Dickeya species are major plant pathogenic bacteria worldwide, with Dickeya solani (D. solani) posing a key threat to potato crops, which rank fourth among the most cultivated food crop globally. D. solani is responsible for blackleg disease, causing significant yield and quality losses in seed potato production. Current control options, whether phytochemicals or biocontrol strategies against blackleg disease, remain limited. However, the potato rhizosphere bacterium Pseudomonas PA14H7 has shown effective antagonism against D. solani via the production of 7-hydroxytropolone (7-HT). This molecule was identified in the filtered supernatant of Pseudomonas PA14H7 (FS-PA14H7) complexed with iron. Herein, we demonstrate that the activity of 7-HT is strongly linked to its ability to chelate iron, thereby inhibiting the growth of D. solani through iron deprivation. Given the challenges associated with synthesizing 7-HT, alternative commercially available molecules with the same elemental composition and bearing functional groups such as catechol, phenol or carboxylic acid were screened for their ability to chelate iron using computational calculations and mass spectrometry techniques (UPLC-HRMS and MS/MS). Then, their antibacterial activity against D. solani and other Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae was evaluated and compared with the one of 7-HT. Three candidates 2,3, 2,4 and 2,5- dihydroxybenzaldehydes were identified as potential substitutes, presenting promising biocontrol solutions for managing potato blackleg disease.
{"title":"Antagonistic effect of 7-hydroxytropolone and its substitutes against Dickeya solani","authors":"Euphrasie Munier-Lépinay , Christine Cézard , Mounia Khelifa , Serge Pilard , Sylvain Laclef","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Dickeya</em> species are major plant pathogenic bacteria worldwide, with <em>Dickeya solani</em> (<em>D. solani</em>) posing a key threat to potato crops, which rank fourth among the most cultivated food crop globally. <em>D. solani</em> is responsible for blackleg disease, causing significant yield and quality losses in seed potato production. Current control options, whether phytochemicals or biocontrol strategies against blackleg disease, remain limited. However, the potato rhizosphere bacterium <em>Pseudomonas</em> PA14H7 has shown effective antagonism against <em>D. solani via</em> the production of 7-hydroxytropolone (7-HT). This molecule was identified in the filtered supernatant of <em>Pseudomonas</em> PA14H7 (FS-PA14H7) complexed with iron. Herein, we demonstrate that the activity of 7-HT is strongly linked to its ability to chelate iron, thereby inhibiting the growth of <em>D. solani</em> through iron deprivation. Given the challenges associated with synthesizing 7-HT, alternative commercially available molecules with the same elemental composition and bearing functional groups such as catechol, phenol or carboxylic acid were screened for their ability to chelate iron using computational calculations and mass spectrometry techniques (UPLC-HRMS and MS/MS). Then, their antibacterial activity against <em>D. solani</em> and other Soft Rot <em>Pectobacteriaceae</em> was evaluated and compared with the one of 7-HT. Three candidates 2,3, 2,4 and 2,5- dihydroxybenzaldehydes were identified as potential substitutes, presenting promising biocontrol solutions for managing potato blackleg disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143911747","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}
Modern agricultural practices for the production of food grains are seen as a boon to human civilization, as they meet the needs of people for staple foods, organic matter, and essential micronutrients. However, the use of agrochemicals poses a serious pollution threat to soil and aquatic ecosystems. The present study attempts to develop ways and means for effective management of pollution caused by agrochemicals through the application of mycoviruses, which makes a significant contribution to the transition economy involving various socio-economic and environmental parameters. The present paper also has reviewed the recent literature related to various studies pertaining to developing more tolerant crops against eco-biological stress with the involvement of new innovative microbial biotechnological methods based on the operating principles of molecular biology. The infection efficiency of mycovirus is influenced by the biological characteristics of both the virus and the host plant. In the emerging ecological and economical adverse conditions, scopes of applicability of mycoviruses have opened up new perspectives on the possibility of developing a mycoviral-based novel bio-control system (such as RNA silencing, autophagy and plant incompatibility) for large-scale effective eco-sustainable and low-cost agricultural operations, with an aim at maintaining the ecologically healthy state of agricultural fields.This paper also focuses on the multidimensional environmental benefits to the agricultural sectors depending on the potential of standardizing this eco-friendly approach in order to solve the problem of pest infestations and thereby to reduce large scale application of chemical herbicide and pesticide in cost effective way.
