Utilização de Óleos Essenciais na Agricultura

Abstract

Essential oils are alternative to control pathogenic agents, agricultural pests and weeds, with the use of pesticides in agriculture has been an important tool in the control of many pathogenic microorganisms and plants to increase production, but the indiscriminate use of these chemicals has negatively affected the environment and human health. It has been researched lately, demand for new plants with metabolic molecules such as terpenes, alkaloids and phenolic compounds, in effect; bioinsecticide, biofungicide bioherbicida and plants that can replace chemicals or with low or no residual power and reduce the impact to environment, this manuscript aims to give a comprehensive explanation on the importance of essential oils and their secondary metabolites in plant defense. The use of plants with insecticidal properties, fungicide and herbicide, shows a high potential of this tool in the management of pests, diseases and weeds. For the final insertion and safe botanical products in agriculture, however, more studies are still needed.