UAT Student Launches Eco Biopesticide CempaNeem to Fight Tomato Pests

Doctoral candidate Aracely Martínez Bautista at the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas (UAT) developed a liquid botanical biopesticide called CempaNeem. The formulation combines extracts of cempasúchil (Tagetes erecta) flowers and neem (Azadirachta indica) fruit, targeting tomato crops.

Laboratory tests showed 80‑100% mortality of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci and more than 50% inhibition of Fusarium spp. growth. Field trials in greenhouse tomato plants confirmed its effectiveness and safety for water and soil, while reducing the risk of insect resistance. Supervised by Dr. Eduardo Osorio Hernández and supported by rector Dámaso Anaya Alvarado, the project earned second place in the postgraduate category at ExpoCiencias Tamaulipas 2026. Results are being prepared for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.