Phytochemistry in the development of pesticides and biocides

To date biopesticides and biocides are studied as substitutes for their toxic synthetic ancestors. The botanical pesticides are evaluated as tools intended for integrated crop protection schemes, while the natural biocides for their potential use in residential areas. In this study we evaluate various botanical matrixes for the nematicidal properties against the root knot nematode Meloidogyne spp., in the form of pastes and extracts for soil amendment as well as plant secondary metabolites isolated from the afore mentioned matrixes and used individually or in binary mixtures to create synergism. The effects of the treatment compound/s are evaluated in various growth stages of the parasite, considering physiology and behavior. Additionally we investigate the use of botanical extracts as natural biocides for the control of toxic cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon gracile in fresh waters. A first attempt is made to formulate a natural algicidal compound into a slow release product that could permit a long lasting biological activity and thus higher efficacy under open air conditions