**6. Importance of flavonoids in pest control**

Every day, the demand for natural products obtained from plants increases to be used as pest control agents. New pesticides are being developed using flavonoids, as they are an alternative to synthetic pesticides. They can inhibit enzymatic activity and prevent the growth of larvae of different insect species [55]. Some flavonoids interfere in the process of moulting and reproduction of several insects, that is, they inhibit the formation of juvenile hormone (ecdysone). Flavonoids inhibit transcription of ecdysone receptor-dependent genes (EcR) [56].

It has been reported that some types of flavonoids have had an effect on agricultural pests with ovicidal effect, oviposition, fecundity, mortality, weight reduction, and emergence of adults [57, 58]. Quercetin, rutin, and naringin showed positive effects for the control of nymphs and adults of the aphid *Eriosoma lanigerum* Hausmann. These can be used as an insecticide in the integrated management programs of this aphid [59]. Some flavonoids can influence agricultural pests depending on the concentration applied; if they are low, they do not affect them [60]; therefore, it is necessary to test the minimum concentrations for the flavonoid to have an insecticidal effect.
