Hasil untuk "Botany"

Jinrong Xu, Zhicheng Cheng, Li Dai et al.

Reproductive-stage drought arrests silk elongation, causing a greater anthesis-silking interval and subsequent kernel loss in maize. Exogenous brassinolide (BR) is known to increase drought tolerance; however, its influence on silk growth under water deficit remains unresolved. Here, we subjected maize to drought before tassel emergence (V13) and then applied foliar BR at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1 mg mL⁻¹, with distilled water-sprayed plants serving as controls. Silk elongation under water-deficit stress was partially restored by 0.1 and 0.5 mg mL⁻¹ BR but suppressed by 1 mg mL⁻¹, with 0.5 mg mL⁻¹ increasing silk length by 2.9-fold compared to the stress control, recovering it to 26.5% of the well-watered level. This protection was underpinned by elevated antioxidant capacity (POD, SOD, and CAT by 31–77%, 12–46%, and 20–33%, respectively) and a 25–76% rise in proline relative to the distilled water-sprayed, which collectively curtailed oxidative damage, as evidenced by 36–67% reductions in O₂⁻ and H₂O₂ levels and a 24% decrease in MDA content. Critically, BR reprogrammed sugar metabolism: sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity declined, while sucrose synthase (SS-I) and vacuolar invertase (VIN) activities surged, thereby shifting carbon partitioning from sucrose toward hexoses to sustain energy supply for silk growth. Genome-wide RNA-seq identified 6171 upregulated and 3295 downregulated genes, significantly enriched in 20 pathways, including starch/sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The expression of key genes, including sucrose invertase (INV) and hexokinase (HK), was significantly upregulated by 2.4- to 8.7-fold and 2.3- to 4.0-fold, respectively, compared to the distilled water-sprayed control. This multi-level analysis demonstrates that BR mitigates drought-induced silk growth arrest by orchestrating antioxidant defense, osmotic regulation, and metabolic reprogramming into a coordinated network, providing mechanistic insights into brassinosteroid-mediated reproductive stress adaptation in maize.

Xinhan You, Xiaoxia Zhao, Xiaoyang Han

Abstract Drought can seriously affect the yield and quality of tea. The interaction between rhizosphere microorganisms and tea plants could enhance the drought resistance of tea plants. However, there are few studies on the effects of abundant and rare microorganisms on tea plants. In this study, the contributions of abundant and rare bacteria in the rhizosphere microorganisms of ‘FudingDabaicha’ and ‘Baiye No.1’ to the resistance of tea plants to drought stress were studied using 16SrRNA sequencing, co-occurrence network analysis, and PLS-PM modeling analysis. By measuring the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, soluble sugar and soluble protein, it was found that the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of osmotic substances increased significantly after drought stress (p < 0.001). In the co-occurrence network of the two varieties, the average degree, clustering coefficient, and modularity index of the rare bacteria were greater than those of the abundant bacteria, and the path coefficient of the rare bacteria to drought was greater than that of the abundant bacteria. The contribution of rare microorganisms in ‘FudingDabaicha’ to drought stress was greater than that in ‘Baiye No.1’. The rare bacteria of the two varieties were positively correlated with amino acids and negatively correlated with lipids. The results of this study will provide new insights for the use of rhizosphere microorganisms in improving the drought resistance of tea plants.

Miriam Romero-Muñoz, Margarita Pérez-Jiménez

The <i>Brassica oleracea</i> L. species embrace important horticultural crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, which are highly valued for their beneficial nutritional effects. However, the complexity of flower emasculation in these species has forced breeders to adopt biotechnological approaches such as somatic hybridization to ease hybrid seed production. Protoplasts entail a versatile tool in plant biotechnology, supporting breeding strategies that involve genome editing and hybridization. This review discusses the use of somatic hybridization in <i>B. oleracea</i> L. as a biotechnological method for developing fusion products with desirable agronomic traits, particularly cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) condition. These CMS lines are critical for implementing a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable system for producing F1 hybrids. We present recent studies on CMS systems in <i>B. oleracea</i> L. crops, providing an overview of established models that explain the mechanisms of CMS and fertility restoration. Additionally, we emphasize key insights gained from protoplast fusion applied to <i>B. oleracea</i> L. breeding. Key steps including pre-treatments of donor plants, the main tissues used as sources of parental protoplasts, methods for obtaining somatic hybrids and cybrids, and the importance of establishing a reliable plant regeneration method are discussed. Finally, the review explores the incorporation of genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to introduce multiple agronomic traits in <i>Brassica</i> species. This combination of advanced biotechnological tools holds significant promise for enhancing <i>B. oleracea</i> breeding programs in the actual climate change context.

