Naturally derived insecticides: Prospects for forestry use

Abstract

Much interest exists in using natural chemicals as insecticides. Plants manufacture a vast array of chemicals that help protect them against insect attack. These could serve as sources or models for future insecticides with novel modes of action that are highly effective and safe. Three compounds that are currently receiving much attention are examined for their potential for forestry use in Canada. These compounds are alpha-terthienyl from members of the flowering plant Family, Asteraceae; MK-244, a semi-synthetic analogue of abamectin, which is a natural avermectin compound from the soil microorganism, Streptomyces avermitilis, and neem seed extract and its principal active ingredient, azadirachtin, from the neem tree. Their potential is assessed against seven criteria that must be met for successful development: effectiveness against major forest pests; safety for non-target organisms; degradability in the forest environment; availability in large quantities; economical cost; development by the chemical industry; and acceptability to the public. All three compounds are in early phases of development and although each shows promise by meeting certain criteria, not enough information is available yet to determine their overall suitability. Nevertheless, these examples demonstrate the great potential for finding future insecticides from natural chemicals or their derivatives.

Azadirachtin biopesticide: A review of studies conducted on its analytical chemistry, environmental behaviour and biological effects

“…Aerial application of the conventional, broad-spectrum insecticides, though beneficial in controlling these insect pests, is considered undesirable because of the potential for environmental contamination and ecological damage (Pimental etal., 1992). Due to these concerns from the public and the regulatory restrictions imposed on these insecticides, the emphasis on forest insect control in Canada has shifted steadily towards narrow-spectrum, environmentally acceptable natural products or biopesticides, especially of microbial and botanical origin (Helson, 1992). Downloaded by [McGill University Library] at 08:31 07 October 2012 AZADIRACHTIN BIOPESTICIDE 915 The insecticidal properties of azadirachtins (AZ), a mixture of seven structurally related tetranortriterpenoids isolated from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), have been the focus of research in recent years in response to the problems mentioned above (Jacobson, 1988).…”

L'aménagement des produits forestiers non ligneux et des ressources ligneuses des forêts canadiennes : besoins d'intégration et de recherche

“…Ces produits incluent les huiles essentielles, les carburants biologiques (Hall 2002), les plastiques biologiques, et les pesticides biologiques (Helson 1992, Ries et al 2001. Particulièrement, l'utilisation de la biomasse forestière dans la génération d'éthanol et d'huile comme carburant, devient de plus en plus populaire auprès des gouvernements et de l'industrie de l'énergie, de la foresterie, et du grand public, notamment parce qu'elle offre un remplacement durable et écologique aux carburants fossiles suivant l'Accord de Kyoto (Hall 2002).…”

Managing timber and non-timber forest product resources in Canada's forests: Needs for integration and research

“…These include essential oils, wood waste products, biofuels (Hall 2002 ), bioplastics and bio-pesticides (e.g., Helson 1992, Ries et al 2001. Particularly, the use of forest biomass to generate ethanol for fuel is gaining increasing popularity by the forest industry, governments and the general public as it provides renewable and environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuel utilization as per the Kyoto Protocol (Hall 2002).…”