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•Wide use of botanical insecticides is limited by the availability of certain plants. •Studies are needed to improve RNAi efficiency and to assess their safety risk. •Microbial insecticides are promising, but they only control a narrow range of pests. •Multitarget approach should be a promising strategy in future pest control. •Nanoformulation could enhance stability and control the release of bioinsecticides. Bioinsecticides are naturally-occurring substances from different sources that control insect pests. Ideal bioinsecticides should have low toxicity to non-target organisms. They should also be easily degraded in sewage treatment works and natural environments, highly effective in small quantities and affect target pests only. Public concerns about possible side-effects of synthetic pesticides have accelerated bioinsecticide research and development. However, to develop bioinsecticides into mainstream products, their high production costs, short shelf-life and often uncertain modes of action need to be considered. This review summarizes current progress on bioinsecticides which are categorized as biochemical insecticides and their derivatives, plant-incorporated protectants, and microbial bioinsecticides. The current constraints that prevent bioinsecticides from being widely used are discussed and future research directions are proposed.

Essential oils (EOs) are lipophilic secondary metabolites obtained from plants; terpenoids represent the main components of them. A lot of studies showed neurotoxic actions of EOs. In insects, they cause paralysis followed by death. This feature let us consider components of EOs as potential bioinsecticides. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the one of the most investigated mechanisms of action in EOs. However, EOs are rather weak inhibitors of AChE. Another proposed mechanism of EO action is a positive allosteric modulation of GABA receptors (GABArs). There are several papers that prove the potentiation of GABA effect on mammalian receptors induced by EOs. In contrast, there is lack of any data concerning the binding of EO components in insects GABArs. In insects, EOs act also via the octopaminergic system. Available data show that EOs can increase the level of both cAMP and calcium in nervous cells. Moreover, some EO components compete with octopamine in binding to its receptor. Electrophysiological experiments performed on Periplaneta americana have shown similarity in the action of EO components and octopamine. This suggests that EOs can modify neuron activity by octopamine receptors. A multitude of potential targets in the insect nervous system makes EO components interesting candidates for bio-insecticides.

This study aimed to evaluate the yield of essential oil extracted from different sample and pH compositions, as well as the insecticidal potential of Pinus taeda essential oil. For this, samples composed only of needle and composed of needle and branches were kept in solvent water at different pH (3, 4, 5 and 6). Subsequently, the oils extracted in the different pH treatments were added in a proportion of 25% to Tween® (20%) and sunflower oil (55%) forming a concentrated bioinsecticide solutions at each pH. Solutions were diluted in deionized water to final concentrations of 12.5, 6.2, 3.1 and 0% oil. The samples containing needles and branches, as well as those extracted at pH between 4 and 6, provided a higher yield of essential oil. The bioinsecticide formulations containing the highest concentrations of essential oil extracted at pH 3 showed the best results in the control of S. zeamais. The essential oil of P. taeda has potential for the preparation of bioinsecticides and can be extracted from samples containing needles and twigs in a solvent with pH 3. Bioinsecticide solutions of higher concentrations are more efficient in controlling S. zeamais after 24 hours of exposure.

The phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch 1856) (Hemiptera; Phylloxeridae) is one of the main pests of grapevines, feeding on the leaves and roots. In Brazil, the presence of winter eggs has been identified on branches of the ‘Paulsen 1103’ rootstock, which could be a source of leaf and root infesting forms during vegetative phase. This study evaluated alternatives for controlling ‘winter eggs’ in potted cuttings of the ‘Paulsen 1103’ rootstock and evaluate the effect of bioinsecticides and insecticides on the root-galling form in the laboratory. In this study, it was found that heat treatment at 50 °C for 30 min resulted in no galls forming on the leaves (100% mortality of winter eggs). Similar results were obtained using standard insecticides Imidacloprid (Provado® 200 SC) and Flupyradifurone (Sivanto® Prime 200 SL). In treatments in which the cuttings were subjected to the sodium hypochlorite, leaf galls were formed (average of 1.5 gall). The commercial products Meta-Turbo® SC, Metarril® WP E9, Bovéria-Turbo®, FlyControl® WP and Octane®, resulted in low root-galling form mortality at 15 days after application (<16% mortality). Meanwhile, the garlic-based plant extract Eco Tirano® caused 72.6% mortality, which was similar to standard insecticides Provado® 200 SC and Sivanto® Prime 200 SL. Based on the results, heat treatment is an alternative for controlling winter eggs in the process of forming grapevine seedlings and the plant extract-based Eco Tirano® and the Provado® 200 SC and Sivanto® Prime 200 SL are potential insecticides for reducing infestations of the root-galling form of phylloxera in grapevine cultivation. RESUMO: A filoxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch 1856) (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) é uma das principais pragas da videira, alimentandose nas folhas e raízes. No Brasil, a presença de ovos de inverno foi identificada em ramos do porta-enxerto ‘Paulsen 1103’ podendo ser uma fonte de formas infestantes de folhas e raízes durante a fase vegetativa. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar alternativas de controle de ovos de inverno em estacas lenhosas do porta-enxerto ‘Paulsen 1103’ e avaliar o efeito de bioinseticidas e inseticidas sobre a forma radícola em laboratório. No presente estudo, foi verificado que o tratamento térmico a 50 °C por 30 min resultou na não formação de galhas nas folhas (mortalidade de 100% dos ovos de inverno). Resultados semelhantes foram Imidacloprido (Provado® 200 SC) e Flupiradifurrona (Sivanto® Prime 200 SL). Nos tratamentos em que as estacas foram submetidas à Câmara fria (2 a 4 °C por 50 dias) e Câmara fria (2 a 4 °C por 50 dias + Hipoclorito de sódio) houve formação de galhas nas folhas (média de 1,5 galha). Os produtos comerciais Meta-Turbo® SC, Metarril® WP E9, Bovéria-Turbo®, FlyControl® WP e Octane®, resultaram em baixa mortalidade da forma radícola aos 15 dias após a aplicação (<16% de mortalidade). Por sua vez, o extrato de plantas à base de alho Eco Tirano® causou 72,6% de mortalidade, sendo similar aos inseticidas Provado® 200 SC e Sivanto® Prime 200 SL. Com base nos resultados, o tratamento térmico é uma alternativa para o controle dos ovos de inverno no processo de formação de mudas de videira o extrato de plantas Eco Tirano® e os inseticidas Provado® 200 SC e Sivanto® Prime 200 SL são potenciais inseticidas para proporcionar a redução das infestações da forma radícola da filoxera na cultura da videira.

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

Background & objectives: In Brazil, one of the visceral leishmaniasis control measures in urban environments is the elimination of Lutzomyia longipalpis, which occurs through the application of pyrethroid insecticides with residual action in homes and outbuildings. Due to the loss of sensitivity of this vector to these insecticides, the search for more efficient insecticide compounds against L. longipalpis has been intensified. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of Trixis vauthieri essential oil on adult sandflies of the species L. longipalpis, and identify the phytochemical composition of these essential oils. Methods: Essential oils from leaves collected from T. vauthieri at different times were obtained at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL. Twenty sandflies were exposed to the essential oils and the mortality was evaluated after 1, 2, 4, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h. The chemical constituents of the essential oil were also identified. Results: The essential oils of T. vauthieri at a concentration of 20 mg/mL were the most toxic to sandflies, reaching a mortality rate of 98.33% and 95%, respectively, after 72 h of exposure. The analysis of chemical constituents revealed the presence of triterpenes and/or steroids, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and coumarins. Interpretation & conclusion: The results obtained suggest that T. vauthieri essential oil is fairly promising as an insecticidal potential against L. longipalpis. A more detailed analysis of the oil's phytochemical composition is necessary to identify active and pure compounds that can be used in vector control of visceral leishmaniasis.

