Lippia alba essential oil as a botanical biopesticide: From chemotype diversity, crop protection potential, and value chain challenges

Growing concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of synthetic pesticides have intensified the search for sustainable crop protection alternatives. Among plant-derived bioproducts, essential oils (EOs) have attracted increasing attention due to their broad-spectrum biological activities and favourable environmental profile. In this context, Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson (L. alba, Verbenaceae), a chemically diverse and agronomically adaptable aromatic species, has emerged as a promising source of botanical biopesticides. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the geographical distribution, agronomic characteristics, EO yield, and chemotype variability of L. alba. Particular attention is given to the relationship between chemical composition and biological activity, highlighting the insecticidal, fungicidal, nematicidal, bactericidal, and acaricidal properties reported against major agricultural pests and pathogens. Available evidence indicates that citral-, carvone-, and linalool-rich chemotypes are among the most promising profiles for crop protection applications. Beyond biological efficacy, this review examines the opportunities and limitations associated with the valorization of L. alba EO as a commercial biopesticide. The species benefits from broad ecological adaptability, ease of propagation, and growing demand for bio-based crop protection products. However, large-scale deployment remains constrained by chemotype variability, standardization challenges, formulation limitations, insufficient field validation, and regulatory barriers. By integrating agronomic, chemical, biological, technological, and socio-economic perspectives, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and highlights strategic priorities to support the development of L. alba EO as a sustainable biopesticide within agroecological and bioeconomy-oriented production systems.