Biocide Potential of Jatropha curcas L. Extracts

Abstract

Jatropha curcas L., a multipurpose oilseed plant, is very important for biodiesel production; it also has a wide range of bioactive compounds with medicinal properties and biocidal activity for control of crop pests and diseases. This review presents the state-of-the-art of the biocidal activity of J. curcas extracts. Chemical constituents such as phorbol esters are responsible for high bioactivity of J. curcas, due to their toxicity to humans and animals and to their high fungicidal and insecticidal activity. The fungicidal activity of these constituents may be due to destroy endoplasmatic reticulum and hyphae cell walls. The activity of these compounds on insect pest metabolism is well known, leading to an antifeedant effect, repellency, mating inhibition, oviposition inhibition or suppression and/or induction of infertile egg production, and inhibition of larva, nymph, and pupa development. Several studies have shown that although all organs of J. curcas plant are toxic, the degree of toxicity varies in accordance with the extract formulation, the nature of the active substance, the administration rate and procedure, and the individual sensitivity of pests and diseases. Thus, J. curcas stands out as a promising species for bioenergy purposes, as well as for control of pests and diseases that affect agriculture production.