Natural Products in Crop Pest Management

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The significant enhancement in crop yields over the years has been facilitated, in part, by the use of chemicals for pest control. However, as the global population continues to grow in the coming decades and resistance to conventional pesticides persists, there is an ongoing demand for the discovery of new lead compounds. Natural products (NPs) are secondary metabolites isolated from living organisms and can be originated from plant, microbial, or animal origins. Due to their abundant biodiversity and environmentally friendly characteristics, NPs are being increasingly explored and developed. This is evident in the numerous NP-based crop protection compounds that have emerged.

In the context of this Topic, our focus will be on the isolation and characterization bioactive NPs from plants or microorganisms, synthetic compounds inspired by NPs, semi-synthetic chemicals derived from NPs, and the assessment of their biological activities for potential applications in crop protection.

We invite the submission of research articles, review articles, and short communications.

Prof. Dr. Yiming Wang
Dr. Danyu Shen
Dr. Wei Yan
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agrochemicals agrochemicals	-	-	2022	27 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Agronomy agronomy	3.4	6.7	2011	17 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Metabolites metabolites	3.7	6.9	2011	16.7 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	20 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Plants plants	4.1	7.6	2012	16.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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26 pages, 1967 KB  

Open AccessReview

Alkaloid-Based Insecticides as Possible Tools for Sustainable Agriculture: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges

by Everaldo Attard and Jules Siedenburg

Agrochemicals 2026, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals5020022 - 1 May 2026

Viewed by 430

Abstract

Alkaloids are structurally diverse, nitrogen-containing plant secondary metabolites with well-documented insecticidal activity. This review examines alkaloid-based insecticides, focusing on their chemical diversity, biosynthetic origins, plant distribution, and physicochemical properties relevant to pest control on farms. The principal molecular targets and modes of action [...] Read more.

Alkaloids are structurally diverse, nitrogen-containing plant secondary metabolites with well-documented insecticidal activity. This review examines alkaloid-based insecticides, focusing on their chemical diversity, biosynthetic origins, plant distribution, and physicochemical properties relevant to pest control on farms. The principal molecular targets and modes of action are discussed, including interactions with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, acetylcholinesterase, ryanodine receptors, and GABAergic signaling. Another focus is key metabolic enzymes, together with their activity spectra against major agricultural pests. Recent advances in rational structural modification, supported by crystallographic data, computational modeling, and structure–activity relationship studies, are highlighted as strategies to enhance the potency, selectivity, and stability of these compounds. Toxicological profiles, food residue behavior, analytical challenges, and regulatory considerations are critically assessed, emphasizing that natural origin does not equate to inherent safety. The review further evaluates the role of alkaloid-based insecticides within integrated pest management systems and identifies key research gaps related to environmental safety, non-target effects, and regulatory development and harmonization. It concludes that alkaloids are positioned as potentially valuable tools for sustainable agriculture when deployed within science-based regulatory frameworks and integrated control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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19 pages, 518 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Vernonia amygdalina (Asteraceae) Deters Colorado Potato Beetle—A Key Pest of Cultivated Potato

by Ikponmwosa Egbon and Andrei Alyokhin

Agrochemicals 2026, 5(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals5020015 - 24 Mar 2026

Viewed by 498

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae), commonly known as bitter leaf, is a tropical shrub that may potentially serve as a biopesticide against the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a key pest of potatoes. The beetle’s behavioral response to the methanolic leaf [...] Read more.

Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae), commonly known as bitter leaf, is a tropical shrub that may potentially serve as a biopesticide against the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a key pest of potatoes. The beetle’s behavioral response to the methanolic leaf extract of V. amygdalina was evaluated in this study. Using no-choice, dual-choice, and wind-tunnel assays under laboratory conditions, we evaluated responses of larvae and adults to potato leaf discs treated with V. amygdalina extract in a randomized complete block design, measuring feeding behavior, leaf damage levels, and remaining leaf area. The results showed that V. amygdalina had no biocidal effects against the beetle, as no mortality was incurred. However, dose-linked antifeedant effects were evident in both no-choice and dual-choice arenas. Vernonia amygdalina minimized leaf-area loss most effectively at the highest concentration, especially against the larvae. The extract showed no olfactory repellency but acted as an antifeedant, possibly through contact or taste (gustatory) receptors. The consistent behavioral avoidance at higher concentrations suggests that V. amygdalina acts as a form of deterrent against the Colorado potato beetle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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21 pages, 2144 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Agrochemicals and Biological Inputs in Soybean Farms in Brazil: Cases of Substitutive, Incremental, and Alternative Uses

by Gabriel da Silva Medina, Fernando Augusto da Silveira, Elis Marina de Freitas, Vitor Hugo Souza Resende and Éder de Souza Martins

Agrochemicals 2026, 5(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals5010013 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 968

Abstract

Farmers worldwide use agrochemicals and biological inputs to fertilize fields, manage pests and diseases, and promote plant growth. However, there is still limited field-based evidence on the extent to which biological inputs function as substitutes, incremental complements, or alternatives to agrochemicals in key [...] Read more.

