Natural Mediterranean Plants Products: A Sustainable Approach for Integrated Insect Pests Management

Abstract

Plants produce two kinds of natural products commonly termed “primary metabolites”, which are indispensable for plant growth and “secondary metabolites” that were previously considered as “waste products” without any physiological function for the plant. However, recent studies highlight their usefulness in plant defense against pathogens and insects herbivores and their role in beneficial insects attraction such us pollinators and auxiliaries. The secondary metabolites are classified into three different groups according to their biosynthetic origin: terpenoids, alkaloids and phenylpropanoids which each one was characterized with a specific mode of action against specific pest insects. Moreover, the natural products concentration depends largely in plant species. Recently, plant products are exploited for their benefit potential in crop protection thanks to their low toxicity to non-target organisms such as humans and auxiliaries, their effectiveness and environmental respect. The integration of plant products in pest management strategies would enhance sustainable agriculture and prevent loss in terms of both quality and quantity. This chapter provides an overview about the diversity of secondary metabolites in Mediterranean plants and their multifarious biological functions in crops protection against pests.