Tangzhe Nie, Jianfeng Li, Lili Jiang et al.

Enhancing irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application has become a vital strategy for ensuring food security in the face of population growth and resource scarcity. A 2-year experiment was conducted to determine to investigate the effects of different irrigation lower limits and nitrogen fertilizer application amounts on millet growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), N utilization, and inorganic nitrogen accumulation in the soil in 2021 and 2022. The experiment was designed with four irrigation lower limits, corresponding to 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of the field capacity (FC), referred to as I₅₀, I₆₀, I₇₀, and I₈₀. Four nitrogen fertilizer application were also included: 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·hm⁻² (designated as F₀₀, F₅₀, F₁₀₀, and F₁₅₀), resulting in a total of 16 treatments. Binary quadratic regression equations were established to optimize the irrigation and nitrogen application. The results demonstrated that the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, aboveground biomass, yield, spike diameter, spike length, spike weight, WUE, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency for millet initially increased before subsequently decreasing as the irrigation lower limit and nitrogen fertilizer application increased. Their maximum values were observed in the I₇₀F₁₀₀. However, the nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) exhibited a gradual decline with increasing nitrogen application, reaching its peak at F₅₀. Additionally, PFPN displayed a pattern of initial increase followed by a decrease with rising irrigation lower limits. The accumulation of NO₃⁻-N and NH₄⁺-N in the 0~60 cm soil layer increased with the increase of nitrogen fertilizer application in both years, while they tended to decrease as the irrigation lower limit increased. An optimal irrigation lower limit of 64% FC to 74% FC and nitrogen fertilizer application of 80 to 100 kg ha⁻¹ was recommended for millet based on the regression equation. The findings of this study offer a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for developing a drip irrigation and fertilizer application for millet cultivation in Northeast China.

Harshita Gaurav, Divyanshu Yadav, Ankita Maurya et al.

<i>Withania somnifera</i> L. Dunal (Ashwagandha), a key medicinal plant native to India, is used globally to manage various ailments. This review focuses on the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological advances of its plant-derived constituents. It has been reported that at least 62 crucial and 48 inferior primary and secondary metabolites are present in the <i>W. somnifera</i> leaves, and 29 among these found in its roots and leaves are chiefly steroidal compounds, steroidal lactones, alkaloids, amino acids, etc. In addition, the whole shrub parts possess various medicinal activities such as anti-leukotriene, antineoplastic, analgesic, anti-oxidant, immunostimulatory, and rejuvenating properties, mainly observed by in vitro demonstration. However, the course of its medical use remains unknown. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of <i>W. somnifera</i>, which will be useful for mechanism studies and potential medical applications of <i>W. somnifera</i>, as well as for the development of a rational quality control system for <i>W. somnifera</i> as a therapeutic material in the future.

José Escurra, Francisco P. Ferreira, Tomás R. López et al.

Lactic acid is a compound used industrially due to its properties. There are two methods for its production: chemical synthesis and microbial fermentation. In microbial fermentation, food industry waste can be used as a substrate, providing a route towards achieving a circular economy. Thus, this study evaluated different substrates for <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> growth, a lactic acid producer, such as molasses, whey, glucose, and saccharose, either alone or supplemented with additional nutrients. Bacterial growth parameters were assessed using OD₆₂₀ measurement. It was shown that whey supplemented with yeast extract supported the best growth, allowing a μ_max = 0.63 h⁻¹.

Abdul Sattar, Ahmad Sher, Mohammed A. S. Abourehab et al.