{"title":"Eco-sustainable agriculture practices through Mycoviruses","authors":"Kishalay Paria , Smritikana Pyne , Rupak Khamarai , Susanta Kumar Chakraborty","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Modern agricultural practices for the production of food grains are seen as a boon to human civilization, as they meet the needs of people for staple foods, organic matter, and essential micronutrients. However, the use of agrochemicals poses a serious pollution threat to soil and aquatic ecosystems. The present study attempts to develop ways and means for effective management of pollution caused by agrochemicals through the application of mycoviruses, which makes a significant contribution to the transition economy involving various socio-economic and environmental parameters. The present paper also has reviewed the recent literature related to various studies pertaining to developing more tolerant crops against eco-biological stress with the involvement of new innovative microbial biotechnological methods based on the operating principles of molecular biology. The infection efficiency of mycovirus is influenced by the biological characteristics of both the virus and the host plant. In the emerging ecological and economical adverse conditions, scopes of applicability of mycoviruses have opened up new perspectives on the possibility of developing a mycoviral-based novel bio-control system (such as RNA silencing, autophagy and plant incompatibility) for large-scale effective eco-sustainable and low-cost agricultural operations, with an aim at maintaining the ecologically healthy state of agricultural fields.This paper also focuses on the multidimensional environmental benefits to the agricultural sectors depending on the potential of standardizing this eco-friendly approach in order to solve the problem of pest infestations and thereby to reduce large scale application of chemical herbicide and pesticide in cost effective way.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143902402","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}
Blight disease poses a significant threat to agricultural output that results in large crop losses worldwide. Plant diseases must be promptly identified and managed to maintain crop health and maximise yields. This research presents a novel ensemble-based deep-learning model for plant blight disease detection, especially for agricultural applications. The suggested model uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for image recognition to accurately and automatically detect blight-affected areas in plant leaf images. An extensive dataset of plant leaf images was gathered to train and evaluate the model, including samples from both healthy and diseased plants. This ensemble-based deep learning model outperformed conventional deep learning and machine learning models in extracting characteristics that differentiated between plants affected by blight and those that weren’t. The proposed model (ResNet11) is a dependable and effective tool for on-the-spot disease detection in the field of potato, tomato and pepper, as demonstrated by experimental results that illustrate an accuracy of over 99 % for potato and pepper crops as a 3-class and 2-class problem respectively. Moreover, we get an accuracy of over 87 % for tomato plants as a 10-class problem.
