Nasturtium leaf compounds, diphenyl disulfide and lyral, against Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and their symbiotic fungi.

Social insect pests, particularly leaf-cutting ants, present a considerable challenge in terms of control. Leaf-cutting ants are significant agricultural, forestry, and pasture pests, and understanding their behavior and defense mechanisms is essential for managing their colonies effectively. While toxic ant baits are a primary control method, the limited availability of effective insecticides and concerns over their hazardous nature has spurred the search for alternative solutions, particularly natural compounds, which aligns with the goals of forest certification groups.

Research Trends, Biases, and Gaps in Phytochemicals as Insecticides: Literature Survey and Meta-Analysis.

A 76-year literature survey and meta-analyses were carried out to recognize the trends, biases, and knowledge gaps of studies focusing on major groups of compounds of botanical origin, or phytochemicals, as insecticides. The survey found that the main phytochemicals prospected as insecticides belong to the following major chemical groups: terpenoids, terpenes, and carbonyl, all of which were tested, mainly against beetles (Coleoptera), caterpillars (i.e.

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in serum, follicular fluid and seminal plasma of sheep.

This work aimed to describe the activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in serum, follicular fluid and seminal plasma of sheep. Average serum PON1 activity was 286.8 ± 96.