Essential Oils as Ecofriendly Biopesticides? Challenges and Constraints. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pavela, Roman; Benelli, Giovanni
• Is Part Of: Trends in plant science. Volume 21:Number 12(2016)
• Page Start: 1000
• Page End: 1007
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: botanical pesticides -- microencapsulation -- nanosynthesis -- natural product research -- stabilization processes; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; Botany; Periodicals; 580.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2016.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-1385

Abstract

Abstract : Recently, a growing number of plant essential oils (EOs) have been tested against a wide range of arthropod pests with promising results. EOs showed high effectiveness, multiple mechanisms of action, low toxicity on non-target vertebrates and potential for the use of byproducts as reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis of nanopesticides. However, the number of commercial biopesticides based on EOs remains low. We analyze the main strengths and weaknesses arising from the use of EO-based biopesticides. Key challenges for future research include: (i) development of efficient stabilization processes (e.g., microencapsulation); (ii) simplification of the complex and costly biopesticide authorization requirements; and (iii) optimization of plant growing conditions and extraction processes leading to EOs of homogeneous chemical composition. Trends: Recently, a growing number of plant essential oils (EOs) have been tested against a wide range of arthropods pests. EOs exhibited high effectiveness, multiple mechanisms of action, and low toxicity in non-target vertebrates. EO extraction byproducts can be useful sources of reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis of nanopesticides. Surprisingly, the number of commercial biopesticides based on EOs remains low and this opens opportunities for their application in modern agriculture.