{"title":"Image-based blight disease detection in crops using ensemble deep neural networks for agricultural applications","authors":"Md Mohinur Rahaman , Saiyed Umer , Md Azharuddin , Asmaul Hassan","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Blight disease poses a significant threat to agricultural output that results in large crop losses worldwide. Plant diseases must be promptly identified and managed to maintain crop health and maximise yields. This research presents a novel ensemble-based deep-learning model for plant blight disease detection, especially for agricultural applications. The suggested model uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for image recognition to accurately and automatically detect blight-affected areas in plant leaf images. An extensive dataset of plant leaf images was gathered to train and evaluate the model, including samples from both healthy and diseased plants. This ensemble-based deep learning model outperformed conventional deep learning and machine learning models in extracting characteristics that differentiated between plants affected by blight and those that weren’t. The proposed model (ResNet11) is a dependable and effective tool for on-the-spot disease detection in the field of potato, tomato and pepper, as demonstrated by experimental results that illustrate an accuracy of over 99 % for potato and pepper crops as a 3-class and 2-class problem respectively. Moreover, we get an accuracy of over 87 % for tomato plants as a 10-class problem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143870746","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}
Root-knot nematodes (RKN), particularly Meloidogyne incognita, pose a major threat to global agriculture, causing significant crop losses. While fungal antagonists like Trichoderma spp. offer eco-friendly alternatives to chemical nematicides, limited research exists on the comparative efficacy of native Trichoderma spp. in controlling M. incognita and enhancing plant growth under both controlled and greenhouse conditions. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying the most effective Trichoderma spp. with strong nematicidal potential. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the nematicidal activity of 167 Trichoderma isolates against M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) under in vitro conditions, assess the most potent species in greenhouse conditions for their ability to suppress root galling and nematode population, and determine the impact of these species on tomato plant growth parameters. A total of 167 Trichoderma isolates were screened in vitro for their ability to induce mortality in M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) at 24, 48, and 72 h. The most effective species were further tested in greenhouse conditions using Trichoderma conidial suspensions (10⁶ spores/mL) to assess their impact on root galling, nematode population density, and tomato growth. Among them, 22 isolates exhibited strong nematicidal activity (70 %) within 72 h, with T. asperellum SolT6b achieving the highest J2 mortality (91 %), followed by T. afroharzianum ST10 (88.63 %). In greenhouse conditions, SolT6b and ST10 significantly reduced root galling (by 90.4 % and 89.3 %, respectively) and J2 soil populations (by 67.7 % and 66.6 %, respectively) compared to untreated controls. Additionally, Trichoderma treatment enhanced root biomass and overall plant vigor. These findings highlight the potential of native Trichoderma spp. as sustainable biocontrol agents against M. incognita, offering an effective alternative to chemical nematicides and paving the way for Trichoderma-based biocontrol formulations.
{"title":"Nematicidal efficacy of native Trichoderma isolates on Meloidogyne incognita and their influence on tomato growth parameters","authors":"Puja Jaiswal , Ram Bahadur Khadka , Suraj Baidya , Aashaq Hussain Bhat , Arvind Kumar Keshari","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Root-knot nematodes (RKN), particularly <em>Meloidogyne incognita</em>, pose a major threat to global agriculture, causing significant crop losses. While fungal antagonists like <em>Trichoderma</em> spp. offer eco-friendly alternatives to chemical nematicides, limited research exists on the comparative efficacy of native <em>Trichoderma</em> spp. in controlling <em>M. incognita</em> and enhancing plant growth under both controlled and greenhouse conditions. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying the most effective <em>Trichoderma</em> spp. with strong nematicidal potential. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the nematicidal activity of 167 <em>Trichoderma</em> isolates against <em>M. incognita</em> second-stage juveniles (J2) under in vitro conditions, assess the most potent species in greenhouse conditions for their ability to suppress root galling and nematode population, and determine the impact of these species on tomato plant growth parameters. A total of 167 <em>Trichoderma</em> isolates were screened in vitro for their ability to induce mortality in <em>M. incognita</em> second-stage juveniles (J2) at 24, 48, and 72 h. The most effective species were further tested in greenhouse conditions using <em>Trichoderma</em> conidial suspensions (10⁶ spores/mL) to assess their impact on root galling, nematode population density, and tomato growth. Among them, 22 isolates exhibited strong nematicidal activity (70 %) within 72 h, with <em>T. asperellum</em> SolT6b achieving the highest J2 mortality (91 %), followed by <em>T. afroharzianum</em> ST10 (88.63 %). In greenhouse conditions, SolT6b and ST10 significantly reduced root galling (by 90.4 % and 89.3 %, respectively) and J2 soil populations (by 67.7 % and 66.6 %, respectively) compared to untreated controls. Additionally, <em>Trichoderma</em> treatment enhanced root biomass and overall plant vigor. These findings highlight the potential of native <em>Trichoderma</em> spp. as sustainable biocontrol agents against <em>M. incognita</em>, offering an effective alternative to chemical nematicides and paving the way for <em>Trichoderma</em>-based biocontrol formulations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143761200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-28DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100127