Arsenic (As) contamination in the soil adversely affects crop productivity, grain quality, and human health. A pot experiment was performed to assess the sole and combined effects of Si and biochar on growth, physiological and antioxidant defense mechanisms, yield, and grain quality of maize. Soil treatments comprised of control (no treatment), As, Si, biochar, Si + biochar, As + Si, As + biochar, and As + Si + biochar placed in a completely randomized design with three replications. As toxicity significantly reduced chlorophyll a (5.18%), chlorophyll b (33.87%), chlorophyll a + b (11.67%), and primary metabolites [soluble protein (54.93%), amino acids (24.85%), total soluble sugars (39.77%), and phenolic contents (25.88%)], while increasing the activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 43.51%, peroxidase (POD) by 47.93%, catalase (CAT) by 47.98%, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by 59.02%, as well as that of lipid peroxidation in the leaves of maize. In addition, As contamination reduced the grain yield and yield-related attributes relative to the respective controls. Among the soil applications, the interactive effect of Si and biochar improved maize grain yield (12.12%) by triggering activities of enzymatic antioxidants and proline contents and reducing the H2O2 and MDA contents. The combined application of Si and biochar enhanced the Si contents in shoots of the control and As-contaminated plants, while significantly reducing As concentration in shoots (69%) and grains (142%). In conclusion, the combined application of Si and biochar was found to be a fruitful soil amendment strategy to improve the yield of maize and reduce the toxic limit of As under As-contaminated soil. The results of this study may be useful for the cultivation of food crops under AS-contaminated soils, but before commercial recommendation, more trails are required under field conditions.

Muhammad KABIR, Tabinda NOREEN, Muhammad Zafar IQBAL et al.

Rapid increase in automobile density and discharge of different types of pollutants from automobile are a serious issue for whole civilized world and in Bhakkar also.Vehicle emission from automobiles released an enormous quantity of toxic pollutants likewise nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon mono oxide, heavy metals particularly lead, cadmium in environment and produced harmful effects on germination and growth of plants. This study was aim to investigate the effect of automobile polluted soil on the growth of some tree species. In present study the variation in seedling growth performance of three different selected tree species namely, Acacia nilotica L., Albizia lebbeck L. (Benth.) and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. raised in roadside polluted soils of District Bhakkar, Pakistan were recorded in the pots. Results showed that root, shoot, seedling length, number of leaves, and seedling dry weight of Acacia nilotica grown in polluted road soils of Bhakkar-Khansar road showed a significant (p<0.05) decline. Statistical analysis of recorded data showed that root growth and leaf area of Albizia lebbeck in the soil of Bhakkar-Khansar road soil significantly (p<0.05) decreased as compared to control. Similarly, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in shoot, seedling length, number of leaves, leaf area and seedling dry weight performance of E. globulus in polluted soils of Bhakkar-Notak was recorded.

Noureddine Bencheikh, Amine Elbouzidi, Loubna Kharchoufa et al.

Kidney disease is one of the most common health problems and kidney failure can be fatal. It is one of the health disorders associated with extreme pain and discomfort in patients. In developing countries, such as Morocco where socioeconomic and sanitary conditions are precarious, medicinal plants are considered the primary source of medication. In the present work an ethnobotanical survey was conducted in a remote area of North-Eastern Morocco and we focused on (1) establishing a record of medicinal plants used traditionally by local people to treat kidney diseases and (2) correlate the obtained ethnomedical use with well-studied pharmacological evidence. From February 2018 to January2020, information was gathered from 488 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using three quantitative indices: The use value (UV), family use value (FUV), and informant consensus factor (ICF). A total of 121 plant species belonging to 57 botanical families were identified to treat kidney diseases. The families most represented were Asteraceae (14 species), followed by Lamiaceae (12 species) and Apiaceae (10 species). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves, followed by the whole plant and they were most commonly prepared by decoction and infusion. The highest value of the (UV) index was attributed to <i>Herniaria hirsuta</i> L. (UV = 0.16), and the highest family use value (FUV) was assigned to Caryophyllaceae with (FUV = 0.163). Regarding the informant consensus factor (ICF), this index’s highest values were recorded for kidney stones (ICF = 0.72). The use of 45% of the selected plants were validated based on literature review. This study helped document and preserve crucial traditional plant knowledge of 121 plant species used to treat kidney problems that can be used in the search for new biologically active compounds through more upcoming pharmacological studies.

