Essential oil: A biopesticides in insect pest management

Abstract

Essential oil, derived from aromatic plants, which have gained a significant attention as eco-friendly biopesticide for insect pest management. Essential oils (EOs) such as neem oil, clove oil, citronella oil etc. have insecticidal, fumigant, antifeedant, attractive and repellent activities against a broad spectrum of insects with some selectivity making them promising alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The complex mixture of terpenes, phenolics and other bioactive compounds in EOs which targets multiple physiological and behavioural mechanisms in insects, reducing the risk of resistant development. Due to their fast penetrating and high volatility, EOs are used as a fumigant against agriculture and storage insect pest with no toxic residues in treated products. Their toxicity to non-target organism and rapid biodegradability aligns with sustainable pest management practices. However, challenges such as variability in component, scalability, cost and limited field efficacy under certain condition need to be advanced through standardization such as encapsulating of essential oil (Nanoemulsion), formulation advancement and integration with other pest management methods. Essential oil has a potential to be use as a vital component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, promoting sustainable agriculture and pest management.