Back to the origins: biopesticides as promising alternatives to conventional agrochemicals

Abstract

Presently, the world is using eco-friendly products to limit pollution in soil, air, water, and marine environments and to mitigate rapid climate change according to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, most countries attempt to produce environmentally friendly herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides from plants, algae (e.g., Cladophora glomerata, Laurencia pinnata, Plocamium cartilagineum, Polcamium spp.) or animal manure. Plants, such as Anethum sowa, Thymus vulgaris, Foeniculum vulgare, Syzygium aromaticum, Pinus sylvestris, Citrus spp., Piper spp. and Mentha spicata, are ecofriendly sources of essential oils, containing safe components, which can resist harmful pests. This review evaluates the common plants and algae used for extracting biopesticides, geographical distribution, target pests, mode of action, and commercial viability.