Preparation of Biopesticide from Custard Apple Seeds (Annona squamosa): A Sustainable Approach

The escalating concerns regarding the environmental and health consequences of synthetic pesticides have driven the exploration of safer and more sustainable alternatives for pest management. This study investigates the preparation of a biopesticide derived from the seeds of Annona squamosa (custard apple), an underutilized agro-waste rich in bioactive compounds, notably annonaceous acetogenins and isoquinoline alkaloids. The developed methodology encompasses systematic seed collection, shade drying, pulverization, Soxhlet extraction using isopropyl alcohol, and solvent recovery through simple distillation. The resulting biopesticide extract exhibited potent insecticidal activity against key agricultural pests—mealy bugs (Phenacoccus solenopsis), caterpillars (Spodoptera litura), and plant lice (Aphidoidea spp)—in controlled laboratory assays. Mortality rates exceeded 80% at optimized concentrations within 48–72 hours post-application, with minimal non-target impact. The novelty of this work lies in its demonstration of a low-cost, solvent-efficient, and scalable extraction process using a common laboratory Soxhlet apparatus to produce a natural biopesticide from agro-waste, yielding ≥18% bioextract with consistent bioefficacy and >90% solvent recovery. Unlike previous studies that focused on crude methanolic or aqueous extracts, this research delivers a semi-purified formulation with confirmed stability and repeatable insecticidal performance. Additionally, comparative analyses reveal advantages over conventional synthetic pesticides in terms of biodegradability, ecological safety, and target specificity. This study highlights the immense potential of A. squamosa seeds in promoting circular bioeconomy approaches and delivering eco-friendly pest management tools, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management systems.