Biological effects of natural products against Spodoptera spp

Insects of the genus Spodoptera Guenée (Noctuidae) are responsible for great economic losses in important crop plants such as maize and rice, among others. Efforts have been made to control this pest using organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid, and benzoylurea pesticides to which these insects have developed resistance. For this reason, it is urgent to find new options to control these insects. Chemical diversity of plants are potential powerful tools for controlling pests of this genus; therefore, we review the most recent progress in extracts and secondary metabolites from plant species used against Spodoptera spp. and discuss the responses of this species at the molecular, biochemical and physiological level. This information could be used to propose and obtain new botanical insecticides that could also minimize potential risks to the environment.