General Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Insect Science, Plant Science, Toxicology
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Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Intelligent Approaches for Smart Organic Plant and Animal Farming Hanem F. Khater, Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Fatma I. Abdallah, Gamila Sh. Selem, Mohammed G. Mahmoud, Ahmed A. Gh. Farag, Ali H. El-Far, Hanan A. A. Taie, Randa I. Eltaly, Gamila A. M. Kotb, Nazeer Ahmed, Zahid M. Sarwar, Rafi Ullah, Amera A. Khater, Nelissa Pacheco Vaz, Rao Zahid Abbas, Bahaa S. Rabi, Salwa M. Abdallah Botanical Extracts and their Phytochemicals Potentiality in the Development of Sustainable Agriculture, 2026 214Crop and livestock production have intensified through rearing and cultivation systems to meet the urgent food demands of the ever-growing population. The spread of farmland and massive land use has resulted in global land degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and losses of habitat and biodiversity. Organic farming (OF) aims to produce crops and animal products grown in eco-friendly environments with zero chemicals to preserve balanced ecosystems. Precision agriculture with nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial for sustainable food production. This chapter highlights the intelligent approaches for smart OF systems, maintaining soil quality, and enhancing biodiversity, with special reference to eco-friendly strategies for pest and disease management, which vary from preventive to direct intervention methods as multidisciplinary information involving biopesticides, fertility-fostering microbes, molecular docking, nanotechnology, AI, and vision techniques regarding OF sectors, and safety assessment of biopesticides, which is a prerequisite for the commercialization of the developed products. This would help both stakeholders and policymakers make decisions to be implemented in plant and livestock OFs to increase their competitive success and ultimately the sustainability of the food systems. Finally, particular attention should be 215given to organic product marketing strategies to improve farm profitability and the long-term sustainability of the food system.
Repellent and insecticidal activities of Pinus halepensis and Cupressus sempervirens extracts against the West Nile virus vector Culex pipiens Mohamed M. Baz, Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Heba Y. Mady, Doaa l. Mohamed, Mohammed H. Alruhaili, Hattan S. Gattan, Saeed M. Alasmari, Abdelfattah Selim, Esraa A. Elhawary Scientific Reports, 2025 Mosquitoes are major disease vectors that pose serious public health threats. Extensive use of synthetic insecticides against mosquitoes has caused resistance, environmental pollution, and health risks, making it imperative to use natural alternatives. This study evaluated the larvicidal and repellent activities of Pinus halepensis and Cupressus sempervirens leaf extracts and essential oils against Culex pipiens, the vector of West Nile virus, and profiled their phytochemical composition. Methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts, along with EOs, were tested for larvicidal toxicity and analyzed by UPLC/MS and GC/MS. EOs exhibited the highest larvicidal potency, with LC₅₀ values of 71.96 ppm for P. halepensis and 96.38 ppm for C. sempervirens, followed by solvent extracts in the order acetone > n-hexane > methanol > ethyl acetate. Both oils provided complete repellency (100%) for 150 min at 1% concentration. UPLC/MS identified 58 secondary metabolites, mainly flavonoids and diterpenoids, while GC/MS revealed 20 components from monoterpenes, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes side by side with fatty acids. Biochemical assays showed that P. halepensis extract caused greater inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, esterases, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GST, CAT, and GSH), with elevated oxidative stress markers (LPO and TPC) compared to C. sempervirens. These findings demonstrate the potential of P. halepensis and C. sempervirens extracts, particularly EOs, as eco-friendly botanical larvicides and repellents against Cx. pipiens.
