistently the most effective treatment, reducing dead-heart and white-ear symptoms by 31.7 % and 27.9 %, respectively, and increasing grain yield by 28.9 % compared with the untreated control. SA and MeSA provided moderate suppression (15–24 %), whereas chitosan showed only marginal effects. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed that JA application and herbivory induced a more diverse and distinct volatile blend than that emitted by healthy plants, with hydrocarbons such as eicosane, octadecane, and n-hexadecanoic acid markedly elevated. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated that these volatiles significantly enhanced the foraging efficiency of the egg parasitoid <em>Trichogramma chilonis</em>, producing parasitism rates comparable to natural kairomonal cues. The integrated field, chemical, and behavioural findings demonstrate that JA-induced volatile signaling provides dual benefits: direct suppression of pink stem borer injury and indirect enhancement of biological control. JA therefore represents a practical, eco-friendly input for strengthening integrated pest management strategies in wheat against pink stem borer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100182"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100180
Luther Kwabi Adjei , Samson Aba Abagale , Kwame Anokye
The rising demand for sustainable mosquito repellents has driven interest in bioactive plant extracts with prolonged efficacy. This study evaluated plant powders/ extracts from Striga hermonthica (S), Hyptis spicigera (H), and Lantana camara (L)—including their binary blends (LS, LH, and HS)—for repellency against wild Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus mosquitoes using an olfactometer and hand-in-cage assays, respectively. A Repellency Index (RI) was used to assess repellency performance, supported by decay rate analysis, complete protection time (CPT), and a linear mixed-effects model incorporating time × sample interaction terms. LS and HS demonstrated increasing or stable repellency over time, supported by positive time × sample slopes (0.0065 and 0.0057, respectively) and positive, near-zero decay rates (+0.0024 and +0.0029, respectively). In contrast, LH and S alone, despite strong baseline RIs, showed faster decay (–0.0094 and –0.0091). Ethanol extracts consistently outperformed hexane counterparts, with higher CPT and efficiency values—LS (ethanol) achieving 178.7 min of CPT and efficiency of 243.1 min per unit RI. Compounds identified aligned with kinetic trends: quinonoids may have contributed to a strong initial repellency, while phthalate/ quinonoids likely acted as synergists, enhancing retention and stability. Notably, phytol may explain LS's extended efficacy. The integrated kinetic strategy—linking RI, decay rates, time × sample interactions, and efficiency to compound content—offers a cost-effective means to triage active and synergistic compounds within large GC–MS datasets. This chemobehavioral framework supports the development of optimized botanical repellent blends, reducing reliance on long-route compound-by-compound bioassays.
对可持续驱蚊剂的需求不断增长，推动了对具有长期功效的生物活性植物提取物的兴趣。本研究分别采用嗅觉测定法和手笼试验，评价了毛刺藤(S)、棘球棘(H)和大叶棘(L)的植物粉末/提取物——包括其二元混合物（LS、LH和HS）——对野生冈比亚按蚊（Anopheles gambiae s.l.）和funestus按蚊的驱避效果。驱避指数（RI）用于评估驱避性能，并辅以衰减率分析、完全保护时间（CPT）和包含时间× 样本相互作用项的线性混合效应模型。LS和HS的驱避性随着时间的推移而增加或稳定，这得到了正的时间× 样品斜率（分别为0.0065和0.0057）和正的、接近于零的衰减率（分别为+0.0024和+0.0029）的支持。相比之下，单独LH和S，尽管基线RIs很强，但衰减更快（-0.0094和-0.0091）。乙醇提取物始终优于己烷提取物，具有更高的CPT和效率值- ls（乙醇）达到178.7 min /单位RI，效率为243.1 min。确定的化合物与动力学趋势一致：类醌类可能有助于产生强大的初始驱避作用，而邻苯二甲酸酯/类醌类可能起增效作用，增强滞留性和稳定性。值得注意的是，叶绿醇可能解释了LS的延长功效。综合动力学策略-将RI，衰减率，时间× 样品相互作用和效率与化合物含量联系起来-提供了一种在大型GC-MS数据集中分类活性和协同化合物的经济有效手段。这种化学行为框架支持开发优化的植物驱避剂混合物，减少对长距离化合物的生物测定的依赖。
