Search Results (4,313)

Invasive plant species are increasingly recognized not only as ecological threats but also as potential sources of bioactive compounds with agricultural applications. However, the combined allelopathic and insecticidal potential of Ailanthus altissima’s different plant parts remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the bioactivity of different plant part (leaf, bark, and branch) extracts of A. altissima. Secondary metabolites were characterized by HPLC–DAD–MS, while ethanol extracts (0.5–5%) were tested on wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed germination, seedling growth, oxidative status, and on the survival and repellency of the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). Biological responses were strongly plant part and concentration-dependent. Leaf extracts contained the highest phenolic levels, dominated by caffeoylquinic acids and quercetin derivatives, whereas bark and branch extracts showed lower but compositionally distinct profiles. Despite this, bark and branch extracts produced the strongest biological effects, inhibiting germination energy and root growth at higher concentrations, while leaf extracts stimulated seedling performance, including increased vigor index, while in insect bioassays, bark and branch extracts caused higher mortality and stronger suppression of rice weevil populations. This study provides new evidence that biomass extracts of the invasive species A. altissima represent a promising source of biologically active compounds with both allelopathic and insecticidal properties, highlighting its potential valorization as a plant-based biopesticide for sustainable pest management. Full article

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is a globally important pest of stored products, and prolonged fumigant use has accelerated resistance development. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are key phase II detoxification enzymes that mediate insect tolerance to xenobiotics. In this study, we identified nine GST genes (LsGSTs) in L. serricorne and classified them into four cytosolic classes, namely epsilon, delta, theta, and sigma, based on phylogenetic analysis. Most LsGSTs were predominantly expressed during larval stages, while LsGSTs7 showed peak expression in adults. Tissue-specific profiling revealed predominant expression in metabolically active organs, including the fat body, Malpighian tubules, and midgut. Inhibition of GST activity using diethyl maleate (DEM) significantly increased larval susceptibility to three emerging fumigants: ethyl formate, benzothiazole, and methyl isothiocyanate. Exposure to LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ concentrations of these fumigants induced up-regulation of multiple LsGSTs, highlighting fumigant-specific detoxification responses. RNA interference targeting nine fumigant-inducible LsGSTs markedly elevated mortality and decreased total GST activity under fumigant stress. Furthermore, recombinant LsGSTs6 protein effectively metabolized methyl isothiocyanate, confirming their direct role in fumigant detoxification. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying GST-mediated tolerance in L. serricorne and identify specific GST isoenzymes as promising molecular targets for innovative resistance management strategies in stored-product pest control. Full article

The green synthesis of nanoparticles offers a solution to control pesticide-resistant pests while minimizing environmental and health risks. Thrips tabaci is an injurious pest that attacks garlic crops and spreads the Iris yellow spot virus. The present research was performed to evaluate the synergistic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by Teucrium polium with Spinosad against T. tabaci and assess their impact on garlic photosynthetic pigments. The characterization of the prepared nanoparticles was carried out by SEM, XRD, and Malvern zeta sizer. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using microdilution. Photosynthetic pigments were measured with a spectrophotometer after treating garlic cloves with four different concentrations of AgNPs and Spinosad mixture along with positive control (Spinosad) and negative control (tap water). Toxic bioassays were conducted under laboratory, greenhouse, and open field conditions. The results indicate all treatments, except for the 100% AgNPs, resulted in 100% second instar larvae and adult mortality after 72 h in the laboratory. In greenhouse conditions, the 50% Spinosad–50% AgNPs achieved 93.85% larvae mortality, and the 75% Spinosad–25% AgNPs achieved 100% adult mortality after a week. In open field conditions, the combination 50% Spinosad–50% AgNPs showed high efficacy, resulting in 65.97% mortality of larvae and 73.06% mortality of adults after 72 h. This study reveals that AgNPs have active pesticide properties against T. tabaci with minimal environmental and health risks. Full article

Background: In 2018, malaria remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accounting for 44% of all outpatient visits and 22% of deaths. This led to the development of the strategic plan for 2020–2023. To meet the objectives of this renewed plan, a monitoring and evaluation program focusing on performance indicators was established. This study aimed to assess the malaria control performance indicators in Kinshasa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study used the National Malaria Control Program dataset of the period 2020–2023 to analyze malaria data from 23 HZ (Health Zone) in Kinshasa. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive use of LLINs (long-lasting insecticidal nets) and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamin-based IPT (intermittent preventive treatment among pregnant women) indicators were evaluated following the targeted thresholds established in the strategic plan for 2020–2023. Results: Malaria was present in all studied HZ from 2020 to 2023, with a heterogeneous distribution. The malaria incidence during the study period was 30%, with an upward trend in both suspected and confirmed cases, peaking in 2022 and showing no further fluctuations thereafter. The proportion of LLINs distributed to pregnant women during antenatal care visits was 62%, 61%, 45%, and 88% in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. A total of 83.1% of suspected malaria cases were diagnosed using RDT (Rapid Diagnosis Test), and confirmed malaria cases received antimalarial treatment. Conclusions: The objectives of the 2020–2023 strategic plan were only partially achieved, and no HZ reached 100% diagnosis by RDT, with only four HZs reaching at least 95% of the target. Thirty-four HZs were able to benefit from 95% treatment with antimalarial drugs. Full article

