Use of plant essential oils in botanical pesticide development

The demand for green, sustainable pesticide chemistries continues to drive innovation and the development of new pesticides containing novel active ingredients and/or formulations from natural sources. Biological properties of plant essential oils have long been described in the scientific literature. More work is needed to formulate these active ingredients to ensure components of delivery, bioavailability, residual efficacy, and product stability, in order to fully recognize their potential. Data presented will include results from laboratory insecticide mode of action studies investigating tepenes contained in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oils. Results demonstrate that knowledge of essential oil mixture complexity and insecticide mode of action is necessary for optimal pesticide formulation, and further highlight improvements in botanical product development.