A review of plant-derived biopesticides against the vine mealybug

Abstract

Background: Planococcus ficus Ben-Dov (vine mealybug) is an economically important pest that causes significant damage to grapevines. The insect has evolved different strategies of escaping synthetic insecticides. However, high diffusibility and cuticular penetration of plant-based insecticides have made these survival strategies ineffective, thereby predisposing the insects to early mortality. Aim: This study reviewed literature on plant-based products that were screened for pest repellence and insecticidal properties with a view to exploiting their biogenic principles to minimise agricultural losses caused by vine mealybug infestation. Setting: Related publications were sourced from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases using relevant keywords. Eligibility of the articles selected for review was determined based on their titles and abstracts, methods and materials, language (English) and year of publication (2012–2025). Method: A total of 103 scientific articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals, three conference papers, one book chapter and seven websites were used for the review. Articles with restricted access and incomplete information were excluded. Results: Evidence from the literature suggests that plant-based chemicals from species of Azadirachta indica, Citrus aurantium, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Calotropis procera, Cardamine hirsute, Terminalia chebula, which exhibited a wide range of proven insecticidal properties, could be exploited to control mealybug infestation. Conclusion: The development of new formulations from botanical ingredients with proven insecticidal properties will be beneficial to grapevine farmers amidst the quest to overcome pest resistance and expand the profit margins for small-scale and commercial farmers. Contribution: Botanical pesticides are viable options for controlling the grapevine mealybug population to prevent depleting agricultural production.