Essential Oils as Green Pesticides: Potential and Constraints
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2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 63
Essential Oils as Green Pesticides: Potential and Constraints
OPENDER KOUL*, SURESH WALIA1 AND G. S. DHALIWAL
Insect Biopesticide Research Centre, 30 Parkash Nagar, Jalandhar 144003, India; 1Division of Agricul-
tural Chemicals, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
————————————————————————
Biopestic. Int. 4(1): 63 –84 (2008)
ABSTRACT Many plant essential oils show a broad spectrum of activity against pest insects and
plant pathogenic fungi ranging from insecticidal, antifeedant, repellent, oviposition deterrent,
growth regulatory and antivector activities. These oils also have a long tradition of use in the
protection of stored products. Recent investigations indicate that some chemical constituents of
these oils interfere with the octopaminergic nervous system in insects. As this target site is not
shared with mammals, most essential oil chemicals are relatively non-toxic to mammals and fish
in toxicological tests, and meet the criteria for “reduced risk” pesticides. Some of these oils and
their constituent chemicals are widely used as flavoring agents in foods and beverages and are
even exempt from pesticide registration. This special regulatory status combined with the wide
availability of essential oils from the flavor and fragrance industries, has made it possible to fast-
track commercialization of essential oil-based pesticides. Though well received by consumers for
use against home and garden pests, these “green pesticides” can also prove effective in agricultural
situations, particularly for organic food production. Further, while resistance development continues
to be an issue for many synthetic pesticides, it is likely that resistance will develop more slowly
to essential-oil-based pesticides owing to the complex mixtures of constituents that characterize
many of these oils. Ultimately, it is in developing countries which are rich in endemic plant
biodiversity that these pesticides may ultimately have their greatest impact in future integrated
pest management (IPM) programmes due to their safety to non-target organisms and the environment.
KEY WORDS : Essential oils, green pesticides, monoterpenes, phytochemicals, antifeedants,
repellents, fumigants, commercialization
————————————————————————
INTRODUCTION and biodegradable pesticides to solve the problem
The environmental problems caused by overuse of long term toxicity to mammals and, on the other
of pesticides have been the matter of concern for hand, one must study the environmental friendly
both scientists and public in recent years. It has been pesticides and develop techniques that can be used
estimated that about 2.5 million tons of pesticides to reduce pesticide use while maintaining crop yields.
are used on crops each year and the worldwide Natural products are an excellent alternative to
damage caused by pesticides reaches $100 billion synthetic pesticides as a means to reduce negative
annually. The reasons for this are two fold: (1) the impacts to human health and the environment. The
high toxicity and nonbiodegradable properties of move toward green chemistry processes and the
pesticides and (2) the residues in soil, water resources continuing need for developing new crop protection
and crops that affect public health. Thus, on the one tools with novel modes of action makes discovery
hand, one needs to search the new highly selective and commercialization of natural products as green
* Corresponding author: E-mail: okoul@airtelmail.in; okoul@koulresearch.org
0973-483X/08/63-84©2008 (KRF)64 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1
pesticides an attractive and profitable pursuit that is and components of cosmetics, soaps, perfumes,
commanding attention. The concept of “Green plastics, and as resins.
Pesticides” refers to all types of nature-oriented and Typically these oils are liquid at room
beneficial pest control materials that can contribute temperature and get easily transformed from a liquid
to reduce the pest population and increase food to a gaseous state at room or slightly higher temp-
production. They are safe and ecofriendly. They are erature without undergoing decomposition. The
more compatible with the environmental components amount of essential oil found in most plants is 1 to
than synthetic pesticides (Isman and Machial, 2006). 2%, but can contain amounts ranging from 0.01 to
Thus in the present concept of green pesticides, 10%. For example, orange tree produce different
some rational attempts have been made to include composition of oils in their blossoms, citrus fruits,
substances such as plant extracts, hormones, and/or leaves. In certain plants, one main essential
pheromones and toxins from organic origin and oil constituent may predominate while in others it is
also encompass many aspects of pest control such a cocktail of various terpenes. In Ocimum basilicum
as microbial, entomophagous nematodes, plant- (basil), for example, methyl chavicol makes up 75%
derived pesticides, secondary metabolites from of the oil, β-asarone amounts to 70–80% in Acorus
microorganisms, pheromones and genes used to calamus rhizomes, linalool , in the range of 50–
transform crops to express resistance to pests. More 60%, occurs in coriander seed and leaf oils procured
recently, the encouragement of use of products from from different locations at different time intervals
natural resources and even the extremely and is by far the most predominant constituent
biodegradable synthetic and semisynthetic products followed by p-cymene, terpinene, camphor and
in pest management, has been considered to constitute limonene. Interestingly 2-decenol and decanal were
the umbrella of green pesticides (Koul et al., 2003; the most predominant constituents in leaf oil (Law-
Koul 2005; Dhaliwal and Koul, 2007; Koul, 2008). rence and Reynolds, 2001). However, in other species
However, it will be beyond the scope of any article there is no single component which predominates.
