Plant-Derived Pesticides for Sustainable Protection of Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Abstract

The adverse effects of chemical pesticides on the environment and human health have intensified the search for safer and sustainable alternatives in agricultural pest management. The growing research and development efforts in the field of biopesticides, particularly botanical pesticides, are driven by several inherent advantages that make them highly beneficial alternatives to chemical pesticides. Botanical pesticides are naturally occurring chemical compounds obtained from various plants. These advantages include low toxicity to humans and non-target organisms, resulting in a reduced environmental impact. Their target-specific mode of action minimises disruption to beneficial insects and natural enemies. Moreover, they exhibit high efficacy at comparatively low application doses and possess biodegradable, non-persistent characteristics, thereby ensuring greater environmental safety. However, their widespread adoption remains limited due to challenges in formulation and commercialisation, largely arising from insufficient chemical characterisation and the lack of standardised positive controls. Tea is one of the most widely consumed functional non-alcoholic hot drinks worldwide and is well recognised for its health-promoting factors, largely due to its diverse profile of phytochemicals or bioactive compounds. These compounds have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Nowadays, there has been a growing global demand, particularly in international markets, for organic and pesticide-residue-free tea. The presence of pesticide residues not only raises food safety concerns but also adversely affects export value and market competitiveness. The article illustrates an idea on botanical pesticides against insect pests and diseases for the sustainable protection of tea.