هنگامه آخوندرادکانی, حسن سلطانلو, نجیب اله مازندرانی et al.

سابقه و هدف: بیماری بادزدگی سنبله ناشی از قارچL. Fusarium graminearum، یکی از مهمترین بیماری های گندم است که آسیب قابل توجهی به کیفیت و مقدار گندم تولید شده در سراسر جهان وارد می‌کند. منطقه شمال ایران به علت شرایط ویژه رطوبت و گرما مناسب نسبت به بیماری فوزاریوم سنبله گندم همه گیر است. یکی از روش‌های مقرون به صرفه برای کنترل این بیماری استفاده از مقاومت ژنتیکی است. غربالگری سالانه ارقام گیاهی می تواند اطلاعات مفیدی در مورد مقاومت ارقام به بیماری Fusarium در گونه‌های موجود در هر منطقه برای محققین به ارمغان آورد.مواد و روش‌‌ها: در این مطالعه 21 رقم گندم نان مشتمل بر ارقام آبی و دیم در حال کشت به همراه سه رقم استاندارد بسیار مقاوم و بسیار حساس با طرح بلوک کامل تصادفی در سه تکرار در دو شرایط محیطی در قالب طرح بلوک کامل در مزرعه آموزشی دانشگاه علوم کشاورزی گرگان در سال 1395 کشت شد. یک محیط دارای تنش بیماری و یک محیط فاقد تنش بیماری بود. در محیط دارای تنش بیماری، آلودگی مصنوعی با اسپورپاشی سنبله گندم با سوسپانسیون اسپور قارچ صورت گرفت و در محیط فاقد تنش از قارچ کش فالکون برای کنترل بیماری استفاده شد. هر رقم گندم بر روی یک خط چهار و نیم متری کشت شد. فاصله خطوط از همدیگر 20 سانتی متر و فاصله بذور پنج سانتی متر در نظر گرفته شد.در این آزمایش، از سوسپانسیون تازه قارچ با غلظت 108×1 ماکروکنیدی در هر میلی‌لیتر استفاده شد. اسپور پاشی سوسپانسیون اسپور قارچ فوزاریوم روی سنبله‌ها در اوایل مرحله گلدهی زمان در شروع بیرون آمدن بساک‌ها انجام گرفت. پس از اسپور پاشی شاخص های بیماری شامل درصد وقوع بیماری شدت بیماری و شاخص بیماری و پس از برداشت درصد دانه آلوده و شاخص های مربوط به عملکرد اندازه گیری شدند. یافته‌ها: بر اساس نتایج تجزیه واریانس، بین ارقام مورد آزمایش در سطح احتمال یک درصد برای میزان بروز، شدت بیماری و درصد دانه های آلوده تفاوت معنی داری وجود داشت. تحلیل داده‌های عملکرد با استفاده از تجزیه مرکب نشان داد که از بین ارقام دیم مورد بررسی به ترتیب رقم قابوس ،آفتاب و لاین17 و در بین ارقام آبی رقم مروارید بهترین ارقام در واکنش به بادزدگی فوزاریومی سنبله بودند. در بین ارقام مورد مطالعه رقم های قابوس و آفتاب کمترین خسارت عملکردی را داشتند و مناسب کشت در مناطق با اپیدمی‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ بادزدگی فوزاریومی‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌سنبله است.نتیجه گیری: نتایج این مطالعه نشان داد که بروز یک تنش زنده مانند بیماری بادزدگی فوزاریومی سنبله اثر منفی بر عملکرد دانه دارد که ارقام مقاوم‌‌‌تر میزان خسارت عملکردی پایین تر است. نتایج این تحقیق می‌تواند به عنوان منبع ژنوتیپ‌های مقاوم برای انجام اقدامات اصلاحی مورد استفاده قرار گیرد . ارقام قابوس و آفتاب مناسب در مناطقی با خطر بالای بیماری Fusarium سنبله معرفی می شوند. رقم ‌احسان دانه درشت است و عملکرد خوبی در یک محیط بدون بیماری دارد شاید بتوان آن را مناسب برای کشت در مناطقی یافت که رطوبت کمتر باشد.

