Insecticidal Activity of Allium sativum Essential Oil-Based Nanoemulsion against Spodoptera littoralis

Spodoptera littoralis, the Egyptian or African cotton leafworm, is a major agricultural pest in Africa, Mediterranean Europe, and the Middle East, affecting crops like cotton, soybeans, and tomatoes. This pest damages various plant parts, leading to significant product losses. Control strategies primarily use synthetic insecticides, which pose problems such as resistance, environmental harm, and negative effects on non-target organisms. This study explores a garlic essential oil-based nanoemulsion as an alternative control tool. Garlic-EO nanoemulsion effectively killed larvae and reduced feeding activity in laboratory trials. These findings highlight the potential of botanical insecticides for sustainable pest management.