Juliana G. Shikoshi , Patrick A. Ndakidemi , Ernest R. Mbega , Kelvin M. Mtei , Angela G. Mkindi
Biopesticides (BPs) are gaining popularity worldwide as a means of managing crop pests. This is largely driven by the negative effects associated with synthetic pesticide use on human health, the environment, and the growing concerns regarding chemical residues in food. This review explored the magnitude of BPs use in managing T. leucotreta in different fruit host plants from the year 2014–2024. SCOPUS journal papers were retrieved through Google Scholar and categorized by pesticide type, including nematodes, botanicals, fungi, and viruses. The information searching was done using related terms and synonyms of the major keywords of interest (“False codling moth”, “Thaumatotibia leucotreta”, “Biopesticides” and “Management”) together with other terms used in previous studies concerning the formulated study question. A total of 136 articles were identified in the Scopus database of which only 13 (10 %) articles specifically lay strong evidence that BPs can effectively manage T. leucotreta thereby significantly reducing fruits infestation. The findings revealed that among the studied interventions, entomopathogenic nematodes were the most extensively researched biopesticide agent, particularly in citrus. Mean while research on entomopathogenic fungi and viruses received some attention. Drawing on published datasets no study has been documented on the use of plant-derived pesticides (botanical pesticides) against T. leucotreta on fruits. Therefore, further research is needed to generate information on use and promote the popularity of the BPs in managing the T. leucotreta, particularly in fruit production in Africa.
{"title":"The role of biopesticides in the management of Thaumatotibia leucotreta in avocado and other widely produced fruits in Africa","authors":"Juliana G. Shikoshi , Patrick A. Ndakidemi , Ernest R. Mbega , Kelvin M. Mtei , Angela G. Mkindi","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biopesticides (BPs) are gaining popularity worldwide as a means of managing crop pests. This is largely driven by the negative effects associated with synthetic pesticide use on human health, the environment, and the growing concerns regarding chemical residues in food. This review explored the magnitude of BPs use in managing <em>T. leucotreta</em> in different fruit host plants from the year 2014–2024. SCOPUS journal papers were retrieved through Google Scholar and categorized by pesticide type, including nematodes, botanicals, fungi, and viruses. The information searching was done using related terms and synonyms of the major keywords of interest (“False codling moth”, “<em>Thaumatotibia leucotreta</em>”, “Biopesticides” and “Management”) together with other terms used in previous studies concerning the formulated study question. A total of 136 articles were identified in the Scopus database of which only 13 (10 %) articles specifically lay strong evidence that BPs can effectively manage <em>T. leucotreta</em> thereby significantly reducing fruits infestation. The findings revealed that among the studied interventions, entomopathogenic nematodes were the most extensively researched biopesticide agent, particularly in citrus. Mean while research on entomopathogenic fungi and viruses received some attention. Drawing on published datasets no study has been documented on the use of plant-derived pesticides (botanical pesticides) against <em>T. leucotreta</em> on fruits. Therefore, further research is needed to generate information on use and promote the popularity of the BPs in managing the <em>T. leucotreta</em>, particularly in fruit production in Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100126
Manjula Nishantha Udagepolage Don , Singarayer Florentine , Chris Turville , Kithsiri Dassanayake
Almonds are one of the healthiest, most nutritious and economically valuable species of edible nuts, and in 2023/2024, global Almond production was 1.51 million metric tons. However, about 5.03 million metric tons of waste, which was mainly hulls was also generated in the production process, and this high waste level threatens the industry’s sustainability. Almond hulls are rich in crude protein and dietary fibre, making them a valuable livestock feed option. Unfortunately, the pesticides used in Almond production can be a limitation when using these hull as feed for dairy and beef cows, due to the potential for pesticide residues enter the food chain and emerge in dairy and beef products. This study suggests an alternative Systematic Approach Model to pathogen could help reduce chemical residues in Almond production. This approach involves a three-step process based on sustainable and less harmful substances to provide effective pathogen control. First, caffeine is used for its pest-repellent and insecticidal properties, which is followed by a silicon formulation to strengthen the bark and cuticle layers of the almond trees to provide natural physical barriers to pathogens. Finally, applying Vitamins B, C, and E will increase the tree’s internal immunity, improving its natural resistance to pathogens. Multiple research studies support each of these approaches.
