Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 61-68 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 61 Research Insight Open Access Utilization of Natural Plant Volatiles for Pest Control in Maize Xiaojing Yang, Baixin Song Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: baoxin.song@cuixi.org Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0008 Received: 08 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 09 Apr., 2024 Published: 20 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang and Song, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yang X.J., and Song B.X., 2024, Utilization of natural plant volatiles for pest control in maize, Molecular Entomology, 15(2): 61-68 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0008) Abstract Maize is a critical staple crop globally, but pest infestations present a significant challenge to its cultivation, often leading to reduced yields. Conventional pest control methods, particularly synthetic pesticides, have raised environmental and health concerns, prompting interest in alternative approaches. This study explores the utilization of natural plant volatiles for pest control in maize, focusing on essential oils, terpenoids, alkaloids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have pest-repelling properties. The mechanisms through which plant volatiles affect insect pests-such as disrupting olfaction and behavior, inducing repellency, and interacting synergistically with other pest control agents-are examined. Field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of plant volatiles against key maize pests, with a comparative analysis against synthetic pesticides. This study also explores the benefits and challenges of using natural volatiles in integrated pest management (IPM), particularly for smallholder farmers. Results demonstrate that plant volatiles are environmentally sustainable, reduce chemical inputs, and offer a promising tool for future pest control strategies. However, large-scale implementation remains a challenge, requiring further research on formulation, delivery methods, and potential genetic modifications to enhance volatile production in maize varieties. Keywords Maize; Natural plant volatiles; Pest control; Volatile organic compounds; Integrated pest management 1 Introduction Maize (Zeamays L.) is the most widely cultivated cereal in the world and serves as a staple food for a significant portion of the global population, particularly in developing countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia (Rosas-Castor et al., 2014). In 2019 alone, global maize production reached 1.15 billion tons, underscoring its critical role in food security (del‐Val et al., 2023). As a primary source of calories and nutrients, maize is indispensable for both human consumption and livestock feed. One of the major challenges in maize cultivation is the management of insect pests, which can cause substantial postharvest losses. The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and the large grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus) are particularly notorious, contributing to up to 40% of total food-grain losses during storage, especially in developing countries. Traditional pest control methods, such as chemical insecticides, pose significant environmental and health risks and are often inaccessible to smallholder farmers in low-income regions (López-Castillo et al., 2018). Consequently, there is a pressing need for sustainable and effective pest management strategies. Natural plant volatiles have emerged as a promising alternative for pest control in maize cultivation. These compounds, derived from medicinal plants, offer a greener and more sustainable approach to managing pest populations. Unlike synthetic pesticides, natural plant volatiles are less toxic, biodegradable, and capable of protecting grain from pests without adverse environmental impacts (Phokwe and Manganyi, 2023). The use of biocontrol agents and conservation biocontrol practices has also gained traction, with experts recognizing their importance in sustainable maize production. This study explores the utilization of natural plant volatiles for pest control in maize, focusing on their efficacy, environmental impact, and potential for integration into existing pest management practices. By systematically reviewing the literature and evaluating current biocontrol strategies, this study identifies innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance maize yield, quality, and safety. The scope encompasses the examination of
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