CLERODENDRUM SPP AS POTENTIAL SOURCE OF BOTANICAL PEST MANAGEMENT- A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

The extensive use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has led to unchanged biological effects such as resistance development, non-target toxicity, decreased bioefficacy, environmental contamination and a serious risk to global health. In the realm of pest management, botanical extracts possess active compounds with adverse effects against a wide range of pest species providing ecological and functional benefits over synthetic insecticides. The genus Clerodendrum (Family: Lamiaceae) used in traditional medicine has drawn attention for its phytochemicals with insecticidal properties. With multiple effects encompassing antifeedant, larvicidal, ovicidal, repellent, fumigant, inhibitor and growth disruptor, has the potential to be the finest biopesticide. Through a comprehensive analysis of available literatures, this review summarizes the phytochemical diversity of the genus, focusing on clerodane diterpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, steroids, and cyanogenic glycosides. It also evaluates their insecticidal activity against various insect pests and discusses modes of action pertinent to sustainable pest management. Furthermore, by integrating botanical description, phytochemistry, bio-efficacy, mode of action and nanotechnological implications in Clerodendrum genus flexible and promising foundation for the next-generation, eco-friendly insect control.