{"title":"Time-resolved repellency of botanical extracts against Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus: A kinetic and chemical profiling approach","authors":"Luther Kwabi Adjei , Samson Aba Abagale , Kwame Anokye","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rising demand for sustainable mosquito repellents has driven interest in bioactive plant extracts with prolonged efficacy. This study evaluated plant powders/ extracts from <em>Striga hermonthica</em> (S), <em>Hyptis spicigera</em> (H), and <em>Lantana camara</em> (L)—including their binary blends (LS, LH, and HS)—for repellency against wild <em>Anopheles gambiae s.l.</em> and <em>Anopheles funestus</em> mosquitoes using an olfactometer and hand-in-cage assays, respectively. A Repellency Index (RI) was used to assess repellency performance, supported by decay rate analysis, complete protection time (CPT), and a linear mixed-effects model incorporating time × sample interaction terms. LS and HS demonstrated increasing or stable repellency over time, supported by positive time × sample slopes (0.0065 and 0.0057, respectively) and positive, near-zero decay rates (+0.0024 and +0.0029, respectively). In contrast, LH and S alone, despite strong baseline RIs, showed faster decay (–0.0094 and –0.0091). Ethanol extracts consistently outperformed hexane counterparts, with higher CPT and efficiency values—LS (ethanol) achieving 178.7 min of CPT and efficiency of 243.1 min per unit RI. Compounds identified aligned with kinetic trends: quinonoids may have contributed to a strong initial repellency, while phthalate/ quinonoids likely acted as synergists, enhancing retention and stability. Notably, phytol may explain LS's extended efficacy. The integrated kinetic strategy—linking RI, decay rates, time × sample interactions, and efficiency to compound content—offers a cost-effective means to triage active and synergistic compounds within large GC–MS datasets. This chemobehavioral framework supports the development of optimized botanical repellent blends, reducing reliance on long-route compound-by-compound bioassays.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100180"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100181
Javiera Avilés , Dorian González , Gustavo E. Zúñiga , Rodrigo A. Contreras
Botrytis cinerea causes gray mold in many crops, and resistance to synthetic fungicides highlights the need for biologically derived alternatives. We developed an enzymatic approach in which tyrosinase grafts phenolic metabolites from the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis onto chitosan, generating a stable bioactive conjugate (Chitosan–Cq). Spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory predominantly support Michael-type addition to chitosan amino groups, consistent with the covalent incorporation of quinone-derived aromatics. Chitosan–Cq showed markedly enhanced antifungal performance. In vitro, it inhibited ∼90 % of B. cinerea mycelial growth at 10 mg/mL, whereas non-functionalized chitosan reached only ∼20–30 % under the same conditions. In planta, preventive spray application of Chitosan–Cq to leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana reduced gray mold lesion area by ∼60–70 % and limited fungal spread, while maintaining photosynthetic performance close to healthy controls. No chlorosis, necrosis, or growth penalties were detected in non-infected plants treated with Chitosan–Cq, indicating negligible phytotoxicity. Mechanistic assays showed that Chitosan–Cq induces early oxidative stress and membrane damage in B. cinerea and primes host defenses in A. thaliana. Treated plants displayed higher expression of defense-related PR genes and coordinated shifts in salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and characteristic priming metabolites (pipecolic acid, N-hydroxypipecolic acid, azelaic acid, glycerol-3-phosphate). Overall, tyrosinase-functionalized chitosan carrying native extremophile phenolics simultaneously suppresses fungal growth and establishes a systemic primed state in the host without detectable fitness cost, supporting its potential as a scalable biocontrol input for crop protection.
