Abstract

The increased demand for a more environmentally friendly pest control method has raised the possibility of botanical insecticides, namely Ocimum basilicum (basil), as a substitute for conventional chemical pesticides. In this experiment, the aqueous and nano-extracts of basil were found to be insecticidal against three insect pests, which are economically important to humans, namely Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, and Thrips tabaci, under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The study also examines the impacts of basil extracts on pests affecting aquatic plants and ecosystems, with the aim of assessing their overall environmental effects, particularly on water and marine organisms. Laboratory-based bioassays indicated that nano-basil extracts caused much higher levels of mortality than aqueous extracts and that the highest levels of mortality (98 % after concentration in 72 hours) were observed in 5 % nano-basil extracts. The greenhouse trials also indicated substantial reductions in pest populations, with nano-extracts more efficient than aqueous extracts in managing pests across different host plants. Moreover, the enhanced performance of the nano-extracts was due to the improved bioavailability and the release of bioactive compounds. Along with their insecticidal properties, basil extracts were experimented with in simulated water conditions, and there was a promising outcome in a drop in the population of pests that plague aquatic plants like Water Hyacinth. It is worth noting that there was no significant change in water quality, indicating that basil extracts are safe for water bodies. The paper highlights the potential of basil-based extracts as a sustainable alternative for integrated pest management, providing a two-fold advantage to both land- and water-based ecosystems. The results recommend the broader use of basil extracts in sustainable pest management approaches, supported by their use in both aquatic and agricultural environments.

Keywords: Ocimum basilicum, Botanical insecticide, Nano-extract, Aqueous extract, Pest management, Aphis gossypii, Aquatic ecosystems