Farmers worldwide use agrochemicals and biological inputs to fertilize fields, manage pests and diseases, and promote plant growth. However, there is still limited field-based evidence on the extent to which biological inputs function as substitutes, incremental complements, or alternatives to agrochemicals in key farming practices. This study presents preliminary results on the use of synthetic and biological inputs for the most common practices employed by large soybean farmers in central Brazil. We combined literature review, regulatory data on registered biological products, and in-person interviews with farmers and market experts. Our results show that, in most practices, biological products are adopted alongside the continued use of synthetic inputs, in some cases reducing the frequency or dosage of chemical applications. Inoculants based on nitrogen-fixing bacteria already substitute mineral nitrogen fertilization in soybean, while biosolubilizers and plant activators are used incrementally to enhance the efficiency of chemical fertilizers. Bioinsecticides and biofungicides are predominantly employed as alternatives within spray programs, especially in preventive or early interventions, thereby reducing the number of conventional pesticide sprays. Bionematicides emerge as the main biological tools used as substitutes for synthetic nematicides in preventive treatments, whereas biological herbicides are not yet available on the market. Field evidence presented in this study showed that farmers adopt biological products in diverse ways, including as substitutes, incremental, or alternatives to chemical products, depending on the technologies available. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding than the common views that, on one hand, biological inputs simply complement rather than substitute chemical products, and on the other, that biological solutions can fully substitute synthetic products. As environmental and economic implications, we conclude that biological inputs can underpin trajectories towards more regenerative management in large-scale soybean systems, even when synthetic inputs remain part of the production matrix. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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14 pages, 7563 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial and Herbicidal Secondary Metabolites from Insect-Associated Fungus Leptosphaeria sp. FZN28 in Mecopoda elongata

by Yu Li, Chuan Ping, Michi Yao, Liyifan Chen, Shuqi Su, Qi Zhu, Bo He, Yonghao Ye and Wei Yan

Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122673 - 21 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 500

Abstract

The global food security faces significant threats from phytopathogenic microbes and weeds. In this study, seven secondary metabolites (1–7) were isolated from the insect-associated fungus Leptosphaeria sp. FZN28 in Mecopoda elongata. Their structures were elucidated through a combination of spectroscopic [...] Read more.

The global food security faces significant threats from phytopathogenic microbes and weeds. In this study, seven secondary metabolites (1–7) were isolated from the insect-associated fungus Leptosphaeria sp. FZN28 in Mecopoda elongata. Their structures were elucidated through a combination of spectroscopic analyses. In bioactive assays, peniciphenalenin E (1) exhibited great antimicrobial activities against Phytophthora capsici and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, with EC₅₀ values of 8.8 and 10.8 μg/mL, respectively. Scleroderolide (2) demonstrated EC₅₀ values of 20.4 and 14.8 μg/mL against the same strains, respectively. Notably, as seen with in vitro assays, 100 μg/mL of 1 could effectively prevent infection of P. capsici with a protection efficacy of 69.1%, and compounds 1 and 2 at a concentration of 200 μg/mL could greatly inhibit disease development in S. sclerotiorum-infected cole leaves with inhibitory efficacies of 66.9% and 61.0%, respectively. Moreover, the two compounds could also affect the hyphal morphology of S. sclerotiorum and P. capsici via scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 at a concentration of 200 μg/mL could significantly inhibit the radicle growth and germ elongation of monocotyledon weed and dicotyledon weed, Echinochloa crusgalli and Eclipta prostrata. Considering their antimicrobial and herbicidal activities, compounds 1 and 2 showed promise for the development of new bio-pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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10 pages, 733 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Selected Biopesticides on Two Arthropod Pests of Cannabis sativa L. in Northeastern Oregon

by Tiziana Oppedisano, Silvia I. Rondon and Daniel I. Thompson

Agrochemicals 2025, 4(4), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals4040019 - 26 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1563