{"title":"Chitosan functionalized with Colobanthus quitensis metabolites enhances botryticidal activity and defense priming in Arabidopsis","authors":"Javiera Avilés , Dorian González , Gustavo E. Zúñiga , Rodrigo A. Contreras","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Botrytis cinerea</em> causes gray mold in many crops, and resistance to synthetic fungicides highlights the need for biologically derived alternatives. We developed an enzymatic approach in which tyrosinase grafts phenolic metabolites from the Antarctic plant <em>Colobanthus quitensis</em> onto chitosan, generating a stable bioactive conjugate (Chitosan–Cq). Spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory predominantly support Michael-type addition to chitosan amino groups, consistent with the covalent incorporation of quinone-derived aromatics. Chitosan–Cq showed markedly enhanced antifungal performance. <em>In vitro</em>, it inhibited ∼90 % of <em>B. cinerea</em> mycelial growth at 10 mg/mL, whereas non-functionalized chitosan reached only ∼20–30 % under the same conditions. <em>In planta</em>, preventive spray application of Chitosan–Cq to leaves of <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> reduced gray mold lesion area by ∼60–70 % and limited fungal spread, while maintaining photosynthetic performance close to healthy controls. No chlorosis, necrosis, or growth penalties were detected in non-infected plants treated with Chitosan–Cq, indicating negligible phytotoxicity. Mechanistic assays showed that Chitosan–Cq induces early oxidative stress and membrane damage in <em>B. cinerea</em> and primes host defenses in <em>A. thaliana</em>. Treated plants displayed higher expression of defense-related <em>PR</em> genes and coordinated shifts in salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and characteristic priming metabolites (pipecolic acid, N-hydroxypipecolic acid, azelaic acid, glycerol-3-phosphate). Overall, tyrosinase-functionalized chitosan carrying native extremophile phenolics simultaneously suppresses fungal growth and establishes a systemic primed state in the host without detectable fitness cost, supporting its potential as a scalable biocontrol input for crop protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100181"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100179
Enrique Yamakawa , Fabio de Deus Oliveira-Junior , Elton Luiz Scudeler , Helio Conte , Bruno Vinícius Daquila , Satiko Nanya
Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an insect pest that affects several crops in Brazil, causing yield losses. Traditional larval control relies on synthetic insecticides, which may harm the environment and non-target organisms. Thus, sustainable alternatives are needed. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) (Bt) is an entomopathogenic bacterium widely used in bioinsecticides due to its specificity and safety. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of Bt subsp. aizawai GC-91 against S. eridania neonates and its effects on the midgut. Four concentrations of a commercial product: (0.62, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 g/L−1) corresponding to 23.6, 47.5, 95, and 190 µg/mL of insecticidal proteins, respectively, were incorporated into an artificial diet and offered to larvae. Mortality was recorded every 24 for 168 h, and midgut samples were collected at 24 and 48 h. Concentrations of 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 g/L−1 resulted in 100 % mortality after 168 h, with lethal concentrations estimated at LC50 = 0.35 g/L−1 (CI = 0.27–0.43) and LC90 = 0.64 g/L−1 (CI = 0.55–0.76). Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed midgut alterations at both time points including projections of columnar cells into the lumen, vesiculation, displacement of the basal lamina, and intercellular and intracellular spacing. These results demonstrate that Bt subsp. aizawai GC-91 has strong entomopathogenic activity against S. eridania larvae, severely damaging their midgut. Therefore, this bacterium represents an efficient and promising alternative for the sustainable control of this polyphagous pest in different crops.