Insect populations are increasingly exposed to concurrent climate warming and agrochemical contamination, yet how these stressors interact to influence reproductive performance remains poorly understood. Because fertility can constrain population growth before survival declines, understanding how environmental stress affects reproduction is essential for predicting demographic responses. Here, we investigated how elevated temperatures and sublethal imidacloprid exposure during development and early-life interact with the insecticide resistance locus Cyp6g1 to influence male reproductive performance in Drosophila melanogaster. Males were reared from embryo to adulthood under factorial combinations of temperature and insecticide exposure, and mating behaviour and fertilisation success were subsequently quantified under benign assay conditions. Early-life heat reduced fertilisation success in a genotype-dependent manner, with a pronounced collapse observed in insecticide-susceptible males. Sublethal insecticide exposure modified this thermal response, restoring fertilisation success in susceptible males and producing non-additive interactions between thermal and agrochemical stress. In contrast, although mating frequency varied across treatments, it did not show the pronounced decline observed in fertilisation success, indicating that behavioural engagement does not necessarily predict functional reproductive output. These results suggest that environmental stress experienced during early-life can reshape reproductive performance, potentially through genotype-dependent shifts in physiological investment. Considering developmental stress history and genetic variation will therefore be important for predicting insect population responses to climate warming and environmental contamination. Full article

Stable nanoemulsions with fine droplets reduce organic solvent use and improve the dispersion of hydrophobic pesticide. However, current studies on deltamethrin nanoemulsion lack systematic formula optimization, performance evaluation and biosafety assessment. This study developed a stable deltamethrin nanoemulsion (Del@Ne) and tested its physicochemical properties, insecticidal activity and non-target safety. In 2025, the effects of surfactant ratio, dosage, preparation temperature and emulsification method on emulsion stability was systematically investigated. The optimal formula contained an active ingredient (2.5% deltamethrin), a surfactant ratio of 8:1 (#601:#500), a 6% surfactant dosage, a 17.25% oil phase (S-100:DMF = 20:3), and deionised water filled to 100%, prepared by adding deionised water to an oil phase containing deltamethrin and surfactants at 40 °C. Del@Ne exhibited small droplet size and good storage stability (TSI ≈ 1), which had better wettability on peach leaves with contact angle falling from 40.4° to 21.6° in 120 s. Del@Ne also gave higher toxicity against Myzus persicae (LC₅₀ = 66.85 mg L⁻¹) than Del@EC (80.69 mg L⁻¹), while showing lower toxicity to zebrafish, earthworms and Harmonia axyridis, as well as better biocompatibility with human L02 hepatocytes. These results provide references for rapid screening of nanoemulsion formulation parameters and also offer insights for the efficient utilization of hydrophobic pesticides. Full article

Basil essential oil (BEO) has emerged as a promising natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. BEO has shown antimicrobial, antifungal, anticoccidial, antioxidant, and insecticidal properties. BEO exhibits broad antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and modulates gut microbiota by decreasing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. Anticoccidial effects include reduced oocyst shedding, improved intestinal morphology, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Antifungal activity reduces fungal load and inhibits Aspergillus spp., with implications for control spoilage and aflatoxin risk. BEO at a concentration of 40 ppm was effective in preventing E. tenella invasion, showing an average reduction in invasion by 36% in primary chicken epithelial cells. Antioxidant benefits include enhanced intestinal and systemic antioxidant status. Advanced nanoformulation technologies, particularly nano-encapsulation, have substantially overcome several limitations for BEO application in poultry. Further research is still required to assess the efficacy of nano-encapsulated BEO for enhancing overall poultry industry productivity. This review synthesizes current evidence on BEO integration in the poultry production sections, from nutrition and disease control to product preservation and farm hygiene, and evaluates technological solutions that address formulation barriers. Moreover, it discusses critical research gaps and proposes future directions for enhancing BEO applications in sustainable poultry production systems. Full article

