Research on Natural Bioactive Product-Based Pesticidal Agents—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

At present, chemical pesticides remain an effective means to control pests. However, the consequent problems of pest resistance and resurgence, with serious repercussions such as chemical pesticide residues that impact food safety, human health, and the ecological environment, remain. Given that natural bioactive product-based pesticides originate from secondary metabolites of plants, fungi, bacteria, and other natural sources, which are produced under the selective forces driving co-evolution between organisms and the environment (life and non-life), they often experience less or slower resistance development and are more eco-friendly. Therefore, the application of natural bioactive products, which represent a priceless source of green pesticides, has received increasing attention. Conversely, when compared with chemical pesticides, to improve their agricultural properties, using them as lead compounds for structural optimization is highly desirable. Bioactive natural products, as an invaluable source for structural diversity and biological activity, can promote, either directly or indirectly, the discovery of green pesticide candidates. In particular, the study of their mechanisms of action against pests is also important for the development of pesticidal agents.

Therefore, as a part of this Topic, entitled “Research on Natural Bioactive Product-Based Pesticidal Agents—2nd Edition”, we will present three recent achievements in this field, namely, the isolation and structural elucidation of natural bioactive products (NBPs), structural modification of NBPs, and discovery of the mechanisms of NBPs as pesticidal agents. Original research articles and review articles addressing major issues related to natural bioactive product-based pesticidal agents are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Min Lv
Prof. Dr. Hui Xu
Topic Editors