Abundance, Diversity and Distribution of Mosquito Species and Molecular Detection of Its Associated Hepatitis C Virus in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt Tharwat A. Selim, Sanad H. Ragab, Saber A. Riad, Randa I. Eltaly, Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Somia Eissa Sharawi, Naser Ahmed Alkenani, Ruoa Saleh Almahallawi, Hayat S. Al-Rashidi, Mohamed A. M. El-Tabakh Insects, 2025 The presence of mosquitoes in a certain area is sufficient evidence of the transmission of diseases, in addition to the inconvenience and harassment they cause to the population. In order for mosquito control to be successful, there must be sufficient reports and information about the extent of the distribution and spread of the mosquito in this area. This study was conducted seasonally to calculate the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes and to initially detect hepatitis C virus in the most abundant species collected in some localities: Kafr Saqr (Hanot, El-Kodah, Abo Shokok, El-Hagarsa); Abo Kebeer (Manshat Radwan, Bane Aiat, Al-Rahmania, Horbat); Diarb Negm (Safor, El-Asaied, Karmot Sahbara, Saft Zreka); and El-Zakazik (Om El-Zein, Bany Amer, Al-Zankalon, Shanbrt El-Mimona) along Sharkia Governorate. According to the results, 12 mosquito species belonging to two genera were recorded in four stations (16 sites). The species Culex pipiens was found to be the most abundant across the majority of locations. It is reaching its peak in Al-Zankalon with a maximum count of 139 ± 7.61 individuals. C. antennatus exhibited a significant level of abundance (p < 0.001), especially in Al-Rahmania (82.5 ± 4.3). Species such as C. perexiguus and An. pharoensis were found in moderate-to-low numbers. The prevailing species is C. pipiens in all locations and seasons, especially during the summer. Other species like C. antennatus and An. pharoensis are also important, although their significance is somewhat less pronounced. Clusters of sites with similar features indicate that specific locations or species exhibit consistent patterns of activity or abundance throughout several seasons. These clusters represent groups of locations that share similar characteristics, as determined by the principal components. The findings of detecting hepatitis C virus in C. pipiens (the most abundant species) collected samples showed negative results for the presence of HCV during the summer season in Sharkia Governorate.
Phototoxicity of eosin yellow lactone and phloxine B photosensitizers against mosquito larvae and their associated predators Randa I. Eltaly, Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Khaled A. Alakeel, Hend H.A. Salem, Azza Abdelfattah, Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed, Amira M. El-Tahan, Mohamed T. El-Saadony, Ahmed M. Saad, Gawhara M.M. Abu El-Hassan, Shaimaa M. Farag Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2025 Mosquito larvae and their predators were surveyed from different breeding sites in El-Fayoum Governorate. The physiochemical characters of water and environmental factors that effect on mosquito larvae were studied. Biochemical and toxicological effects of the two photosensitizing compounds; eosin yellow lactone and phloxine B (xanthene dye) were evaluated against the third instar larvae of the most dominant mosquito species and their predators. The surveyed results revealed the occurrence of six mosquito species in the study area: one aedine, Aedes caspius, two anopheline, Anopheles pharoensis, An. sergenti, and three culicines, Culex pipien, Cx. antennatus, and Culiseta longiareolata. The most dominant species was Cx. pipiens with a total number of 3571 larvae followed by Ae. caspius and An. phareonsis with a total number of 670, 452 collected larvae, respectively. The two commonly collected predators were Pantala flavescens (Odonata) and Caenis macrura (Ephemeroptera) naiads. The results explained that both eosin yellow and phloxine B can be used as larvicide. However, eosin was more efficient than phloxine against Cx. pipiens with LC50 equal to (0.025 and 0.053 ppm) and An. pharoensis (0.023 and 0.016 ppm, respectively. On the other hand, the phloxine was more effective than eosin against Ae. caspius (0.016 and 0.024 ppm, respectively. Also, the results investigated that phloxine was more efficient than eosin against Cx. pipiens in dark and there was a significant difference between their toxicity in sunlight and in the absence of direct light. In addition, phloxine was less toxic against P. flavescens than eosin with LC50 of 1.822 and 1.044 ppm, respectively) and the mayfly (C. macrura) was more sensitive to the both photosensitizers with LC50 equal to 0.003 and 0.006 ppm for eosin and phloxine, respectively. The biochemical studies indicated the increasing in the levels of glutathione S-transferase after treatment with eosin and phloxine and there is a significant decrease in peroxidase levels after treatment with both eosin and phloxine.