Rokaia B. Elamary, Fawziah M. Albarakaty, Wesam M. Salem

Abstract Escherichia coli is the dominant bacterial cause of UTI among the uropathogens in both developed and developing countries. This study is to investigate the effect of Acacia nilotica aqueous extract on the survival and biofilm of isolated pathogens to reduce UTIs diseases. A total of 170 urine samples were collected from Luxor general hospital and private medical analysis laboratories in Luxor providence, Egypt. Samples were screened for the incidence of uropathogens by biochemical tests, antibiotics susceptibility, detection of virulence, and antibiotic-resistant genes by multiplex PCR, biofilm formation, and time-killing assay. Escherichia coli is by far the most prevalent causative agent with the percentage of 73.7% followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, and Acinetobacter baumanii. Isolates were multidrug-resistant containing bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX, qnrs, and aac(3)-Ia resistant genes. All isolates were sensitive to 15–16.7 mg ml−1 of Acacia nilotica aqueous extract. Time killing assay confirmed the bactericidal effect of the extract over time (20–24 h). A high percentage of 3-Cyclohexane-1-Carboxaldehyde, 2,6,6-trimethyl (23.5%); á-Selinene (15.12%); Oleic Acid (14.52%); Globulol (11.35%) were detected among 19 bioactive phytochemical compounds in the aqueous extract of A. nilotica over the GC-mass spectra analysis. The plant extract reduced significantly the biofilm activity of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and P. aeuroginosa by 62.6, 59. 03, 48.9 and 39.2%, respectively. The challenge to improve the production of A. nilotica phytochemicals is considered a very low price for the return.

T.A. SANTOS, A.S. RESENDE, F.F. SILVA et al.

ABSTRACT: The effect of palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha) was evaluated on the growth of five tree species from the Atlantic Forest biome in Seropédica, RJ, Brasil. This study consisted of five experiments in a completely randomized design. The effect of grass on the growth of Cedrela fissilis, Guazuma ulmifolia, Schinus terebinthifolius, Sapindus saponaria, and Hymenaea courbaril was tested in pots at each experiment. Height, collar diameter, and plant mortality were measured monthly. Shoot and root dry matter of tree species and grass were evaluated at 180 days. A strong interference of palisade grass was observed on the growth of the five studied species. The reduction of growth in height and collar diameter reached 32 and 29% in S. saponaria and 26 and 44% in G. ulmifolia, respectively. Grass interference was even higher on dry matter accumulation, promoting reductions in the shoot that ranged from 48% in H. courbaril to 90% in G. ulmifolia and S. terebinthifolius. Root dry matter of tree species was reduced between 28 and 84% in relation to the control without the presence of grass. The species C. fissilis had a mortality rate of 83% in coexistence with U. brizantha. The other species, except S. saponaria, presented mortality from 15 to 30% under competition. This study evidences the importance of controlling grasses in reforestation projects aiming higher gains in growth and survival of tree species.

G.E. Uno

E. Walsh, J. M. Elmore, C. G. Taylor

Root-knot nematodes damage crops around the world by developing complex feeding sites from normal root cells of their hosts. The ability to initiate and maintain this feeding site (composed of individual “giant cells”) is essential to their parasitism process. RNA silencing pathways in plants serve a diverse set of functions, from directing growth and development to defending against invading pathogens. Influencing a host’s RNA silencing pathways as a pathogenicity strategy has been well-documented for viral plant pathogens, but recently, it has become clear that silencing pathways also play an important role in other plant pathosystems. To determine if RNA silencing pathways play a role in nematode parasitism, we tested the susceptibility of plants that express a viral suppressor of RNA silencing. We observed an increase in susceptibility to nematode parasitism in plants expressing viral suppressors of RNA silencing. Results from studies utilizing a silenced reporter gene suggest that active suppression of RNA silencing pathways may be occurring during nematode parasitism. With these studies, we provide further evidence to the growing body of plant-biotic interaction research that suppression of RNA silencing is important in the successful interaction between a plant-parasitic animal and its host.

Urs Leu

To mark the 500th birthday of Conrad Gessner, the Leonardo da Vinci of Switzerland, an international congress was organized by the University and the Zentralbibliothek Zurich, which attracted many researchers to Zurich. Nearly 50 presentations illuminated work, life and contemporaries of the famous Zurich polymath and naturalist.