Most essential oils comprise of monoterpenes -
to discuss all of them at one place. Here we shall
compounds that contain 10 carbon atoms often
like to emphasize on some recent developments
arranged in a ring or in acyclic form, as well as
where essential oils have been projected as safe and
sesquiterpenes which are hydrocarbons comprising
commercially viable green pesticides with some
of 15 carbon atoms. Higher terpenes may also be
recent commercial developments along with their
present as minor constituents. The most predominant
potential and constraints.
groups are cyclic compounds with saturated or
Essential oils are defined as any volatile oil(s)
unsaturated hexacyclic or an aromatic system.
that have strong aromatic components and that give
Bicyclic (1,8-cineole) and acyclic (linalool,
distinctive odour, flavour or scent to a plant. These citronellal) examples also make the components of
are the by-products of plant metabolism and are essential oils. However, intraspecific variability in
commonly referred to as volatile plant secondary chemical composition does exist, which is relative
metabolites. Essential oils are found in glandular to ecotypic variations and chemotypic races or
hairs or secretory cavities of plant-cell wall and are populations.
present as droplets of fluid in the leaves, stems, bark,
flowers, roots and/or fruits in different plants. The ESSENTIAL OILS AS GREEN PESTICIDES
aromatic characteristics of essential oils provide Naturally green concept suggests the avoidance
various functions for the plants including (i) attracting of use of any pesticide via public education and
or repelling insects, (ii) protecting themselves from awareness-raising program, developed to inform
heat or cold; and (iii) utilizing chemical constituents public about the potential risk of pesticide use and
in the oil as defence materials. Many of the essential alternatives that are available. In fact, such programs
oils have other uses as food additives, flavourings, support the policy of “prudent avoidance”. Various2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 65
steps suggested in these programs are overseeding, the mint family (Lamiaceae). The oils are generally
high mowing, grass cycle, compost spread, deep root composed of complex mixtures of monoterpenes,
watering, core aeration, slow release soil feeding, biogenetically related phenols, and sesquiterpenes.
use of beneficial organisms, etc. This concept is very Examples include 1,8-cineole, the major constituent
useful for kitchen garden, lawn and other domestic of oils from rosemary and eucalyptus; eugenol from
pest control strategy. Use of essential oils or their clove oil; thymol from garden thyme; menthol from
components add to this natural concept owing to various species of mint; asarones from calamus; and
their volatility, limited persistence under field carvacrol and linalool from many plant species. A
conditions and several of them having exemption number of source plants have been traditionally used
under regulatory protocols. for protection of stored commodities, especially in
Essential oils are usually obtained via steam the Mediterranean region and in Southern Asia, but
distillation of aromatic plants, specifically those used interest in the oils was renewed with emerging
as fragrances and flavourings in the perfume and demonstration of their fumigant and contact
food industries, respectively, and more recently for insecticidal activities to a wide range of pests in the
aromatherapy and as herbal medicines. Plant essential 1990s (Isman, 2000). The rapid action against some
oils are produced commercially from several pests is indicative of a neurotoxic mode of action,
botanical sources, many of which are members of and there is evidence for interference with the
Table 1. Mammalian toxicity of some essential oil compounds
Compound Animal tested Route LD50 (mg/kg)
2-Acetonaphthone Mice Oral 599
Apiol Dogs Intravenous 500
Anisaldehyde Rats Oral 1510
trans-Anethole Rats Oral 2090
(+) Carvone Rats Oral 1640
1,8-Cineole Rats Oral 2480