Effectiveness and biochemical impact of ozone gas and silica nanoparticles on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) Hend H. A. Salem, Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Randa I. Eltaly, Enayat M. Elqady, Eman El-said, Khaled H. Metwaly Scientific Reports, 2024 Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector of many serious human diseases, and its control by the heavy use of chemical insecticides has led to the evolution of insecticide resistance and high environmental risks. Many safe alternatives, such as ozone gas (O3) and silica nanoparticles (silica NPs) can reduce these risks. Therefore, O3 and silica NPs were applied to 3rd larval instars of Cx. pipiens at different concentrations (100, 200, and 400 ppm) for different exposure times (1, 2, 3, and 5 min for O3 and 24, 48, and 72 h for silica NPs). The activity of some vital antioxidant enzymes as well as scanning electron microscopy of the body surface were also investigated. A positive correlation was observed between larval mortality % and the tested concentrations of O3 and silica NPs. O3 was more effective than silica NPs, it resulted in 92% mortality at 400 ppm for a short exposure time (5 min). O3-exposed larvae exhibited a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase activities as well as the total antioxidant capacity. Scanning electron microscopy showing disruptive effects on the body surface morphology of ozone and silica NPs treated larvae. These results provide evidence that O3 and silica NPs have the potential for use as alternative vector control tools against Cx. pipiens.
Synthesis of eco-friendly layered double hydroxide and nanoemulsion for jasmine and peppermint oils and their larvicidal activities against Culex pipiens Linnaeus Ibrahim Taha Radwan, Hanem F. Khater, Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Abdelwahab Khalil, Mohamed A. Farghali, Mohammed G. Mahmoud, Abdelfattah Selim, Eman A. Manaa, Noha Bagato, Mohamed M. Baz Scientific Reports, 2024 Mosquito-borne diseases represent a growing health challenge over time. Numerous potential phytochemicals are target-specific, biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The larvicidal activity of essential oils, a jasmine blend consisting of Jasmine oil and Azores jasmine (AJ) (Jasminum sambac and Jasminum azoricum) and peppermint (PP) Mentha arvensis and their nanoformulations against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Culex pipiens, was evaluated after subjecting to different concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm). Two forms of phase-different nanodelivery systems of layered double hydroxide LDH and oil/water nanoemulsions were formulated. The synthesized nanoemulsions showed particle sizes of 199 and 333 nm for AJ-NE and PP-NE, with a polydispersity index of 0.249 and 0.198, respectively. Chemical and physiochemical analysis of TEM, SEM, XRD, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, and drug release measurements were done to confirm the synthesis and loading efficiencies of essential oils' active ingredients. At high concentrations of AJ and PP nanoemulsions (2000 ppm), O/W nanoemulsions showed higher larval mortality than both LDH conjugates and crude oils. The mortality rate reached 100% for 2nd and 4th instar larvae. The relative toxicities revealed that PP nanoemulsion (MA-NE) was the most effective larvicide, followed by AJ nanoemulsion (AJ-NE). There was a significant increase in defensive enzymes, phenoloxidase, and α and β-esterase enzymes in the treated groups. After treatment of L4 with AJ, AJ-NE, PP, and PP-NE, the levels of phenoloxidase were 545.67, 731.00, 700.00, and 799.67 u/mg, respectively, compared with control 669.67 u/mg. The activity levels of α-esterase were 9.71, 10.32, 8.91, and 10.55 mg α-naphthol/min/mg protein, respectively. It could be concluded that the AJ-NE and PP-NE nanoformulations have promising larvicidal activity and could act as safe and effective alternatives to chemical insecticides.