Hataipan Phienwej, Ih-si Swasdichira, Surattana Amnuoypol et al.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Tinospora crispa (T. crispa) extract on matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression and cell migration. Methods: The cytotoxicity of T. crispa extract was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. The effect on expression of MMP-13 was analysed by RT-PCR and ELISA. The migration was assessed by wound healing assay. Results: MMP-13 mRNA was highly expressed in the metastatic human HNSCC cell lines, HN22 and HSC-3. T. crispa extract at a concentration of 100.0 μg/mL caused about 50% reduction of cell survival. T. crispa extract at a non-toxic concentration of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 μg/mL significantly suppressed MMP-13 mRNA expression and secreted MMP-13 in both HN22 and HSC-3. The expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) by HSC-3 cells was attenuated by 25.0 and 50.0 μg/mL of T. crispa extract. Addition of the extract to cells in a wound healing assay showed inhibition of cell migration by HN22 cells. Conclusions: These data suggest that T. crispa could be considered as a potential therapeutic drug to prevent metastasis of HNSCC.

I. M. Koksheeva, N. N. Naryshkina

Comparative study of pollen and seed morphology of three species of Rhododendron L. subsect. Rhodorastrum (Maxim.) Cullen (Rh. dauricum L., Rh. mucronolatum Turcz., Rh. sichotense Pojark.) is performed. Results of discriminant analysis of the total of morphometric characters of pollen and seeds have proved the distinctness of all three species from each other. Differences of polen are observed in the type of sculpture (granulate, rugulate, microrugulate) and in the diameter of tetrads. The coefficient of elongation of the exotesta cells is established as a valuable morphometric character

Gärber, Ute

In Beständen von Pfefferminze wurden Krankheitssymptome beobachtet, die sich in Wuchshemmungen, Stängelverbräunungen, Blattchlorosen und Welke zeigten. Teilweise starben die Pflanzen bzw. einzelne Triebe ab. Als Ursache konnte Verticillium dahliae nachgewiesen werden. In einem Infektionsversuch im Gewächshaus wurden sieben Wochen alte Pfefferminzpflanzen der Sorte Multimentha durch Angießen mit einer Konidiensuspension (106 Konidien/ml Suspension) inokuliert. Erste Krankheitssymptome erschienen acht Wochen nach Inokulation. Innerhalb kurzer Zeit nahm der Befall stark zu. Aus den kranken Pflanzenteilen wie Stängel und Blatt konnte der Erreger reisoliert werden.

J.C.R. Corrêa, H.R.N. Salgado

A utilização de agrotóxicos tem contribuído para o aumento da produção agrícola, entretanto, o uso incorreto e indiscriminado durante várias décadas levou à acumulação de resíduos tóxicos em alimentos, contaminação da água e do solo, intoxicação de produtores rurais, seleção de pragas resistentes, entre muitos outros problemas. Ultimamente tem crescido o interesse por substâncias que apresentem menor risco à saúde humana e ao ambiente, além da demanda crescente por produtos alimentícios saudáveis e isentos de resíduos de agrotóxicos. Felizmente são inúmeras as plantas que apresentam atividade inseticida, devendo ser estudadas e introduzidas, quando possível, nas propriedades agrícolas como forma alternativa de controle de pragas. Neste trabalho, é apresentada revisão sobre o uso de plantas com propriedades inseticidas e repelentes, evidenciando o potencial dessa ferramenta no manejo de pragas. Para a inserção definitiva e segura de produtos botânicos no mercado, mais estudos ainda são necessários.<br>The use of pesticides has contributed to the increased agricultural production; however, the incorrect and indiscriminate use over several decades has led to the accumulation of toxic residues in food, contamination of water and soil, poisoning of farmers, selection of resistant pests, besides several other problems. Lately, the interest for substances posing lower risk to the human health and the environment has increased, in addition to the increasing demand for healthy food products free from pesticide residues. Fortunately a large number of plants have insecticidal activity and should be studied and introduced, whenever possible, into farms as an alternative means to control pests. In this study, a review of the use of plants with insecticidal or repellent potential is presented, evidencing the potential of this tool in pest management. For a definitive and safe insertion of botanical products into the market further studies are still needed.