Developing novel natural and synthetic tools for a more sustainable management of Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Chemical control is the primary strategy for managing Euschistus heros in soybean production. However, excessive use of synthetic insecticides raises concerns about resistance development and impacts on non-target organisms, such as natural enemies and pollinators. This study evaluated essential oils and biorational molecules as sustainable alternatives. The essential oils of Minthostachys verticillata (peperina) and Pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium) were tested alongside the synthetic butenolide K16 for their toxicity against third instar nymphs of E. heros and selectivity toward Telenomus podisi and Apis mellifera. In order to determine their insecticidal potential, lethal concentrations (LC) were estimated for each treatment. For P. graveolens essential oil, the LC50 was 1,784 µL/L (?2= 4.1627, P = 0.2444), and the LC80 reached 5,368 µL/L. For M. verticillata essential oil, the LC50 was 2,483 µL/L (?2= 1.9762, P = 0.3723), and the LC80 was 5,365 µL/L. In addition, to parasitoid T. podisi, P. graveolens EO caused 0.83% mortality at LC10, 32.36% at LC50, and 83.86% at LC80. M. verticillata EO, resulted in 0.83%, 21.4%, and 75.18% mortality at the same concentrations, respectively selectivity only up to LC50. For the pollinator A. mellifera, LC80 mortality in the first five hours was 60.24% for P. graveolens and 31.39% for M. verticillata, with no mortality in the control group. The synthetic butenolide K16 showed strong insecticidal activity in a dose-dependent manner. The LC20 was 181.47 µg/L, LC50 was 423.48 µg/L, and LC20 reached 988.23 µg/L. K16 demonstrated selective toxicity, with Telenomus podisi showing no significant mortality at LC20 (P = 0.0014) but reaching 100% mortality at LC80 (P = 1), indicating loss of selectivity at higher concentrations. In Apis mellifera, mortality increased from 6.67% at LC20 to 28.33% at LC80, highlighting potential risks to pollinators. These results suggest that essential oils and butenolide-based molecules are potential alternatives to conventional insecticides. However, optimizing their application is crucial to minimize risks to beneficial organisms. Future research should focus on improving formulations, reducing environmental persistence, and evaluating field-scale efficacy to enhance sustainable pest management. Keywords: sustainable pest control; non-target organisms; selective toxicity; soybean insect management.

Grantor dc:publisher

Universidade Federal de Viçosa

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Francesco, Leonardo Semençato

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Oliveira, Eugênio Eduardo de

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alvarenga, Elson Santiago de
• Jumbo, Luis Oswaldo Viteri

• Euschistus heros
• Soja - Doenças e pragas - Controle biológico
• Essências e óleos essenciais
• Telemonus podisi
• Abelhas

Statement dc:rights

• Acesso Aberto

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

https://doi.org/10.47328/ufvbbt.2025.482

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:locus.ufv.br:123456789/35154