According to the United Nations (UN), the global population may skyrocket to 9.8 billion people in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, placing an overwhelming burden on food security as the world will have to meet this growing demand. Maize is the largest staple grain crop produced in developing countries. The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, is one of the most destructive post-harvest pests of stored cereals and grains. The maize weevil contributes up to 40% of total food-grain losses during storage, mainly in developing countries. Current synthetic pesticides are ineffective, and, moreover, they raise serious environmental safety concerns as well as consumer health hazards. Drawing from past oversights and current environmental realities and projections, the global population has been switching to green living by developing sustainable strategies. In our context, these new greener strategies include the utilization of medicinal plants to control maize weevil infestation, which unlocks unlimited innovative possibilities, and, thus, improves the yield, quality, and safety of maize. Medicinal plants are less toxic, easily biodegradable, and capable of protecting grain from pests. This paper systematically outlines the literature on host plants as well as the feeding and associated diseases of the maize weevil. In light of this, we cement medicinal plants as excellent candidates in the pursuit of greener, sustainable, more potent, and cost-effective pesticides.

The growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetic formulations has driven scientists to explore a wide range of botanical resources. Helinus integrifolius, a lesser-known botanical entity, has recently emerged as a formidable contender in this field. This review explores the possibility of incorporating Helinus integrifolius in the cosmetics industry, synthesizing data from the literature on pharmacological, botanical, and cosmetic research. Additionally, this highlights the versatility and multipurpose nature of this botanical resource in cosmetic applications. Furthermore, concerns regarding the safety of contemporary cosmetic products, formulation compatibility, and regulatory aspects are addressed to accelerate its integration into cosmetic products. Ultimately, this review highlights the untapped potential of Helinus integrifolius as a treasured resource for the cosmetics industry, emphasizing its ability to meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly, effective, and naturally inspired cosmetic solutions. Through thorough exploration and analysis, this paper aims to stimulate further research and development initiatives aimed at harnessing the cosmetic capabilities of Helinus integrifolius, thus contributing to the advancement of innovation in natural cosmetics.

To control maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais), a major pest of stored grains, this study explores the use of essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus and Lantana camara as natural biopesticides. Given the risks of synthetic pesticides, these oils offer a sustainable alternative. The research first identified ten fungal pathogens associated with the weevils, including the dominant species, Fusarium solani. Preliminary results showed that both oils were then tested for their ability to kill the fungi and the weevils. Eucalyptus globulus oil proved to be a superior antifungal agent, inhibiting fungal growth by up to 93%, significantly outperforming Lantana camara oil. Both oils demonstrated potent insecticidal properties, achieving 100% weevil mortality at a 10% concentration within 24 hrs. However, Eucalyptus oil was more effective, maintaining 100% mortality even at a lower 5% concentration, unlike Lantana oil. Chemical analysis showed that Eucalyptus oil’s high effectiveness may be associated with its main component, eucalyptol (52.8%). Lantana oil had a more varied composition, with caryophyllene (31%) as its primary constituent. The findings suggest that Eucalyptus globulus essential oil is a promising, two-in-one biopesticide capable of controlling both maize weevils and their associated fungal pathogens.