Abstract

The Dysdercus genus is identified as a major pest group affecting cotton crops due to feeding damage and staining of fibers. The reliance on synthetic pesticides has led to environmental issues, driving the search for sustainable alternatives like essential oils (EOs), which in turn offer a promising solution by effectively targeting pests while minimizing ecological harm and aligning with modern agricultural sustainability goals. This review examined 19 documents exploring the insecticidal potential of EOs against Dysdercus insects. EOs derived from Brazilian coast plants showed significant activity against Dysdercus peruvianus, particulary Pilocarpus spicatus’s EO, presenting marked efficacy against nymphs. In addition, the work highlights the promising insecticidal activities of Artemisia annua, Boswellia serrata, and Ocimum sanctum EOs against different Dysdercus species. Furthermore, the studies on field efficacy, non-target organism toxicity, and innovative nanoemulsions were considered. Overall, the review underscores the EOs potential as sustainable biocontrollers for Dysdercus pests in global cotton production.

Key words: Insecticidal activity, essential oils, biodiversity, biological control, sustainability