The potential of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) extracts as a bio-pesticide
Nitu Sinha and Sonali Ray
Excessive and widespread use of commercially available synthetic pesticides against phytophagous insects in various agroecosystems has led to their successive bioaccumulation in the surrounding environment. This phenomenon diminishes biodiversity, increases insect resistance, and negatively impacts non-target species, including human health and the ecosystem. To combat this, safer and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides are needed. One such alternative is plant-derived extracts, which have shown potential effectiveness in pest control. Ginger has been recognized as a promising natural pest-controlling agent with high efficiency and low toxicity in plant pest and disease management systems. Zingiberene, shogaol, and gingerol are the active components of ginger that give it its potent biocidal qualities. These active constituents interfere with some insect metabolic procedures, such as chitin synthesis, respiratory systems, central nervous systems, ATP synthesis, protein synthesis, impaired sexual communication, and antifeedant. This review demonstrates different varieties of ginger found in India and its efficacy as a pest-controlling agent and an alternative to conventional pesticides. It also aims to gather all the available scientific data regarding the extraction of different ginger plant parts, their application, and the mode of action in pest disease control of plants.