Botanical Pesticides as Biocontrol Products

As concerns grow about the environmental and health impacts of synthetic chemicals, there is a shift towards the use of natural plant-based products. Botanical pesticides, made from plant extracts, can act as insecticides, repellents, and fungicides. They offer different ways of controlling pests, which helps prevent resistance. Among the various possibilities, essential oils show promise as biopesticides. These oils can affect pests by altering their behaviour, metabolism, and even causing cell death. However, despite the potential, developing botanical pesticides faces challenges.