The use of Steinernema carpocapsae infective juveniles as biological control agents is a long-standing practice, yet the oral impact of their secreted venom proteins on crop pests remains largely unknown. We evaluated the oral toxicity of S. carpocapsae venom proteins against Spodoptera frugiperda using artificial diet assays. Ingestion caused significant dose-dependent toxicity in early-instar larvae, resulting in mortality and a prolonged developmental duration. Carry-over effects were profound; treated pupae were smaller and malformed, with only 19% of larvae fed on 1000 ng g⁻¹ venom protein-supplemented diet reaching adulthood compared to 92% in controls. Surviving adults lived 30% fewer days and laid over 90% fewer morphologically normal eggs. These physiological disruptions coincided with elevated oxidative stress and detoxification enzyme activity, suggesting the venom induces oxidative and detoxification responses, which may be associated with the observed phenotypic alterations. This study provides the first demonstration of the oral toxicity of entomopathogenic nematode venom proteins, positioning them as a promising resource for the discovery of novel insecticidal proteins for sustainable pest management. Full article

The use of botanical extracts derived from Jatropha spp. offers a sustainable alternative for controlling insect pests, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the published evidence on the insecticidal activity of these extracts. Electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant studies evaluating Jatropha spp. botanical extracts against insect pests, including mortality, antifeedant activity, time of development, oviposition inhibition, and repellency. A random-effects meta-analysis for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals was employed to compare treated insects against a control group. The study encompassed 77 articles, which evaluated extracts from various botanical parts of Jatropha curcas and Jatropha gossypifolia against insects from nine taxonomic orders. The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts from leaves and seeds were effective in increasing the mortality rate of treated insects. These extracts also affected the insects by prolonging development time, reducing weight gain in larvae and pupae, inhibiting oviposition, and increasing the percentage of repellency. Consequently, the foliar application of botanical extracts obtained from the leaves and seeds of J. curcas and J. gossypifolia represent a sustainable and agroecological alternative for the control of insect pests from different taxonomic orders. Full article

A comprehensive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 50 pesticide biomarkers across nine current-use chemical classes in human urine. These classes include organophosphorus insecticides (which encompass dialkyl phosphates and specific metabolites), pyrethroid insecticides, fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, herbicides, insect repellents, organochlorine pesticide metabolites, and plant growth regulators. The method employs solid-phase extraction (SPE) for sample preparation, requiring only 0.2 mL of urine. Chromatographic separation was optimized using a Hypersil Gold AQ column, achieving a total run time of 18 min. Mass spectrometric detection utilized polarity switching in electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Method validation demonstrated satisfactory linearity (R² > 0.99), high sensitivity with limits of detection ranging from 0.01 to 0.88 ng/mL, and extraction efficiencies between 85% and 113%. Precision and accuracy were within acceptable ranges, with relative standard deviations generally below 15%. The method’s robustness was confirmed through participation in external quality assessment schemes. Application to real samples revealed significant inter-individual variability in pesticide biomarker concentrations, with total measured biomarker levels ranging from 89 to 1242 ng/mL across the 10 individuals analyzed. This method offers comprehensive coverage of current-use pesticide chemical classes, including 30 biomarkers from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) biomonitoring program, and demonstrates improved sensitivity and broader analyte coverage compared to existing methods. The developed assay provides a valuable tool for large-scale biomonitoring studies and environmental health research. Full article

Background: The extensive use of insecticides in modern agriculture has raised concerns about potential chronic effects on human health beyond acute toxicity. Limited evidence exists regarding their impact on immune regulation and intestinal barrier integrity, two key components of host-environment interactions. Methods: Human in-vitro models were used to investigate the immunomodulatory and intestinal effects of several commonly used agricultural insecticides. Primary human macrophages derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to insecticides to assess cell viability and polarization status. Intestinal barrier function was evaluated using Caco-2 cell monolayers by measuring oxidative stress, epithelial integrity, paracellular permeability, and tight junction organization. Results: The tested insecticides induced a pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype, characterized by increased expression of M1 markers and reduced M2 markers, without affecting cell viability. In Caco-2 cells, insecticide exposure compromised epithelial barrier integrity and disrupted tight junction organization. In this context, neither Spinetoram nor Spirotetramat induced notable oxidative stress under pro-oxidant conditions. However, Spirotetramat caused a significant increase in paracellular permeability. Conclusions: These findings indicate that commonly used insecticides can modulate immune responses and impair intestinal barrier function, suggesting potential mechanisms by which chronic low-level exposure may contribute to immune dysregulation and epithelial dysfunction in humans. Full article

