Assessment of Botanical Pesticides as Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Crop Protection
Abstract
The escalating reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides has caused significant environmental degradation, raised human health concerns, and accelerated the development of pesticide resistance. In response to these pressing challenges, botanical pesticides, which utilize natural plant-derived compounds, offer a viable, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative for crop protection. Derived from sources such as neem, pyrethrum, and various essential oils, these natural secondary metabolites exhibit diverse modes of action against destructive pests, including neurotoxicity, antifeedant effects, and growth inhibition. This review paper comprehensively assesses the application of botanical pesticides, highlighting their numerous ecological benefits such as rapid biodegradability, lower environmental persistence, and minimal toxicity towards non-target organisms like pollinators. Despite these advantages, the widespread commercialization of botanical biopesticides faces several limitations, including variability in active compound concentration, slower knockdown rates compared to synthetics, and regulatory hurdles rooted in frameworks originally designed for conventional chemicals. To overcome these challenges, contemporary advancements in formulation technologies, such as microencapsulation and nanotechnology, are being explored to enhance their stability and field efficacy. Ultimately, the integration of botanical pesticides into modern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies is essential for transitioning towards resilient, productive, and environmentally sustainable agricultural systems globally.