Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 61-68 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 64 In summary, the application of natural plant volatiles in maize pest control offers a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides, with potential benefits for both pest management and environmental sustainability. Field trials and experimental studies have demonstrated their efficacy, and their integration into IPM strategies can enhance the overall effectiveness of pest control in maize. 5 Case Study 5.1 Overview of the study location and maize variety The case study was conducted in maize fields located in the Central Mexican Highlands. The maize variety used in this study was Zea mays L. ssp. mays cv. 'Prosna', which is known for its susceptibility to various pests and pathogens (Piesik et al., 2011). 5.2 Description of natural plant volatiles used In this study, a variety of natural plant volatiles were utilized to assess their effectiveness in pest control. The primary volatiles included green leaf volatiles (GLVs) such as (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, as well as terpenes like β-pinene, β-myrcene, Z-ocimene, linalool, and β-caryophyllene. Additionally, shikimic acid pathway derivatives such as benzyl acetate, methyl salicylate, and indole were also tested (Mérey et al., 2011). 5.3 Pest species targeted in the case study The primary pest species targeted in this case study were the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and the cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus). These pests are known to cause significant damage to maize crops, and their control is crucial for maintaining crop health and yield (Degen et al., 2012). 5.4 Outcomes and effectiveness of plant volatiles in pest control The application of natural plant volatiles had mixed outcomes in terms of pest control effectiveness. Maize plants exposed to GLVs emitted increased quantities of sesquiterpenes, which are known to attract natural enemies of herbivores. However, the presence of herbivorous insects such as adult Diabrotica beetles andS. frugiperda larvae was more frequent in GLV-treated plots, leading to more damage compared to non-exposed plants. In another experiment, the use of volatiles from artificially damaged weeds like mugwort and tall goldenrod resulted in significantly less damage to maize plants. These volatiles also enhanced plant growth and increased ear sugar content, indicating a positive impact on plant health and yield (Figure 3) (Sakurai et al., 2023). Furthermore, the application of synthetic Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) such as methyl salicylate and methyl jasmonate showed potential in enhancing the biological control of pests by attracting natural enemies like parasitoids and predatory insects (Simpson et al., 2011; Sobhy et al., 2015). However, the effectiveness varied depending on the specific volatile compounds used and the environmental conditions (Mérey et al., 2012). Overall, while the use of natural plant volatiles showed promise in certain aspects of pest control, the outcomes were highly variable and dependent on multiple factors, including the type of volatiles used, the pest species targeted, and the environmental conditions. 6 Benefits and Challenges of Using Plant Volatiles 6.1 Environmental sustainability and reduced chemical inputs The utilization of plant volatiles for pest control in maize offers significant environmental benefits by reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. Plant volatiles, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), can attract natural enemies of pests, thereby enhancing biological control mechanisms. For instance, the application of plant strengtheners like BTH has been shown to increase the attraction of parasitoids to herbivore-damaged plants, providing a sustainable pest management strategy (Sobhy et al., 2015). Additionally, VOCs can prime plant defenses, making them more resistant to subsequent pest attacks, which further reduces the need for chemical inputs (Mérey et al., 2011; Brilli et al., 2019). This approach aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices and helps mitigate the ecological and environmental costs associated with broad-spectrum insecticides.
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