{"title":"Biocontrol potential of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai GC-91 (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) against Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)","authors":"Enrique Yamakawa , Fabio de Deus Oliveira-Junior , Elton Luiz Scudeler , Helio Conte , Bruno Vinícius Daquila , Satiko Nanya","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Spodoptera eridania</em> (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an insect pest that affects several crops in Brazil, causing yield losses. Traditional larval control relies on synthetic insecticides, which may harm the environment and non-target organisms. Thus, sustainable alternatives are needed. <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) (Bt) is an entomopathogenic bacterium widely used in bioinsecticides due to its specificity and safety. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of Bt subsp. <em>aizawai</em> GC-91 against <em>S. eridania</em> neonates and its effects on the midgut. Four concentrations of a commercial product: (0.62, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 g/L<sup>−1</sup>) corresponding to 23.6, 47.5, 95, and 190 µg/mL of insecticidal proteins, respectively, were incorporated into an artificial diet and offered to larvae. Mortality was recorded every 24 for 168 h, and midgut samples were collected at 24 and 48 h. Concentrations of 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 g/L<sup>−1</sup> resulted in 100 % mortality after 168 h, with lethal concentrations estimated at LC<sub>50</sub> = 0.35 g/L<sup>−1</sup> (CI = 0.27–0.43) and LC<sub>90</sub> = 0.64 g/L<sup>−1</sup> (CI = 0.55–0.76). Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed midgut alterations at both time points including projections of columnar cells into the lumen, vesiculation, displacement of the basal lamina, and intercellular and intracellular spacing. These results demonstrate that Bt subsp. <em>aizawai</em> GC-91 has strong entomopathogenic activity against <em>S. eridania</em> larvae, severely damaging their midgut. Therefore, this bacterium represents an efficient and promising alternative for the sustainable control of this polyphagous pest in different crops.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100175
Maydian Rebecka Janke Farias , Rogério de Freitas Lacerda , João José de Souza Moura , Letícia Fernandes Silva , Carlos Eduardo Garção Carvalho , Rafael Neodini Remédio , Edcarlos Miranda de Souza , José Ribamar Lima-de-Souza
Rhipicephalus microplus is an ectoparasite of great global economic importance in livestock farming, whose control has been a challenge due to the occurrence of resistance to various acaricides. This study evaluated for the first time the acaricidal potential of Lapachol, a natural naphthoquinone found in plants of the Bignoniaceae family and other botanical families, against engorged females of R. microplus through the assessment of mortality and the cellular viability of the eggs. Collections were carried out in three locations in the State of Acre, where the ticks were grouped into two control groups (I and II), distilled water and a solution of distilled water, 20 % ethanol and 1 % NaHCO₃, and respectively ten treatment groups (5–1000 ppm). Each group consisted of 10 individuals/triplicate. Mortality was evaluated after seven days, and egg viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. The results demonstrated mortality in all collection sites, although without a dose-dependent effect, ranging from 6.7 %–23.3 % (Location A), 16.7 %–50.0 % (Location B), and 23.3 %–70.0 % (Location C). In the cellular viability analysis, the concentration of 1000 ppm reduced mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity by 30–37 %, indicating an effect on embryonic development. It was determined that Lapachol has acaricidal activity against R. microplus, affecting both female survival and egg viability, although with no linear relationship to the dose. These findings highlight its potential as an alternative in the control of cattle ticks; however, further studies are necessary to elucidate its enzymatic mechanisms of action and optimize its efficacy.
