Darvaish Life

Myzus persicae, the green peach aphid, is a widespread pest found globally including in North America. It poses a significant threat to agriculture by hindering plant growth, damaging tissues, causing leaves to shrivel, and leading to substantial crop losses — affecting both field crops and greenhouse-grown vegetables and ornamentals. Although synthetic insecticides are effective, their use is associated with human health concerns. This study explores the insecticidal potential of Nerium oleander leaf extracts as a safer, natural alternative. Methanolic extracts containing polyphenols, alkaloids, and sterols displayed notable insecticidal activity. Mortality rates were assessed at concentrations of 3.5, 7.5, 13, 26, and 52 µl/L over 24, 48, and 72 hours, yielding LC50 values of 4.592, 2.928, and 1.803 µl/L and LC90 values of 10.621, 7.090, and 6.189 µl/L, respectively. The findings highlight the potent insecticidal properties of Nerium oleander leaf extracts as a sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides.