BOTANICAL INSECTICIDES - SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HORTICULTURAL INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Abstract

This paper reviews the botanical pesticidal products and their activity against the horticultural insect
pests. About 211 plant species were explained to have different types of pesticidal properties under
in vitro conditions against the pests. Synthetic insecticides possess inherent toxicities that endanger
the health of the farmers, consumers and the environment. Hazardous effects on human health led to
a resurgence in interest in botanical insecticides due to their minimal costs and lesser environmental
side effects. Botanicals are advantageous over broad-spectrum conventional insecticides. They
affect only target pests and closely related organisms, decomposed quickly and leave the food
residue free and provide a safe environment to live. As a component in the integrated pest
management system, botanical insecticides can greatly reduce the quantity of synthetic insecticides
applied and contribute to sustainable crop cultivation.