{"title":"Strategies for enhancing sustainable and economic utilization of almond waste through a comprehensive multi-stage systematic approach to pathogen control","authors":"Manjula Nishantha Udagepolage Don , Singarayer Florentine , Chris Turville , Kithsiri Dassanayake","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Almonds are one of the healthiest, most nutritious and economically valuable species of edible nuts, and in 2023/2024, global Almond production was 1.51 million metric tons. However, about 5.03 million metric tons of waste, which was mainly hulls was also generated in the production process, and this high waste level threatens the industry’s sustainability. Almond hulls are rich in crude protein and dietary fibre, making them a valuable livestock feed option. Unfortunately, the pesticides used in Almond production can be a limitation when using these hull as feed for dairy and beef cows, due to the potential for pesticide residues enter the food chain and emerge in dairy and beef products. This study suggests an alternative Systematic Approach Model to pathogen could help reduce chemical residues in Almond production. This approach involves a three-step process based on sustainable and less harmful substances to provide effective pathogen control. First, caffeine is used for its pest-repellent and insecticidal properties, which is followed by a silicon formulation to strengthen the bark and cuticle layers of the almond trees to provide natural physical barriers to pathogens. Finally, applying Vitamins B, C, and E will increase the tree’s internal immunity, improving its natural resistance to pathogens. Multiple research studies support each of these approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143627812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In recent years, the synthesis of nanoparticles using plant-based protocols has received great attention. The present work concerns the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Secamone emetica (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm. and investigates their biological applications and photocatalytic activity. UV, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) with EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) analysis were used for characterization of ZnO NPs. In UV analysis, the biosynthesized ZnO NPs demonstrated a peak at 354 nm. FTIR analysis revealed functional groups. The XRD study revealed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite structures consistent with JCPDS (Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards) card no: 89–1397. SEM analysis confirmed the spherical morphology of ZnO NPs, and revealed their size to be 55.38 nm. ZnO NPs efficiently restricted the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aureginosa) than Gram-positive bacteria. In DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, exhibited 48.3 % of inhibition, while in ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay, was observed 72.65 % of inhibition. The larvicidal efficacy of ZnO NPs was tested against the 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. ZnO NPs showed considerable larval mortality against Culex quinquefasciatus (100 %) and Aedes aegypti (93.33 %). The photo-catalytic performance of ZnO NPs was tested for the degradation of methylene blue under direct sunlight exposure. Around 69.76 % of the dye was degraded after 210 min of exposure to sunlight. Therefore, the above results suggest that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs using the eco-friendly method can be applied for a diverse range of biological and environmental applications.
{"title":"Sustainable fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Secamone emetica leaf extract: Biological and environmental applications","authors":"Madhavan Sowmiya , Kuppusamy Selvam , Muthugounder Subaramanian Shivakumar","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, the synthesis of nanoparticles using plant-based protocols has received great attention. The present work concerns the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of <em>Secamone emetica</em> (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm. and investigates their biological applications and photocatalytic activity. UV, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) with EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray) analysis were used for characterization of ZnO NPs. In UV analysis, the biosynthesized ZnO NPs demonstrated a peak at 354 nm. FTIR analysis revealed functional groups. The XRD study revealed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite structures consistent with JCPDS (Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards) card no: 89–1397. SEM analysis confirmed the spherical morphology of ZnO NPs, and revealed their size to be 55.38 nm. ZnO NPs efficiently restricted the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (<em>Pseudomonas aureginosa</em>) than Gram-positive bacteria. In DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, exhibited 48.3 % of inhibition, while in ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay, was observed 72.65 % of inhibition. The larvicidal efficacy of ZnO NPs was tested against the 4<sup>th</sup> instar larvae of <em>Aedes aegypti</em> and <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em>. ZnO NPs showed considerable larval mortality against <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> (100 %) and <em>Aedes aegypti</em> (93.33 %). The photo-catalytic performance of ZnO NPs was tested for the degradation of methylene blue under direct sunlight exposure. Around 69.76 % of the dye was degraded after 210 min of exposure to sunlight. Therefore, the above results suggest that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs using the eco-friendly method can be applied for a diverse range of biological and environmental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143593214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-03DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100125
