Botanical defence: medicinal plants as botanical insecticides against Locustana pardalina Walker (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Background Food crop infestations caused by the insect pest Locustana pardalina threaten global food security, particularly in developing regions. This pest can devastate entire crops, exacerbating malnutrition and economic instability. Traditionally, L. pardalina outbreaks have been managed using synthetic chemical insecticides, which, while effective, pose significant environmental risks by harming nontarget species and contaminating ecosystems. Given these concerns, there is an increasing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives. Medicinal plant extracts, known for their biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and active metabolites, offer promising solutions. Method A systematic literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink using keywords related to Locustana pardalina , food security, outbreaks, botanical insecticides, metabolites, and pest management. The search (1988–2024) conducted used predefined eligibility criteria and identified 120 relevant studies on the biological control of various insects spanning approximately five to eight crop systems. Results These plant-based insecticides have demonstrated the ability to repel various insect pests, including L. pardalina , and could provide an effective method for controlling locust swarms while mitigating the harmful effects of chemical pesticides. This review discusses the potential of medicinal plant extracts as sustainable alternatives for managing L. pardalina infestations, highlighting the active compounds that show promise in pest control and their benefits over conventional chemical insecticides. Conclusion In conclusion, medicinal plant extracts represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides for managing Locustana pardalina infestations. Their biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and bioactive metabolites offer effective pest control while minimising ecological harm, highlighting their potential to support food security and reduce the negative impacts associated with chemical pesticides.