USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS AS GREEN BIOPESTICIDES

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the application of herbal products, especially essential oils (EOs) in agriculture, as an alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides, for healthy crops and environmentally sustainable production systems. This was the main reason why the properties of EOs as natural pesticides for their promotion and use in organic farming were evaluated. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) defines biopesticide as a safer product, with a lower persistence in the environment, biodegradable, less toxic to non-target organisms, less likely to contaminate soil and groundwater. Many EOs obtained from medicinal plants have a wide range of activities against harmful insects, bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi, weeds. Their action varies from insecticidal activities, repellents, antifeedants, growth regulation, etc. This review presents the most effective biopesticides based on EOs obtained from medicinal plants and the future development prospects of this industry.