Cinnamaldehyde Guinea pigs Oral 1160
Rats Oral 2220
Citral Rats Oral 4960
Dillapiol Rats Oral 1000–1500
Eugenol Rats Oral 2680
3-Isothujone Mice Subcutaneous 442.2
d-Limonene Rats Oral 4600
Linalool Rats Oral > 1000
Maltol Rats Oral 2330
Menthol Rats Oral 3180
2-Methoxyphenol Rats Oral 725
Methyl chavicol Rats Oral 1820
Methyl eugenol Rats Oral 1179
Myrcene Rats Oral 5000
Pulegone Mice Intraperitoneal 150
γ-terpinene Rats Oral 1680
Terpinen-4-ol Rats Oral 4300
Thujone Mice Subcutaneous 87.5
Thymol Mice Oral 1800
Rats Oral 980
Source: Dev and Koul (1997); FAO (1999); Koul (2005)66 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1
neuromodulator octopamine (Kostyukovsky et al., constituents of Mentha species are highly effective
2002) by some oils and with GABA-gated chloride against Callosobruchus maculatus and Tribolium
channels by others (Priestley et al., 2003). The castanum, the common stored grain pests (Tripathi
purified terpenoid constituents of essential oils are et al., 2000). Essential oils derived from eucalyptus
moderately toxic to mammals (Table 1), but, with and lemongrass have also been found effective as
few exceptions, the oils themselves or products based animal repellents, antifeedants, insecticides, miticides
on oils are mostly nontoxic to mammals, birds, and and antimicrobial products; thus finding use as
fish (Stroh et al., 1998), therefore, justifying their disinfectants, sanitizers, bacteriostats, microbiocides,
placement under “green pesticides”. Owing to their fungicides and some have made impact in protecting
volatility, essential oils have limited persistence under household belongings.
field conditions; therefore, although natural enemies Essential oil from Cinnamomum zeylanicum,
are susceptible via direct contact, predators and Cymbopogon citratus, Lavandula angustifolia syn.
parasitoids reinvading a treated crop one or more L. officinalis, Tanacetum vulgare, Rabdosia meli-
days after treatment are unlikely to be poisoned by ssoides, Acorus calamus, Eugenia caryophyllata,
residue contact as often occurs with conventional Ocimum spp., Gaultheria procumbens, Cuminum
insecticides. In fact, effects on natural enemies have cymium, Bunium persicum, Trachyspermum ammi,
yet to be evaluated under field conditions. Recent Foeniculum vulgare, Abelmoschus moschatus, Ced-
evidence for an octopaminergic mode-of-action for rus spp. and Piper species are also known for their
certain monoterpenoids (Bischof and Enan 2004; varied pest control properties.
Kostyukovsky et al., 2002), combined with their Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil
relative chemical simplicity may yet find these natural has been used for over fifty years both as an insect
products useful as lead structures for the discovery repellent and an animal repellent. Combining few
of new neurotoxic insecticides with good mammalian drops each of citronella, lemon (Citrus limon), rose
selectivity. (Rosa damascena), lavender and basil essential oils
There are several examples of essential oils like with one litre of distilled water is effective to ward
that of rose (Rosa damascene), patchouli (Pog- off indoor insect pests. The larvicidal activity of
ostemon patchouli), sandalwood (Santalum album), citronella oil has been mainly attributed to its major
lavender (Lavendula officinalis), geranium (Pela- monoterpenic constituent citronellal (Zaridah et al.,
rgonium graveolens), etc. that are well known in 2003).
perfumery and fragrance industry. Other essential Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil
oils such as lemon grass (Cimbopogon winteriana), obtained by steam distillation of aromatic roots con-
Eulcalyptus globulus, rosemary (Rosemarinus offic- tains a large number of oxygenated sesquiterpenes.
inalis), vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides), clove (Eugenia This oil is known to protect clothes and other valu-
caryophyllus) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are able materials from insect attack when placed in
known for their pest control properties. While
closets, drawers, and chests.