Prince Paul, Kabilan Muralidharan, Duraipandiyan Veeramuthu
Mosquitoes wreak havoc in human lives as they are responsible for transmitting several diseases that are both life-threatening and fatal. In spite of all efforts to control the spread of mosquitoes and reducing their population, they are spreading widely and becoming more virulent. Some of the mosquito species have gained resistance to commercially available synthetic and chemical insecticides. Developing alternative natural insecticides is one of the most effective ways to combat vector mosquitoes. Secondary metabolites of plant origin are extensively used and come to the aid of humans. In the present study, the bioefficacy of Pentanema indicum is tested against immature stages of mosquitoes. Four extracts of P. indicum were employed for the larvicidal bioassay. Ethyl acetate extract possessed highest bioefficacy with LC50 values of 24.253 ppm and 26.020 ppm followed by hexane extract with 216.853 ppm and 66.030 ppm, chloroform with 359.611 ppm and 114.793 ppm, methanol extract demonstrated 161.709 ppm and 874.258 ppm against Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus respectively. The chromatogram (GC-MS) of the active ethyl acetate extract contains 23 phyto principles and the major compound is 1,2,3-propanetriol, 1-acetate. This study reveals that P. indicum possesses great larvicidal potency against mosquitoes and it could be a promising plant to control the mosquito population.
{"title":"Bioactive principle from Pentanema indicum against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus","authors":"Prince Paul, Kabilan Muralidharan, Duraipandiyan Veeramuthu","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mosquitoes wreak havoc in human lives as they are responsible for transmitting several diseases that are both life-threatening and fatal. In spite of all efforts to control the spread of mosquitoes and reducing their population, they are spreading widely and becoming more virulent. Some of the mosquito species have gained resistance to commercially available synthetic and chemical insecticides. Developing alternative natural insecticides is one of the most effective ways to combat vector mosquitoes. Secondary metabolites of plant origin are extensively used and come to the aid of humans. In the present study, the bioefficacy of <em>Pentanema indicum</em> is tested against immature stages of mosquitoes. Four extracts of <em>P. indicum</em> were employed for the larvicidal bioassay. Ethyl acetate extract possessed highest bioefficacy with LC<sub>50</sub> values of 24.253 ppm and 26.020 ppm followed by hexane extract with 216.853 ppm and 66.030 ppm, chloroform with 359.611 ppm and 114.793 ppm, methanol extract demonstrated 161.709 ppm and 874.258 ppm against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> respectively. The chromatogram (GC-MS) of the active ethyl acetate extract contains 23 phyto principles and the major compound is 1,2,3-propanetriol, 1-acetate. This study reveals that <em>P. indicum</em> possesses great larvicidal potency against mosquitoes and it could be a promising plant to control the mosquito population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143550099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant diseases and pathogens affect agricultural crop production and sustainable development worldwide. Although chemical tools for controlling the diseases in crops are available, many of them exhibit serious impacts, especially on human and animal health and environmental pollution. Biological control could be an alternative approach towards managing disease in crops that promotes eco-friendly agricultural practices for sustainable environments. Alternaria and Fusarium diseases are a major source of loss to farmers all over the world; they affect many vital vegetable and food crops. This study sought to evaluate the in vitro antifungal properties of bacterial strains isolated from solid organic waste, green household waste and poultry droppings against Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum phytopathogenic fungi. The antagonist Bacillus bacteria were screened based on in vitro direct confrontation with A. alternata and F. oxysporum; among 110 isolates, 9 strains were selected for their antifungal potential against F. oxysporum and A. alternata. Using the 16S rRNA gene, the selected Bacillus bacteria were identified at the species through molecular identification as B. siamensis, B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis. All antagonist strains were characterized for their possible mechanisms of biocontrol traits involved in these antifungal activities. Results showed that all selected Bacillus bacteria were found to be pectinase and amylase producers. However, only eight bacteria were found to produce proteases. Bioassays with the cell-free supernatants (CFSs) produced from B. amyloliquefaciens, B. siamensis and B. subtilis showed a significantly inhibited growth of F. oxysporum and A. alternata. Identifying effective biocontrol agents is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings, and their efficacy varies due to environmental and strain-specific factors. The findings indicate that antifungal compounds from B. siamensis, B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis could be an alternative approaches as biocontrol agents to fungal diseases, improving crop yields and sustainable agriculture.