Antheraea pernyi larvae growing in the wild suffer damage from the drift diffusion of insecticides used in surrounding farmland. In this study, we assessed the toxicity of beta-cypermethrin, chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam to different A. pernyi strains. It was found that the lowest LC₅₀ value of the Liaocanda9 strain against beta-cypermethrin (0.008 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the Kangda strain (0.0047 mg/L). Additionally, beta-cypermethrin exposure was associated with significant increases in detoxification and antioxidant enzyme activities in both strains. Transcriptomic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in pathways related to oxidoreductase activity and transmembrane transporter activity terms. Furthermore, these genes were differentially expressed following the beta-cypermethrin exposure. The dsRNA injection treatment effectively inhibited the expression of P450 genes, thereby reducing the tolerance of A. pernyi against beta-cypermethrin by 25.93–55.56%. Molecular docking predicted that beta-cypermethrin bound to ABCG1, ABCG5, and CYP9A22 with hydrogen bonds. These results indicate that ABC transporters and P450s contribute to the tolerance of A. pernyi against beta-cypermethrin. Full article

Botanical insecticides containing a mixture of plant essential oils (EOs) are considered suitable for the management of houseflies (M. domestica). The adulticidal efficacies of single EOs and mixtures of EOs, including lemongrass (C. citratus), star anise (I. verum), nutmeg (M. fragrans), and their components (geranial, trans-anethole, and α-pinene), against houseflies were determined in comparison to 2% (w/v) α-cypermethrin as the positive control and distilled water as the negative control. The mixture of star anise EO (1%) + geranial (1%) was the most effective adulticide, superseding single EOs, other combinations of EOs, and its active component, α-cypermethrin, and distilled water. This mixture was highly synergistic and was found to be over 74% more toxic than all single EOs and almost 2.6 times more toxic than α-cypermethrin. Furthermore, the tested EOs did not cause mortality in guppies (P. reticulata) or earthworms (E. fetida), and caused a maximum of 48% mortality in honeybees (A. mellifera) at 24 h; by contrast, α-cypermethrin led to 100% mortality in honeybees within 0.5 h and in guppies and earthworms within 24 h, although it had low toxicity toward houseflies. Thus, a mixture of star anise EO + geranial is a promising source of EO-derived insecticides for housefly control that is also safe for important non-target species. Full article

The invasive yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax has spread across Europe following its accidental introduction into France in 2004. This species adversely affects biodiversity, apiculture, pomiculture and viticulture, and human health. Current management relies predominantly on nest destruction; however, manual removal is often logistically challenging and costly because nests are typically located high in trees (up to 30 m), frequently necessitating vehicle-mounted lifts. Ground-based application of biocides using long injection lances is comparatively rapid and inexpensive, but in many countries, insecticides are not permitted because the products are not specifically authorized for hornet control. Consequently, alternative approaches are needed. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of activated charcoal for nest destruction in V. v. nigrithorax. We injected 145 nests with 50–100 g of activated charcoal and subsequently destroyed the nests. One week later, we assessed worker survival and the establishment of new nests. Emergency nest construction by surviving workers was observed in three of 145 cases (2.1%). This rate was comparable to that observed following insecticide treatment (two of 136 cases; 1.5%). Activated charcoal therefore appears to be similarly effective to insecticide-based control while offering advantages in terms of environmental compatibility, user safety, ease of handling, and legal applicability in Europe. Activated charcoal may represent a practical alternative to manual nest removal and unauthorized insecticide use. Full article

Lippia origanoides Kunth (Verbenaceae family), popularly known in northern Brazil as “Salva-de-Marajó”, is a native plant widely used in traditional medicine and cooking. While previous studies have addressed its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, its ability to inhibit disease-related enzymes has received limited attention. This study investigated the essential oil (EO) of L. origanoides as a source of enzyme inhibitors relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic disorders and skin pigmentation disorders. The EO showed strong inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (IC₅₀: 22.9 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀: 14.6 μg/mL), indicating potential for managing neurodegenerative conditions and diabetes, respectively. Moderate inhibition was observed for lipase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. Although carvacrol, the major EO constituent, contributed significantly to these effects, it did not fully explain the observed bioactivity. Bio-guided fractionation revealed that oxygenated compounds were mainly responsible for inhibiting cholinesterases and lipase, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition was associated with hydrocarbon compounds. Both fractions contributed to tyrosinase inhibition, reinforcing the EO’s relevance for treating hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, the EO demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, largely linked to carvacrol and oxygenated constituents. Chemical characterization by GC-MS, GC-FID and enantiomeric analysis strengthened the relationship between composition and bioactivity. Overall, L. origanoides EO emerged as a promising multifunctional natural product for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Full article