{"title":"Effect of the bioactive compound Lapachol on engorged females of Rhipicephalus microplus: assessment of individual mortality and egg viability","authors":"Maydian Rebecka Janke Farias , Rogério de Freitas Lacerda , João José de Souza Moura , Letícia Fernandes Silva , Carlos Eduardo Garção Carvalho , Rafael Neodini Remédio , Edcarlos Miranda de Souza , José Ribamar Lima-de-Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> is an ectoparasite of great global economic importance in livestock farming, whose control has been a challenge due to the occurrence of resistance to various acaricides. This study evaluated for the first time the acaricidal potential of Lapachol, a natural naphthoquinone found in plants of the Bignoniaceae family and other botanical families, against engorged females of <em>R. microplus</em> through the assessment of mortality and the cellular viability of the eggs. Collections were carried out in three locations in the State of Acre, where the ticks were grouped into two control groups (I and II), distilled water and a solution of distilled water, 20 % ethanol and 1 % NaHCO₃, and respectively ten treatment groups (5–1000 ppm). Each group consisted of 10 individuals/triplicate. Mortality was evaluated after seven days, and egg viability was analyzed using the MTT assay. The results demonstrated mortality in all collection sites, although without a dose-dependent effect, ranging from 6.7 %–23.3 % (Location A), 16.7 %–50.0 % (Location B), and 23.3 %–70.0 % (Location C). In the cellular viability analysis, the concentration of 1000 ppm reduced mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity by 30–37 %, indicating an effect on embryonic development. It was determined that Lapachol has acaricidal activity against <em>R. microplus</em>, affecting both female survival and egg viability, although with no linear relationship to the dose. These findings highlight its potential as an alternative in the control of cattle ticks; however, further studies are necessary to elucidate its enzymatic mechanisms of action and optimize its efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100177
Dina Akroute , Asmae Azzouzi , Mohammed Baala , Rachid Boulamtat , Oumaima Benaissa , Rachid Lahlali , Khaoula Habbadi , Zineb Belabess , Rachid Benkirane , Salma El Iraqui El Houssaini
The codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) is a major pome fruit pest urging sustainable control alternatives with increasing insecticide resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are emerging as effective biocontrol agents for pest management. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of EPF isolated from insect cadavers against two Moroccan C. pomonella populations and characterized their virulence-associated enzymatic activities (lipase, protease, phospholipase, chitinase) and virulence gene profiles. Seven fungal isolates were identified: Aspergillus tubingensis (2), Aspergillus niger (2), Penicillium olsonii, Penicillium glabrum, and Penicillium thomii. Neonate larvae were exposed to three conidial suspensions (1 × 10⁴, 1 × 10⁶, and 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL), with two commercial Beauveria bassiana strains serving as reference controls. A. tubingensis (75.4 %) and P. olsonii (76.6 %) achieved highest mortality rates at 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL for both populations, exceeding control strains. P. thomii, P. glabrum, and A. niger also achieved mortality rates above 60 % mortality. A. tubingensis and A. niger demonstrated superior enzymatic activity and metabolic flexibility compared to Penicillium isolates. The beauvericin gene was detected in all Penicillium isolates and two Aspergillus species. GGPP synthase was exclusive to Penicillium, while polyketide synthase occurred in P. olsonii, P. glabrum, and both Aspergillus isolates. Our results demonstrate high pathogenic potential of insect-derived fungi against C. pomonella, with genetic and enzymatic characteristics supporting their development as biocontrol agents.