{"title":"Isolation, characterization and antifungal activity of Bacillus antagonistic bacteria from decomposing solid organic waste against Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum","authors":"Fatima Zahrae Moussaid , Rachid Lahlali , Said Ezrari , Nabil Radouane , Abdelilah Iraqi Housseini","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant diseases and pathogens affect agricultural crop production and sustainable development worldwide. Although chemical tools for controlling the diseases in crops are available, many of them exhibit serious impacts, especially on human and animal health and environmental pollution. Biological control could be an alternative approach towards managing disease in crops that promotes eco-friendly agricultural practices for sustainable environments. <em>Alternaria</em> and <em>Fusarium</em> diseases are a major source of loss to farmers all over the world; they affect many vital vegetable and food crops. This study sought to evaluate the <em>in vitro</em> antifungal properties of bacterial strains isolated from solid organic waste, green household waste and poultry droppings against <em>Alternaria alternata</em> and <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> phytopathogenic fungi. The antagonist <em>Bacillus</em> bacteria were screened based on <em>in vitro</em> direct confrontation with <em>A. alternata</em> and <em>F. oxysporum</em>; among 110 isolates, 9 strains were selected for their antifungal potential against <em>F. oxysporum</em> and <em>A. alternata</em>. Using the 16S rRNA gene, the selected <em>Bacillus</em> bacteria were identified at the species through molecular identification as <em>B. siamensis, B. amyloliquefaciens</em> and <em>B. subtilis</em>. All antagonist strains were characterized for their possible mechanisms of biocontrol traits involved in these antifungal activities. Results showed that all selected <em>Bacillus</em> bacteria were found to be pectinase and amylase producers. However, only eight bacteria were found to produce proteases. Bioassays with the cell-free supernatants (CFSs) produced from <em>B. amyloliquefaciens, B. siamensis</em> and <em>B. subtilis</em> showed a significantly inhibited growth of <em>F. oxysporum</em> and <em>A. alternata</em>. Identifying effective biocontrol agents is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings, and their efficacy varies due to environmental and strain-specific factors. The findings indicate that antifungal compounds from <em>B. siamensis, B. amyloliquefaciens</em> and <em>B. subtilis</em> could be an alternative approaches as biocontrol agents to fungal diseases, improving crop yields and sustainable agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143550098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-03DOI: 10.1016/j.napere.2025.100123
Mike Vázquez-Torres , Nilka Rivera-Portalatín , Irma Cabrera-Asencio
Plant-based botanical insecticides are emerging as a promising solution for crop protection while minimizing concerns related to environmental pollution and insect resistance due to their natural origin. Leaf extracts from the folkloric medicinal plant Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae) were obtained through micro-Soxhlet extraction and subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify their phytochemical constituents. GC-MS profiling revealed that these extracts were mainly composed of carboxylic acids, esters, steroids, phenols, triterpenes, and other bioactive secondary metabolites. Phytocompounds with different biological activities such as di-isobutyl phthalate, hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, squalene, α-tocopherol, and stigmasterol were identified. Toxicity assessment through brine shrimp lethality tests proved the potential pesticidal activity of two of these extracts. The chloroform extract (GAC) was the most toxic against Artemia salina with an LC50 value of 92.85 μg/mL followed by the dichloromethane extract (GAD), which also resulted toxic but less than the positive control, with an LC50 of 485.46 μg/mL. Contact toxicity bioassays with Genipa leaf extracts against the striped mealybugs Ferrisia sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) demonstrated that the GAC extract has the maximum insecticidal response, with an LC50 of 7.89 mg/mL, followed by GAD extract, with an LC50 of 16.42 mg/mL. This is the first study in which Genipa americana leaf extracts are assessed for their insecticidal activity against striped mealybug insects spotlighting the potential of both GAC and GAD leaf extracts as natural insecticides against this pest of negative economic impact on agriculture.
