With the passage of time and indiscreet usage of insecticides on crops, aphids are becoming resistant to their effect. The different classes of insecticides, including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, have varied effects on insects. Furthermore, the molecular effects of these insecticides in aphids, including effects on the enzymatic machinery and gene mutation, are resulting in aphid resistance to the insecticides. In this review, we will discuss how aphids are affected by the overuse of pesticides, how resistance appears, and which mechanisms participate in the resistance mechanisms in various aphid species as significant crop pests. Gene expression studies were analyzed using the RNA-Seq technique. The stress-responsive genes were analyzed, and their expression in response to insecticide administration was determined. Putative insecticide resistance-related genes, cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase, carboxylesterase CarEs, ABC transporters, cuticle protein genes, and trypsin-related genes were studied. The review concluded that if insecticide-susceptible aphids interact with ample dosages of insecticides with sublethal effects, this will result in the upregulation of genes whose primary role is to detoxify insecticides. In the past decade, certain advancements have been observed regarding insecticide resistance on a molecular basis. Even so, not much is known about how aphids detoxify the insecticides at molecular level. Thus, to attain equilibrium, it is important to observe the manipulation of pest and insect species with the aim of restoring susceptibility to insecticides. For this purpose, this review has included critical insights into insecticide resistance in aphids.

Silybum marianum L. is a therapeutic plant belonging to the family Asteraceae, which has exhibited silymarin, a principal component used to cure various physiochemical disorders. The study appraised the phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and chemical analysis of an extract from the seed, stem and leaves. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. While the antioxidant activity was determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and acetate buffer in ferric chloride (FRAP) assay, respectively, the chemical profile was evaluated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) assay. The study outcomes identified that alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and catcholic tannins were present in seed, stem and leaves extracts except for saponins and Gallic tannins. Whereas, phenols were absent only in seed extract. Quantitative analysis revealed the presence of phenols and flavonoids in appreciable amounts of 21.79 (GAE/g), 129.66 (QE/g) and 17.29 (GAE/g), 114.29 (QE/g) from the leaves and stem extract, respectively. Similarly, all extracts expressed reasonable DPPH inhibition (IC₅₀) and FRAP reducing power such as 75.98, 72.39 and 63.21% and 46.60, 51.40 and 41.30 mmol/g from the seeds, stem and leaves extract, respectively. Additionally, chemical analysis revealed the existence of 6, 8 and 9 chemical compounds from the seeds, stem and leaves extract, respectively, corresponding to 99.95, 99.96 and 98.89% of the whole extract. The chemical compound, Dibutyl phthalate was reported from all extracts while, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester and Silane, (1,1-dimethylethyl), dimethyl (phenylmethoxy) were reported only from the seed and leaves extract. Moreover, Methyl stearate was also a major compound reported from all extracts except for seed extract. It is demonstrable that extracts from different parts of S. marianum possess significant antioxidant activity, as well as valuable chemical compounds accountable for therapeutic effects that might be incorporated as an alternative to synthetic chemical agents.

Sagittaria trifolia is a medicinal foodstuff of China and East Asia belonging to the family Alismataceae. Samples of S. trifolia tubers were collected from Meihekow, Siping, Jilin, Harbin and Wuchang from Northeast China. The current study was aimed to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative analysis, antioxidant activity, biochemical analysis and chemical composition of different populations of S. trifolia. By using Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminium chloride colourimetric and 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenol and flavonoids content and antioxidant activity was analysed. Furthermore, chemical composition, biochemical analysis and mineral substances were also determined. The results showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, glycosides and steroids except for alkaloids and terpenoids by qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis revealed that highest total phenol, flavonoids content and antioxidant potential identified from Meihekow, i.e., 2.307 mg GAE/g, 12.263 mg QE/g and 77.373%, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results showed the presence of 40 chemical compounds corresponding to 99.44% of total extract that might be responsible for antioxidant properties. Mineral and biochemical analysis revealed the presence of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc and, carbohydrate, protein, fibre and fat contents, respectively. Interestingly, all S. trifolia populations collected from different locations possess similar composition. The dietary values, phytoconstituents, antioxidant activities and nutritional and curative chemical compounds of S. trifolia are beneficial for the nutritherapy of human beings.