{"title":"Entomopathogenic fungi from Moroccan apple orchards: Molecular and enzymatic characterization of new biocontrol candidates against Cydia pomonella","authors":"Dina Akroute , Asmae Azzouzi , Mohammed Baala , Rachid Boulamtat , Oumaima Benaissa , Rachid Lahlali , Khaoula Habbadi , Zineb Belabess , Rachid Benkirane , Salma El Iraqui El Houssaini","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The codling moth (<em>Cydia pomonella</em> L.) is a major pome fruit pest urging sustainable control alternatives with increasing insecticide resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are emerging as effective biocontrol agents for pest management. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of EPF isolated from insect cadavers against two Moroccan <em>C. pomonella</em> populations and characterized their virulence-associated enzymatic activities (lipase, protease, phospholipase, chitinase) and virulence gene profiles. Seven fungal isolates were identified: <em>Aspergillus tubingensis</em> (2), <em>Aspergillus niger</em> (2), <em>Penicillium olsonii</em>, <em>Penicillium glabrum</em>, and <em>Penicillium thomii</em>. Neonate larvae were exposed to three conidial suspensions (1 × 10⁴, 1 × 10⁶, and 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL), with two commercial <em>Beauveria bassiana</em> strains serving as reference controls. <em>A. tubingensis</em> (75.4 %) and <em>P. olsonii</em> (76.6 %) achieved highest mortality rates at 1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL for both populations, exceeding control strains. <em>P. thomii</em>, <em>P. glabrum</em>, and <em>A. niger</em> also achieved mortality rates above 60 % mortality. <em>A. tubingensis</em> and <em>A. niger</em> demonstrated superior enzymatic activity and metabolic flexibility compared to <em>Penicillium</em> isolates. The beauvericin gene was detected in all <em>Penicillium</em> isolates and two <em>Aspergillus</em> species. GGPP synthase was exclusive to <em>Penicillium</em>, while polyketide synthase occurred in <em>P. olsonii</em>, <em>P. glabrum</em>, and both <em>Aspergillus</em> isolates. Our results demonstrate high pathogenic potential of insect-derived fungi against <em>C. pomonella</em>, with genetic and enzymatic characteristics supporting their development as biocontrol agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The eco-friendly management of phytoparasitic nematodes (PPNs) is really challenging. While several plant-based nematicides have shown promising results, many plant species -especially those from arid ecosystems- remain underexplored. Moreover, most studies have assessed the efficacy of botanical nematicides primarily in vitro, with limited data available from field conditions. The potential side effects on beneficial soil organisms, such as free-living nematodes, also remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the nematicidal effects of Euphorbia paralias extracts on both plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. Bioassays were conducted in vitro (using Meloidogyne spp.), in greenhouse conditions (on tomato plants), and under field conditions (in alfalfa crops). In the greenhouse experiments, we also assessed various plant growth parameters. In vitro tests showed that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of E. paralias exhibited significant nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne spp. juveniles (J2) and eggs, with 100 % mortality and hatching inhibition achieved at 2 % (w/v) for the aqueous extract and 0.1 % for the methanolic extract. In greenhouse trials, treatments with 3 % aqueous extract and 30 g/pot of dry powder significantly reduced Meloidogyne infestations, as indicated by decreases in root galling (-76.9 %), egg density per root system (-90.9 %), and total nematode population density (-97.4 %). However, dry powder doses exceeding 10 g per pot were phytotoxic to tomato plants. Under field conditions, the aqueous extract significantly reduced populations of Pratylenchus spp. and Xiphinema spp., while the dry powder showed a delayed but notable effect over time. The aqueous extract also stimulated bacterivorous nematodes, whereas fungivores and predators were less affected. Conversely, the dry powder, when applied at high doses (30 g/plant), was highly toxic to both predators and all phytoparasitic nematode taxa after six weeks. In conclusion, the strong nematicidal potential and natural abundance of Euphorbia paralias support its candidacy as a promising source for the development of new environmentally friendly nematicide formulations.
