Acaricidal, Insecticidal, and Nematicidal Efficiency of Essential Oils Isolated from the Satureja Genus

Abstract

The overuse of synthetic pesticides in plant protection strategies has resulted in numerous side effects, including environmental contamination, food staff residues, and a threat to non-target organisms. Several studies have been performed to assess the pesticidal effects of plant-derived essential oils and their components, as partially safe and effective agents, on economically important pests. The essential oils isolated from Satureja species are being used in medicinal, cosmetic, and food industries. Their great potential in pest management is promising, which is related to high amounts of terpenes presented in this genus. This review is focused on the acute and chronic acaricidal, insecticidal, and nematicidal effects of Satureja essential oil and their main components. The effects of eighteen Satureja species are documented, considering lethality, repellency, developmental inhibitory, and adverse effects on the feeding, life cycle, oviposition, and egg hatching. Further, the biochemical impairment, including impairments in esterases, acetylcholinesterase, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases functions, are also considered. Finally, encapsulation and emulsification methods, based on controlled-release techniques, are suggested to overcome the low persistence and water solubility restrictions of these biopesticides. The present review offers Satureja essential oils and their major components as valuable alternatives to synthetic pesticides in the future of pest management.

Chemical Profiles and Insecticidal Potential of Essential Oils Isolated from Four Thymus Species against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)

“…The promising insecticidal effects of plant-derived essential oils fumigated on several stored product insect pests have been reported [8][9][10]. Recently, the insecticidal activities of essential oils against R. dominica were reported: The significant fumigant toxicity of essential oil extracted from Satureja intermedia C. A. Mey was revealed against the adults Plants 2022, 11, 1567 2 of 17 of R. dominica which positively depended on the concentration of the essential oil and the exposure times [11].…”

Anti-Trypanosomatidae Activity of Essential Oils and Their Main Components from Selected Medicinal Plants

“…Another plant species with strong anti-kinetoplastid activity in our study was S. montana . The genus Satureja comprises numerous species of shrubs or aromatic herbs with acaricidal, insecticidal, and antiparasitic properties [ 45 ]. Satureja montana EO has interesting properties against bacteria, fungi, viruses, helminths, insects, and protozoa [ 24 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ].…”

Encapsulation of Eucalyptus largiflorens Essential Oil by Mesoporous Silicates for Effective Control of the Cowpea Weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

“…Along with significant roles in pollinator attraction and plant–plant interactions, these secondary metabolites are coevolved in plants against herbivores [ 14 ]. There are also multiple modes of action against insect pests: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity; blockage of octopamine, gamma-amino butyric acid, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; disruption of the function of detoxifying enzymes, esterases, and glutathione S -transferases; and adverse effects on digestive enzymes, such as lipases, proteases, amylases, and glucosidases, as well as energy reservoir protein, glucose, and triglyceride contents [ 15 ]. Therefore, insect pests are less resistant to toxic exposure to plant essential oils [ 16 ].…”