Abstract

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation in the United States has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Due to federal and state regulations, only a limited number of studies have examined the chemical options available for controlling pests on C. sativa. In [...] Read more.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation in the United States has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Due to federal and state regulations, only a limited number of studies have examined the chemical options available for controlling pests on C. sativa. In the U.S., two of the most important species of arthropod pests affecting C. sativa are the beet leafhopper Circulifer tenellus Baker (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). This study evaluated the effects of four biopesticides, Chromobacterium subtsugae, Burkholderia spp., Chenopodium ambrosioides, and azadirachtin, under greenhouse conditions against C. tenellus adults and nymphs and T. urticae adults. Biopesticides were applied to foliage using a calibrated hand sprayer. To evaluate the biopesticides’ potency, C. tenellus adults, nymphs, and mites were released 1 h after treatment; to evaluate the residual efficacy, they were released 7 days after treatment (DAT). In both experiments, C. tenellus adults, nymphs, and mites were counted 1, 3, and 7 days after release. Our results indicate that Burkholderia spp. exhibited the highest efficacy against C. tenellus adults at 7 DAT, whereas C. ambrosioides and azadirachtin caused the greatest nymphal mortality at 1 and 3 DAT, respectively. Our results show that Burkholderia spp. had the greatest potency against C. tenellus adults 7 DAT, while C. ambrosioides and azadirachtin highly affect the mortality of nymphs at 1 and 3 DAT, respectively. Treatments with C. subtsugae and C. ambrosioides showed high potency against T. urticae. Finally, C. subtsugae showed the lowest residual effect against the mite pest. The data presented in this article will add to the arsenal of information to improve the current management strategies used against these two hemp pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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22 pages, 4133 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Toxicity of Achillea millefolium L. Essential Oil Against Acrobasis advenella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

by Edyta Górska-Drabik, Katarzyna Golan, Cezary Sempruch, Grzegorz Chrzanowski, Michał P. Dybowski and Monika Poniewozik

Molecules 2025, 30(9), 1927; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30091927 - 26 Apr 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2473

Abstract

The solutions of essential oil (0.5%, 0.8%, and 1.0% w/v) derived from Achillea millefoilum (EOAM) were evaluated for their repellent and insecticidal activity toward Acrobasis advenella, as well as their effects on the activity of selected larval tissue enzymes. [...] Read more.

The solutions of essential oil (0.5%, 0.8%, and 1.0% w/v) derived from Achillea millefoilum (EOAM) were evaluated for their repellent and insecticidal activity toward Acrobasis advenella, as well as their effects on the activity of selected larval tissue enzymes. The chemical composition of the EOAM analyzed by GC-MS showed that the main compounds included β-pinene, chamazulene, eucalyptol, and β-caryophyllene. Selection tests showed that larvae avoided inflorescences treated with 0.8% and 1.0% EOAM concentrations. The mortality of larvae increased with concentration and time of exposure to the EO, and the highest mortality rate was observed after 72 h. In addition, the impact of EO was examined on the activity of catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), α- and β-glucosidases, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), i.e., important antioxidants, detoxification, digestive, and nervous system enzymes. A significant increase in CAT activity was found in larvae treated with 0.8% and 1.0% EOAM after both 24 and 48 h. Initially, treating larvae with 0.5% EO decreased β-glucosidase activity while increasing α-glucosidase activity. Moreover, 0.8% EOAM inhibited the activity of POX. These findings suggest that EOAM can affect important biochemical processes within the tissues of A. advenella larvae, making it a promising agent for the protection of black chokeberry crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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12 pages, 1145 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition, Repellency, and Insecticidal Activity of Pinus halenpenssis Leaf Essential Oil from Morocco on Adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

by Imane Naimi, Hafida Bouamama and Touria Ba M’hamed

Plants 2025, 14(3), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030407 - 30 Jan 2025

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3483

Abstract

Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum are two significant insect pests that affect the quality, quantity, and commercial value of stored products. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition, repellency, and insecticidal activity of Pinus halepensis leaf EO on adults [...] Read more.

Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum are two significant insect pests that affect the quality, quantity, and commercial value of stored products. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition, repellency, and insecticidal activity of Pinus halepensis leaf EO on adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The EO of P. halepensis Mill. was extracted using hydrodistillation and analyzed for its chemical composition by GC-MS. The major components identified were 1-nonadecene (25.51%), 1-hexadecene (20.79%), pimaric acid (16.71%), and palmitic acid (12.47%). The repellency test was determined by the area-preference method. P. halepensis EO exhibited significant repellent activity against T. castaneum and R. dominica. It showed high class IV repulsion rates, reaching 63.60% against T. castaneum and 66.50% against R. dominica. The repellent effect was most potent at the highest concentration tested (16 µL/mL), achieving a 100% efficacy against T. castaneum after 4 h and after 3 h against R. dominica. The contact toxicity test was carried out by impregnating filter paper disks with increasing doses of the EO studied. P. halepensis EO was the most toxic against R. dominica (LC₅₀ = 17.11 µL/mL, LC₉₀ = 30.02 µL/mL) and T. castaneum (LC₅₀ = 20.92 µL/mL, LC₉₀ = 32.18 µL/mL) after 96 h of exposure. The ability of P. halepensis EO to repel and eliminate insects suggests that it could be used as a new treatment to prevent insect infestations of R. dominica and T. castaneum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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18 pages, 2447 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Profiling Metabolites with Antifungal Activities from Endophytic Plant-Beneficial Strains of Pseudomonas chlororaphis Isolated from Chamaecytisus albus (Hack.) Rothm.

by Wojciech Sokołowski, Monika Marek-Kozaczuk, Piotr Sosnowski, Ewa Sajnaga, Monika Elżbieta Jach and Magdalena Anna Karaś

Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4370; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184370 - 14 Sep 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2934

Abstract

Fungal phytopathogens represent a large and economically significant challenge to food production worldwide. Thus, the application of biocontrol agents can be an alternative. In the present study, we carried out biological, metabolomic, and genetic analyses of three endophytic isolates from nodules of Chamaecytisus [...] Read more.

Fungal phytopathogens represent a large and economically significant challenge to food production worldwide. Thus, the application of biocontrol agents can be an alternative. In the present study, we carried out biological, metabolomic, and genetic analyses of three endophytic isolates from nodules of Chamaecytisus albus, classified as Pseudomonas chlororaphis acting as antifungal agents. The efficiency of production of their diffusible and volatile antifungal compounds (VOCs) was verified in antagonistic assays with the use of soil-borne phytopathogens: B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, and S. sclerotiorum. Diffusible metabolites were identified using chromatographic and spectrometric analyses (HPTLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS). The phzF, phzO, and prnC genes in the genomes of bacterial strains were confirmed by PCR. In turn, the plant growth promotion (PGP) properties (production of HCN, auxins, siderophores, and hydrolytic enzymes, phosphate solubilization) of pseudomonads were bioassayed. The data analysis showed that all tested strains have broad-range antifungal activity with varying degrees of antagonism. The most abundant bioactive compounds were phenazine derivatives: phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), 2-hydroxy-phenazine, and diketopiperazine derivatives as well as ortho-dialkyl-aromatic acids, pyrrolnitrin, siderophores, and HCN. The results indicate that the tested P. chlororaphis isolates exhibit characteristics of biocontrol organisms; therefore, they have potential to be used in sustainable agriculture and as commercial postharvest fungicides to be used in fruits and vegetables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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17 pages, 523 KB  

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Antifungal Potential of Carnosic Acid from Salvia somalensis against Phytopathogenic Fungi

by Valeria Iobbi, Marta Lo Vetere, Anna Paola Lanteri, Jakob K. Reinhardt, Ombeline Danton, Morris Keller, Matthias Hamburger, Annalisa Salis, Gianluca Damonte, Olivier Potterat and Angela Bisio

Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1444; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071444 - 2 Jul 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2682

Abstract

The aims of the present study were (i) to characterize the dichloromethane extract of the fresh aerial parts of S. somalensis, cultivated in Liguria (Italy), (ii) to quantify carnosic acid production and (iii) to find an eco-friendly alternative approach to control diseases [...] Read more.

The aims of the present study were (i) to characterize the dichloromethane extract of the fresh aerial parts of S. somalensis, cultivated in Liguria (Italy), (ii) to quantify carnosic acid production and (iii) to find an eco-friendly alternative approach to control diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi. The phytochemical investigation yielded several known terpenoids, as well as a diterpene, 4α,9α-epoxy-2H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-7(5H)-one, not previously described as a plant metabolite before. The results showed a noteworthy quantity of carnosic acid (113.90 µg/mg of dried extract). The potential antifungal activity of the plant surface extract and carnosic acid against five phytopathogenic fungi (Colletotrichum coccodes, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizoctonia solani) was considered. A complete inhibition of C. coccodes, S. sclerotiorum and R. solani mycelium growth was observed by carnosic acid at 500 µg/mL. High inhibition values were observed against B. cinerea and F. oxysporum compared to reference active ingredients. Four different B. cinerea strains exhibited a pronounced sensitivity to carnosic acid, as well as those originating from agricultural crop scenarios where a high load of active ingredient for gray mold control was historically adopted. Additionally, the formation and development of the germinative tube in B. cinerea were greatly slowed down. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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