The use of synthetic insecticides has been a solution to reduce mosquito-borne disease transmission for decades. Currently, no single intervention is sufficient to reduce the global disease burden caused by mosquitoes. Problems associated with extensive usage of synthetic compounds have increased substantially which makes mosquito-borne disease elimination and prevention more difficult over the years. Thus, it is crucial that much safer and effective mosquito control strategies are developed. Natural compounds from plants have been efficiently used to fight insect pests for a long time. Plant-based bioinsecticides are now considered a much safer and less toxic alternative to synthetic compounds. Here, we discuss candidate plant-based compounds that show larvicidal, adulticidal, and repellent properties. Our discussion also includes their mode of action and potential impact in mosquito disease transmission and circumvention of resistance. This review improves our knowledge on plant-based bioinsecticides and the potential for the development of state-of-the-art mosquito control strategies.

The extensive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has negative consequences in terms of soil microbial biodiversity and environmental contamination. Faced with this growing concern, a proposed alternative agricultural method is the use of microorganisms as biofertilizers. Many works have been focused on bacteria, but the limited literature on yeasts and their potential ability to safely promote plant growth is gaining particular attention in recent years. Thus, the objective of this review is to highlight the application of yeasts as biological agents in different sectors of sustainable agricultural practices through direct or indirect mechanisms of action. Direct mechanisms include the ability of yeasts to provide soluble nutrients to plants, produce organic acids and phytohormones (indole-3-acetic acid). Indirect mechanisms involve the ability for yeasts to act as biocontrol agents through their high antifungal activity and lower insecticidal and herbicidal activity, and as soil bioremediating agents. They also act as protective agents against extreme environmental factors by activating defense mechanisms. It is evident that all the aspects that yeasts offer could be useful in the creation of quality biofertilizers and biopesticides. Hence, extensive research on yeasts could be promising and potentially provide an environmentally friendly solution to the increased crop production that will be required with a growing population.

Artemisia herba-alba Asso (A. herba-alba) (Asteraceae) is widely used in herbal medicine as it is a mine of natural molecules such as davanone, which is an interesting product on the international market. The present research proposes a method for controlling the late larval (L4) and pupal stages of Culex pipiens based on the essential oil of A. herba-alba. The aerial part of this plant was extracted by hydrodistillation and then analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (CPG/SM) to determine its chemical composition. Three concentrations (1, 5 and 10 μl/ml) were prepared and directly tested on larvae (L4) and pupae under laboratory conditions to measure LC50, LC90, LT50, and LT90 values. The yield obtained in this study was 1.5%. Further, the analysis showed that the oil of A. herba-alba is a davanone chemotype that consists mainly of davanone (48.8%). The efficiency of this essential oil for toxicological parameters (LC50 and LC90) were 3.278 μl/ml and 7.573 μl/ml for larvae, and 1.213 μl/ml and 2.288 μl/ml for pupae. This study indicates that the essential oil of A. herba-alba has toxic properties for Cx. pipiens larvae and pupae. These results are encouraging and open up exciting and promising horizons for its application in the production of bioinsecticides.

Endophytic fungi offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides, providing targeted pest control with reduced environmental toxicity and lower risk of resistance development. In this study, four endophytic fungi were isolated from Olea europaea and their ethyl acetate extracts’ larvicidal efficacy of Culex pipiens . Boxplot distributions revealed a positive correlation between metabolite concentration and larval mortality, with higher doses inducing greater lethality. Extracts 1 and 2 exhibited the highest larvicidal activity, with median mortality rates exceeding 60%, while Extracts 3 and 4 demonstrated significantly weaker effects. Dose-response curves further confirmed the potency of Extracts 1 and 2, with lower LC₅₀ values (148.36 and 153.36 µg/mL) compared to Extracts 3 and 4. The histological analysis revealed a dose-dependent impact, with minimal tissue alterations at 25–50 µg/mL, while 150–200 µg/mL caused severe disorganization, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. The most potent isolates, Aspergillus niger (Extract 1) and Aspergillus flavus (Extract 2), were identified morphologically and molecularly, with NCBI accession numbers PQ269689 and PQ269690, respectively. GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds, including oleic acid and hexadecanoic acid, supporting their insecticidal potential. These findings highlight A. niger and A. flavus ethyl acetate extracts as promising sources of bioinsecticides for pest control.