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Research Trends, Biases, and Gaps in Phytochemicals as Insecticides: Literature Survey and Meta-Analysis
Lara J Collares1,2, Leonardo M Turchen1, Raul Narciso C Guedes1
1Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 3657-900, MG, Brazil.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Phytochemicals like terpenoids show promise as natural insecticides, but research needs broader insect testing and sublethal effect analysis. Current studies, mainly from Asia and Brazil, focus on lethal effects against stored grain pests.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Botanical compounds, or phytochemicals, are increasingly explored for insecticidal properties.
- A significant body of research exists on phytochemical insecticides, necessitating a comprehensive review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends, biases, and knowledge gaps in phytochemical insecticide research over 76 years.
- To identify major phytochemical classes and target insect groups in existing studies.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a 76-year literature survey and meta-analyses.
- Identified key phytochemical groups (terpenoids, terpenes, carbonyls) and insect orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera).
Main Results:
- Research is rapidly expanding, with a strong focus on mortality endpoints (lethal concentration) and neglecting sublethal effects.
- Most studies originate from China, India, and Brazil, primarily using stored grain insects and testing fumigation/contact exposure.
- Limited research identifies specific insecticidal molecules or explores diverse insect species and exposure routes.
Conclusions:
- Current phytochemical insecticide research exhibits biases towards specific insect models, exposure methods, and endpoints.
- Future research should broaden insect targets, incorporate sublethal assessments, and elucidate structure-activity relationships for enhanced efficacy and applicability.