{"title":"Biocontrol potential of Euphorbia paralias L. against phytoparasitic nematodes: A new botanical resource for sustainable nematode management","authors":"Tayeb Obidari , Ilyass Filali Alaoui , Amina Braimi , Mouna Belmouden , Elmehdi Elhada , Larbi Sarhane , Hajar Issouktane , Rachida Elboullani , Latifa Askarne , Mohamed Ait Hamza , Fouad Msanda , Abdelhamid El Mousadik , El Hassan Mayad","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The eco-friendly management of phytoparasitic nematodes (PPNs) is really challenging. While several plant-based nematicides have shown promising results, many plant species -especially those from arid ecosystems- remain underexplored. Moreover, most studies have assessed the efficacy of botanical nematicides primarily <em>in vitro</em>, with limited data available from field conditions. The potential side effects on beneficial soil organisms, such as free-living nematodes, also remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the nematicidal effects of <em>Euphorbia paralias</em> extracts on both plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. Bioassays were conducted <em>in vitro</em> (using <em>Meloidogyne</em> spp.), in greenhouse conditions (on tomato plants), and under field conditions (in alfalfa crops). In the greenhouse experiments, we also assessed various plant growth parameters. <em>In vitro</em> tests showed that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of <em>E. paralias</em> exhibited significant nematicidal activity against <em>Meloidogyne</em> spp. juveniles (J2) and eggs, with 100 % mortality and hatching inhibition achieved at 2 % (w/v) for the aqueous extract and 0.1 % for the methanolic extract. In greenhouse trials, treatments with 3 % aqueous extract and 30 g/pot of dry powder significantly reduced <em>Meloidogyne</em> infestations, as indicated by decreases in root galling (-76.9 %), egg density per root system (-90.9 %), and total nematode population density (-97.4 %). However, dry powder doses exceeding 10 g per pot were phytotoxic to tomato plants. Under field conditions, the aqueous extract significantly reduced populations of <em>Pratylenchus</em> spp. and <em>Xiphinema</em> spp., while the dry powder showed a delayed but notable effect over time. The aqueous extract also stimulated bacterivorous nematodes, whereas fungivores and predators were less affected. Conversely, the dry powder, when applied at high doses (30 g/plant), was highly toxic to both predators and all phytoparasitic nematode taxa after six weeks. In conclusion, the strong nematicidal potential and natural abundance of <em>Euphorbia paralias</em> support its candidacy as a promising source for the development of new environmentally friendly nematicide formulations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100176"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100178
Cuong-Quoc Nguyen , Quang Le Dang , Quang-De Tran , Le Van Dung , Nguyen Thi Nhu Y , Vo Thi Bich Thuy , Nguyen Manh Hung , Pham Ha Thanh Tung , Dao Thi Thanh Huyen , Nguyen Duy Tuan , Tran Duy Khang
This study investigated the chemical composition and bioactivities of essential oils derived from the rhizomes of Boesenbergia rotunda and Kaempferia galanga growing in Viet Nam. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained via steam distillation with extraction yields of approximately 1.95–2.03 %. GC-MS analysis revealed distinct chemical profiles; B. rotunda oil was dominated by monoterpenes, notably 1,8-cineole, camphor, and geraniol, whereas K. galanga oil contained high concentrations of phenylpropanoid esters, particularly (E)-ethyl cinnamate and ethyl p-methoxycinnamate. Both EOs exhibited potent antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii, with K. galanga EO demonstrating complete inhibition at a lower concentration (312 ppm, 99.52 %) compared to B. rotunda EO (1250 ppm, 99.28 %). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed notable morphological disruptions of fungal hyphae following treatment with the EOs. Molecular docking studies further visualized favorable interactions between major EO components and critical fungal targets, including chitin synthase and beta-1,3-glucan synthase of R. solani, as well as EF1α and RPB2 of S. rolfsii. Additionally, significant insect-repellent effects against red imported fire ants were noted for both EOs, particularly with K. galanga EO achieving an impressive repellency rate of 81.93 % at 1000 ppm under in vitro and 85.69 % at 4000 ppm under field conditions. Overall, these findings emphasize the promising role of B. rotunda and K. galanga EOs in developing sustainable and effective agricultural pest control solutions.