基于植物的植物性杀虫剂正在成为一种有前途的作物保护解决方案，同时最大限度地减少对环境污染和昆虫抗性的担忧，因为它们的天然来源。采用微索氏提取法提取民间药用植物美洲真牙草（Genipa americana L., Rubiaceae）叶片提取物，采用气相色谱-质谱联用技术（GC-MS）对其化学成分进行鉴定。GC-MS分析显示，这些提取物主要由羧酸、酯类、类固醇、酚类、三萜和其他具有生物活性的次生代谢产物组成。鉴定出具有不同生物活性的植物化合物，如邻苯二甲酸二异丁酯、十六烷酸、亚油酸、角鲨烯、α-生育酚和豆甾醇。通过对卤虾致死试验进行毒性评价，证实了其中两种提取物具有潜在的杀虫活性。氯仿提取物（GAC）对盐碱蒿的毒性最大，LC50值为92.85 μg/mL，其次是二氯甲烷提取物（GAD），其毒性也较小，LC50值为485.46 μg/mL。金银花叶提取物对粉蚧虫（半翅目：假球虫科）的接触毒性生物试验表明，GAC提取物的杀虫效果最好，LC50为7.89 mg/mL，其次是GAD提取物，LC50为16.42 mg/mL。这是第一次对美洲金银花叶提取物对条纹粉蚧的杀虫活性进行评估的研究，突出了GAC和GAD叶提取物作为天然杀虫剂对这种对农业产生负面经济影响的害虫的潜力。
{"title":"GC-MS based phytoconstituents profiling, toxicity assessment, and potential of Genipa americana L. leaf extracts as natural insecticides against striped mealybugs Ferrisia sp.","authors":"Mike Vázquez-Torres , Nilka Rivera-Portalatín , Irma Cabrera-Asencio","doi":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.napere.2025.100123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant-based botanical insecticides are emerging as a promising solution for crop protection while minimizing concerns related to environmental pollution and insect resistance due to their natural origin. Leaf extracts from the folkloric medicinal plant <em>Genipa americana</em> L. (Rubiaceae) were obtained through micro-Soxhlet extraction and subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify their phytochemical constituents. GC-MS profiling revealed that these extracts were mainly composed of carboxylic acids, esters, steroids, phenols, triterpenes, and other bioactive secondary metabolites. Phytocompounds with different biological activities such as di-isobutyl phthalate, hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, squalene, α-tocopherol, and stigmasterol were identified. Toxicity assessment through brine shrimp lethality tests proved the potential pesticidal activity of two of these extracts. The chloroform extract (GAC) was the most toxic against <em>Artemia salina</em> with an LC<sub>50</sub> value of 92.85 μg/mL followed by the dichloromethane extract (GAD), which also resulted toxic but less than the positive control, with an LC<sub>50</sub> of 485.46 μg/mL. Contact toxicity bioassays with <em>Genipa</em> leaf extracts against the striped mealybugs <em>Ferrisia</em> sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) demonstrated that the GAC extract has the maximum insecticidal response, with an LC<sub>50</sub> of 7.89 mg/mL, followed by GAD extract, with an LC<sub>50</sub> of 16.42 mg/mL. This is the first study in which <em>Genipa americana</em> leaf extracts are assessed for their insecticidal activity against striped mealybug insects spotlighting the potential of both GAC and GAD leaf extracts as natural insecticides against this pest of negative economic impact on agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100809,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Natural Pesticide Research","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143550101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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