Potential applications of essential oils and their derivatives for the control of Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

In recent years, several studies have been carried out to control insect pests using natural insecticides of plant origin such as essential oils (EOs). Indeed, botanical pesticides are currently recognized as ecologically friendly and are widely supported in organic agriculture systems. This review aims to assess the current state of research on the use of plant essential oils and their active compounds against the insect pest Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval (cotton bollworm). Currently, the control of S. littoralis mainly relies on conventional pesticides. However, the use of many of them has been restricted in recent years, and others will be shortly. The literature review showed that EOs from 95 plant species belonging to 25 families were tested on S. littoralis. However, the majority of these plants belong to 4 families: Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Cupressaceae, and Myrtaceae. All the tests were carried out in the laboratory, while no experiments were carried out in the field (Antifeedants activity, Larvicidal activity, Growth regulators, Ovicidal, Oviposition deterrence, Biochemical effects, horizontal ellipsis ). Future studies for controlling S. littoralis should focus on the development of insecticide formulations based on plant essential oils as well as their active compounds as bio-insecticides that could be applied to agriculture systems.