{"title":"Antifungal and repellent efficacy of Boesenbergia rotunda and Kaempferia galanga essential oils: In vitro and field tests","authors":"Cuong-Quoc Nguyen , Quang Le Dang , Quang-De Tran , Le Van Dung , Nguyen Thi Nhu Y , Vo Thi Bich Thuy , Nguyen Manh Hung , Pham Ha Thanh Tung , Dao Thi Thanh Huyen , Nguyen Duy Tuan , Tran Duy Khang","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the chemical composition and bioactivities of essential oils derived from the rhizomes of <em>Boesenbergia rotunda</em> and <em>Kaempferia galanga</em> growing in Viet Nam. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained via steam distillation with extraction yields of approximately 1.95–2.03 %. GC-MS analysis revealed distinct chemical profiles; <em>B. rotunda</em> oil was dominated by monoterpenes, notably 1,8-cineole, camphor, and geraniol, whereas <em>K. galanga</em> oil contained high concentrations of phenylpropanoid esters, particularly (<em>E</em>)-ethyl cinnamate and ethyl <em>p</em>-methoxycinnamate. Both EOs exhibited potent antifungal activity against <em>Rhizoctonia solani</em> and <em>Sclerotium rolfsii</em>, with <em>K. galanga</em> EO demonstrating complete inhibition at a lower concentration (312 ppm, 99.52 %) compared to <em>B. rotunda</em> EO (1250 ppm, 99.28 %). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed notable morphological disruptions of fungal hyphae following treatment with the EOs. Molecular docking studies further visualized favorable interactions between major EO components and critical fungal targets, including chitin synthase and beta-1,3-glucan synthase of <em>R. solani</em>, as well as EF1α and RPB2 of <em>S. rolfsii</em>. Additionally, significant insect-repellent effects against red imported fire ants were noted for both EOs, particularly with <em>K. galanga</em> EO achieving an impressive repellency rate of 81.93 % at 1000 ppm under <em>in vitro</em> and 85.69 % at 4000 ppm under field conditions. Overall, these findings emphasize the promising role of <em>B. rotunda</em> and <em>K. galanga</em> EOs in developing sustainable and effective agricultural pest control solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most destructive pathogens in agriculture, causing substantial yield losses and threatening global food security. Conventional management strategies, particularly chemical nematicides, are increasingly limited due to environmental toxicity and health concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Leveraging intrinsic plant defense responses provides a promising strategy for nematode management while promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. This review critically examines the molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms underlying plant resistance to nematodes, including pattern-triggered immunity, effector-triggered responses, systemic acquired resistance, and the regulatory roles of phytohormones such as salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene. The contribution of secondary metabolites, cell wall reinforcement, and complex signaling networks in modulating nematode resistance is analyzed. Additionally, recent developments in genetic engineering, RNA interference, biostimulants, and induced resistance approaches are evaluated as innovative tools for enhancing crop resilience. The integration of these strategies within sustainable farming systems is emphasized, demonstrating their potential to reduce chemical inputs, maintain soil health, and enhance long-term productivity. By synthesizing current advances, this review highlights the potential of exploiting plant defense mechanisms as a core component of integrated nematode management. The insights presented aim to inform future research directions and practical applications, contributing to the development of resilient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
{"title":"Integrating plant defense responses in managing nematode threats for agricultural sustainability: A review","authors":"Preety Tomar , Divya Thakur , Sakshi Kamta , Sakshi Sharma , Yankita Negi , Narinderpal Kaur , Neelam Yadav , Ashok Yadav , Rajeshwari Negi , Ajar Nath Yadav","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100174","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100174","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most destructive pathogens in agriculture, causing substantial yield losses and threatening global food security. Conventional management strategies, particularly chemical nematicides, are increasingly limited due to environmental toxicity and health concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Leveraging intrinsic plant defense responses provides a promising strategy for nematode management while promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. This review critically examines the molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms underlying plant resistance to nematodes, including pattern-triggered immunity, effector-triggered responses, systemic acquired resistance, and the regulatory roles of phytohormones such as salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene. The contribution of secondary metabolites, cell wall reinforcement, and complex signaling networks in modulating nematode resistance is analyzed. Additionally, recent developments in genetic engineering, RNA interference, biostimulants, and induced resistance approaches are evaluated as innovative tools for enhancing crop resilience. The integration of these strategies within sustainable farming systems is emphasized, demonstrating their potential to reduce chemical inputs, maintain soil health, and enhance long-term productivity. By synthesizing current advances, this review highlights the potential of exploiting plant defense mechanisms as a core component of integrated nematode management. The insights presented aim to inform future research directions and practical applications, contributing to the development of resilient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145555493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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