Methyl Benzoate as a Promising, Environmentally Safe Insecticide: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The widespread use of synthetic chemical pesticides beginning in the late 1930s has contributed to the development of insecticide resistance of many important species of pest insects and plants. Recent trends in pesticide development have emphasized the use of more environmentally benign control methods that take into consideration environmental, food safety, and human health. Biopesticides (e.g., naturally occurring pesticidal compounds) are alternative pest management tools that normally have no negative impact on human health or the environment. Here we review methyl benzoate, a relatively new botanical insecticide that occurs naturally as a metabolite in plants, and whose odor is an attractant to some insects. Since 2016, many studies have shown that methyl benzoate is an effective pesticide against a range of different agricultural, stored product, and urban insect pests. Methyl benzoate has several important modes of action, including as a contact toxicant, a fumigant, an ovicidal toxin, an oviposition deterrent, a repellent, and an attractant. In this review, we summarize various modes of action of methyl benzoate and its toxicity or control potential against various kinds of arthropods, including agricultural pests and their natural enemies, and pollinators. We conclude that methyl benzoate is a very promising candidate for use in integrated pest management under either greenhouse or field conditions.

Natural defense against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Cassia occidentalis L. in vitro and in silico antibacterial activity

“…Among the lead phytocompounds, methyl dihydrojasmonate (CID 102861) has been reported for its diverse activities, including anticancer 43 and antimicrobial properties. 44 Methyl benzoate (CID 7150) has shown promise as an environmentally friendly insecticide 45 and an antibacterial agent 46 against Gram-negative bacteria. Considering the diverse parameters used for evaluation, CID 7150, CID 102861, and CID 136654 were identified as the most promising lead phytocompounds for developing antibacterial drugs against MDR P. aeruginosa and related infectious diseases.…”

Insecticidal Activity of Nicotiana benthamiana Trichome Exudates on the Sweetpotato Whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED (Gennadius)

“…Compared to synthetic pesticides, plant-based insecticides are seen as being more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Recently, biopesticides (natural products) have emerged as a better alternative for pest control [36][37][38][39], and acyl sugars, one of the products of glandular trichomes that secrete secondary metabolites, are repellent and toxic and can disturb the oviposition and feeding of insect pests. Our research has the potential to contribute to integrated pest management strategies aimed at controlling B. tabaci.…”

NGHIÊN CỨU HOẠT TÍNH KHÁNG KHUẨN CỦA CAO CHIẾT VỎ THÂN CÂY LIM XẸT (Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) Backer ex K. Heyne)

“…Nhiều nghiên cứu đã xác nhận rằng methyl benzoate có độc tính đáng kể khi khử trùng đối với nhiều loại côn trùng gây hại và bảo quản sau thu hoạch. Ngoài ra, methyl benzoate còn có hiệu quả kiểm soát muỗi cao, có khả năng phân hủy sinh học và thân thiện với môi trường [11].…”