Meloidogyne enterolobii is an extremely important plant parasitic nematode. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an essential worldwide vegetable, and M. enterolobii poses a major threat to its production. The present research investigated the effects of different levels of inoculum density of M. enterolobii (100, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 second-stage juveniles (J2s)/plant) on tomato growth, physiological, and biochemical changes at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-inoculation (dpi). The negative impact of M. enterolobii on plants gradually increased when the inoculum level increased. Therefore, M. enterolobii population densities (500–2000 J2s/plant) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced plant growth, photosynthetic pigmentation, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence compared to control plants, while the low population density (100 J2s/plant) showed very little influence. Furthermore, plants with the highest M. enterolobii inoculum (2000 J2s/plant) exhibited a greater number of egg masses and galls. The inoculum densities of M. enterolobii exhibited a notable correlation with the significant elevation of both malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels, which are recognized as very detrimental stresses in plants. Similarly, a rise in the activity of several defensive antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), indicates the defensive mechanism used to combat the oxidative destruction produced by M. enterolobii. The specific activity of glutathione (GSH) and ascorbate (ASA) increased as potent antioxidant defense molecules in response to induced oxidative damage. In addition, our findings also demonstrated that the highest population density (2000 J2s/plant) increased the secondary metabolites responsible for scavenging oxidative stress in the plants. However, further research is required to explore the underlying reasons for this phenomenon and to develop efficient chemical or biocontrol strategies for managing M. enterolobii.

Antioxidants are the radical scavengers that inhibit peroxidation and other free-radical processes, which in return safeguard different organisms from various diseases attributed to radical reactions. Synthetic antioxidants inhibit free radicals, but they also have harmful side effects. However, mycochemicals of natural fungal origin are safe and best substitutes for harmful synthetic chemical antioxidants. The prime objectives of the study include appropriate qualitative and quantitative mycochemical screening, antioxidant potential, and chemical composition of Snef1216 (Penicillium chrysogenum). The study has used aluminium chloride colourimetric method, Folin–Ciocalteu reagent assay, and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) for analysis of total flavonoid content and phenol content and antioxidant activity, respectively. However, the presence of biologically active compounds was screened through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Quantitative analysis demonstrated the existence of flavonoids, glycosides, flavones, saponins, phenols, and catecholic tannins excluding alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and gallic tannins. The outcomes exposed total flavonoid content and phenolic content in P. chrysogenum were 85.31 ± 1.23 mg·QE/g and 135.77 ± 1.14 mg·GAE/g, respectively. Snef1216 (P. chrysogenum) displayed the highest free-radical scavenging activity with 63.86% inhibition of DPPH. The analysis confirms that Snef1216 (P. chrysogenum) is an alternative source of natural antioxidants. The obtained data have provided the foundation for its use in agricultural, environmental, and pharmaceutical industries.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of Pakistan’s essential staple food crops. Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are a significant restraint in maize production. However, free-living nematodes (FLNs) provide crucial ecological functions such as suppressing pests and nutrient mineralization. This study aimed to assess the community analysis of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes associated with maize and other rotational crops (those cultivated in sequence with the maize in the same field) from Punjab, Pakistan. The occurrence percentage was observed per 500 g soil for each nematode genus. The present study revealed that 24 species of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were identified from maize crops and other rotational crops from 16 localities through Punjab, Pakistan. Nematode communities were analyzed by absolute frequency, relative frequency, relative density, and prominence value, while cluster analysis was based on the presence or absence of nematode in different localities. The overall proportion of plant-parasitic nematodes was 35%, while free-living soil nematodes recovered 65%, out of 210 samples of maize and other rotational crops. Several major genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were reported during the present study viz., Ditylenchus, Filenchus, Helicotylenchus, Hemicriconemoides, Heterodera, Hoplolaimus, Malenchus, Pratylenchus, Psilenchus, Rotylenchulus, Seinura, Telotylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, and Xiphinema Community relationship revealed the overall dominance of Heterodera zeae, with the highest incidence (55.71%) followed by Tylenchorhynchus elegans (33.33%) and Helicotylenchus certus (24.76%). The results provide valuable information on the community structure of nematodes in maize and other rotational crops of maize in Punjab, Pakistan. Moreover, this data can be used as a preventive measure before PPN incidence results in greater losses on maize.