Natural Insecticides from the Annonaceae: A Unique Example for Developing Biopesticides

Abstract

The documented negative impacts of synthetic insecticides on the environment as well as on human health, the consumers' concerns over insecticide residues in foods, and the emergence of resistant insects call for new approaches to manage insect pests. In this context, research on the potential use of plant extracts and their constituents has grown dramatically in the past decade. Among terrestrial plant families, Annonaceae has drawn considerable attention since the 1980s, owing to the presence of acetogenins, a class of natural products with a broad range of insecticidal bioactivities. Crude extracts from seeds, leaves, bark, twigs, and fruits obtained from the plant species of Annonaceae have been extensively tested in recent years for bioactivity to pest insects and related arthropods worldwide. Asimina triloba, Annona muricata, and Annona squamosa are the species that have been most frequently examined for their insecticidal effects.

Tomato leafminer [(Tuta absoluta Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] and its current ecofriendly management strategies: A review

“…Crude extracts from seeds, leaves, bark, bulbs, and fruits of the different plant species have been extensively tested on agricultural pests for bioactivity worldwide (Isman and Seffrin, 2014). The phytochemical products, especially extracts or essential oils are suggested as potential alternatives than synthetic pesticides to control insect pests (Philogène and Vincent, 2005).…”

Toxicity of soursop extracts to diamondback moth

“…Isman and Seffrin (2014), claim that the Annonaceae family has the potential to originate bionatural products and the species Asimina triloba L., Annona muricata L. and Annona squamosa L. have been most frequently examined for their insecticidal effects. Extracts from Annonaceae have been tested for control of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, especially against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.…”

Annona crassiflora Mart. (Annonaceae): effect of crude extract of seeds on larvae of soybean looper Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

“…Among plant families with potential insecticidal properties, species of Annonaceae are of special interest due to the presence of compounds known as "annonaceous acetogenins", which have proven insecticidal activities and can be an alternative for the control of defoliating lepidopterans (Alali et al 1999;Isman and Seffrin 2014).…”