Co-application of entomopathogenic fungi with chemical insecticides against Culex pipiens Hend H.A. Salem, Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Randa I. Eltaly, Moataz A.M. Moustafa, Adrien Fónagy, Shaimaa M. Farag Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 2023 Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector of many human and animal diseases. Its control is regarded as a preventative approach that is focused on effectively managing such diseases. In this context, dose response assays of two insecticides, bendiocarb and diflubenzuron were performed with two entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against 3rd instar C. pipiens larvae. The most effective agents, combination experiments as well as enzymatic activities of phenoloxidase (PO) and chitinase (CHI) were also assessed. The results showed that diflubenzuron was more effective at low concentrations (LC50: 0.001 ppm) than bendiocarb (LC50: 0.174 ppm), whereas M. anisopliae was more effective (LC50: 5.2 × 105 conidia/mL) than B. bassiana (LC50: 7.5 × 107 conidia/mL). Synergistic interactions were observed when diflubenzuron was applied at 2- and 4-days post- exposure to M. anisopliae, with the highest degree of synergism observed when diflubenzuron was applied 2 days post-fungal exposure (χ2 = 5.77). In contrast, additive interactions were recorded with all other insecticide-fungal combinations. PO activities significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased during 24 h after a single diflubenzuron treatment as well as when diflubenzuron was applied prior to M. anisopliae, whereas suppressed after 24 h when M. anisopliae applied prior to diflubenzuron as well as after 48 h from single and combined treatments. CHI activity increased 24 h after both single and combined treatments, the activity remained elevated 48 h after a single diflubenzuron treatment and when diflubenzuron was applied after M. anisopliae. Histological study of the cuticle by transmission electron microscopy revealed abnormalities following single and combined treatments. Germination of the conidia and production of the mycelium that colonizes the lysing cuticle was obvious when diflubenzuron was applied 48 h after M. anisopliae exposure. Overall, these results demonstrate that M. anisopliae is compatible with diflubenzuron at lower concentrations and that combined applications can improve C. pipiens management.
Acaricide resistance and novel photosensitizing approach as alternative acaricides against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii Shaimaa H. Mohammed, Mohamed M. Baz, Moustafa Ibrahim, Ibrahim T. Radwan, Abdelfattah Selim, Abdel-Fattah D. Dawood, Hanan A. A. Taie, Salwa Abdalla, Hanem F. Khater Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, 2023 The control of the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii is very crucial. This study evaluated the novel toxicity of photosensitizers and Phoxim insecticide against H. dromedarii males using the adult immersion tests. Ticks were subjected to sunlight for 10 min post-treatment (PT). The optical characters of the applied materials were determined by UV–Vis spectroscopy (250–900 nm wavelengths). The intensity of spectra decreased as dye concentration decreased. The optical bandgap energies of the dyes at different concentrations were not changed as the concentration changed and decreased as the absorption peak of individual dyes red-shifted. The mortalities 72 h PT reached 42.2%, 44.4%, 51.1%, 71.1%, 46.7%, 48.9%, 44.4%, and 55.6% for chlorophyllin, echinochrome, field stain, methylene blue, phthalocyanine, rhodamine 6G, riboflavin, and safranin, respectively. Methylene blue recorded the highest median lethal concentration (LC50 = 127 ppm) followed by safranin, field stain, rhodamine 6G, phthalocyanine, echinochrome riboflavin, and chlorophyllin (LC50 = 209, 251, 271, 303, 324, 332, and 362 ppm, respectively, 72 h PT). Their median lethal time, LT50, values PT with 240 ppm were 45, 87, 96, 72, 129, 115, 131, and 137 h, respectively. The relative toxicities of the LC50 values 72 h PT showed that chlorophyllin, echinochrome, field stain, methylene blue, phthalocyanine, rhodamine 6G, riboflavin, and safranin were 3.2, 3.6, 4.6, 9.1, 3.8, 4.3, 3.5, and 5.6 times, respectively, more effective than Phoxim. Methylene blue, safranin, and field stain showed a broad absorbance area indicating a large photoactivity and better phototoxicity and could be used as alternative agents to synthetic acaricides. Graphical Abstract
