Effects of novel and commercial phytochemicals on beneficial arthropods

Pesticides have been proven to be noxious to non-target organisms, including beneficial arthropods. Moreover, pesticide applications, kill a broad range of natural enemies and pollinators, resulting in pest outbreaks of pesticide resistant phytophagous species and a worldwide shrinking of the pollinators’ populations. Natural pesticides called phytochemicals, are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional pesticides, presenting lower risk to animals and humans. To minimize the environmental impact and the disruption of the species interactions, the potential lethal and sublethal effects of phytochemicals on beneficial arthropods must be evaluated.