Entomotoxic Potential of Plant Lectins as an Environment Friendly Tool to Control Insect Pests

A large number of insect pests infest crops at various stages including, pre- and post-harvest periods. Since immemorial times, agriculturists have applied numerous protective strategies to control insect infestation viz. variable cultural practices, crop rotation etc. and in modern times the application of chemical pesticides. Chemical pesticides impart environmental (soil, water) toxicity leading to health hazards and also have a negative impact on non-target species, thereby, disrupting natural biological control along with the development of resistance among target pests. Plant lectins combine specifically with the carbohydrate components of glycoproteins, glycolipids and other glycoconjugates in the pest and interfere with insect metabolism. Due to this property plant lectins can be utilised as defence proteins against phytophagous pests. Some of the plant lectins have been tested for their promising entomotoxic potential. This review demonstrates the entomotoxic potential of some candidate lectins and their impact on insect pests.