In this paper, we have performed the Lipozyme 435-catalyzed synthesis of xylose oleate in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from xylose and oleic acid. The effects of substrates’ molar ratios, reaction temperature, reaction time on esterification rates, and Lipozyme 435 reuse were studied. Results showed that an excess of oleic acid (xylose: oleic acid molar ratio of 1:5) significantly favored the reaction, yielding 98% of xylose conversion and 31% oleic acid conversion after 24 h-reaction (mainly to xylose mono- and dioleate, as confirmed by mass spectrometry). The highest Lipozyme 435 activities occurred between 55 and 70 °C. The predicted Ping Pong Bi Bi kinetic model fitted very well to the experimental data and there was no evidence of inhibitions in the range assessed. The reaction product was purified and presented an emulsion capacity close to that of a commercial sugar ester detergent. Finally, the repeated use of Lipozyme 435 showed a reduction in the reaction yields (by 48 and 19% in the xylose and oleic acid conversions, respectively), after ten 12 h-cycles.

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an agricultural pest of global importance, a vector of phytopathogens, with a wide distribution and a diverse range of hosts. The management of this pest primarily relies on synthetic insecticides; however, the selection pressure exerted by these products has led to the development of resistance to these molecules in 898 cases worldwide. Given the need to establish new management tactics for B. tabaci, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of essential oils (EOs) from Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtaceae), Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae), Cordia verbenacea (Boraginaceae), Callistemon sp. (Myrtaceae), Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae), and Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) on the mortality of eggs, nymphs, and adults of B. tabaci Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), as well as their repellent and oviposition deterrent effects on adults. The EOs of S. aromaticum and C. citratus were the most promising overall, exhibiting significant ovicidal activity, strong repellency, and deterrent effects on oviposition. Additionally, S. aromaticum and C. citratus EOs, and B. dracunculifolia EO, caused high nymphal mortality, while B. dracunculifolia EO stood out with the highest adult mortality. These findings highlight the potential of these EOs, particularly S. aromaticum and C. citratus, as multitarget tools within integrated pest management programs, offering environmentally friendly and effective alternatives for controlling B. tabaci MEAM1 across different developmental stages.