peppermint (Mentha piperita) repels ants, flies, lice
Catnip (Nepeta cateria) essential oil is highly
and moths; pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) wards
effective for repelling mosquitoes, bees and other
off fleas, ants, lice, mosquitoes, ticks and moths.
flying insects. The most active constituent in catnip
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and basil (Ocimum
has been identified as nepetalactone. It repels
basilicum) are also effective in warding off flies.
mosquitoes ten times more than DEET. It is
Similarly, essential oil bearing plants like Artemesia
particularly effective against Aedes aegypti mosquito,
vulgaris, Melaleuca leucadendron, Pelargonium ros-
a vector for yellow fever virus. Oil of Trachy-
eum, Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha piperita, and
spermum sp. is also larvicidal against A. aegypti and
Juniperus virginiana are also effective against various
insects and fungal pathogens (Kordali et al., 2005). southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say
Studies conducted on the effects of volatile oil (LC50 = 93.19–150.0 ppm) (Vrushali et al., 2001).2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 67
Similalrly, essential oils of Ocimum sanctum mixtures of natural organic compounds which are
caused 20% mortality to 3rd instar S. litura larvae predominantly composed of terpenes (hydrocarbons)
(Sharma et al., 2001). At a topical dose of 100 µg/ such as myrecene, pinene, terpinene, limonene, p-
larvae, > 90% larval mortality has been reported cymene, α- and β- phellandrene etc.; and terpenoids
when essential oil of Satoreja hortensis, Thymus (oxygen containing hydrocarbons) such as acyclic
serpyllum and Origanum creticum (LD50 = 48.4–53.4) monoterpene alcohols (geraniol, linalool), monocy-
were applied to 3rd instars S. litura (Isman et al., clic alcohols (menthol, 4-carvomenthenol, terpineol,
2001). Similar studies were reported by Sharda et carveol, borneol,), aliphatic aldehydes (citral, cit-
al. (2000) where essential oil of Ageratum conyzoides ronellal, perillaldehyde), aromatic phenols (carvac-
caused 43.0–68.75% mortality at 0.025–0.25 µl rol, thymol, safrol, eugenol), bicyclic alcohol
concentration. Tripathi et al., (2003) has reported (verbenol), monocyclic ketones (menthone, pulegone,
toxicity of essential oil of Aegle marmelos by topical carvone), bicyclic monoterpenic ketones (thujone,
application to S. litura larvae with LD50 = 116.3 µg/ verbenone, fenchone), acids (citronellic acid, cin-
larvae. Essential oil of Lippia alba induces growth namic acid) and esters (linalyl acetate). Some es-
inhibition (GI50 = 6.9–11.0 mg/g diet), where both sential oils may also contain oxides (1,8- cineole),
relative growth and feeding consumption rates of S. sulphur containing constituents, methyl anthranilate,
litura were conspicuously reduced (Tripathi et al., coumarins, etc. Zingiberene, curcumene, farnesol,
2003) sesquiphellandrene, termerone, nerolidol, etc. are
Dill oil obtained from dill plant (Anethum sowa) examples of sesquiterpenes (C15) isolated from es-
as by-product of dill industry is also a rich source of sential oils. Mono- and sesquiterpenoidal essential
carvone. The other major constituent of A. sowa oil constituents are formed by the condensation of
namely dillapiole is well known for its insecticide isopentenyl pyrophosphate units. Diterpenes usu-
synergistic properties. It also occurs to the extent of ally do not occur in essential oils but are sometimes
about 40–60% in Anethum graveolens seed oil and encountered as by-products. Chemical structures of
more than 51% in spearmint oil (Mentha spicata). some of the essential oil constituents are given in
The turmeric (Curcuma longa) leaves, the unutilized Fig. 1 and many among them possess potent bio-
part of turmeric plant, on hydrodistillation yields oil logical activity and are responsible for the bitter taste
rich in α-phellandrene (70%). This oil induces growth and toxic properties.
inhibition and larval mortality against Spilosoma
Insecticides and Growth Inhibitors
obliqua (Agarwal et al., 1999). The leaf oil is also
Essential oil constituents are primarily lipophilic
ovicidal and nymphicidal against Dysdercus koenigii
compounds that act as toxins, feeding deterrents and
and induces moderate knockdown effect against T.
oviposition deterrents to a wide variety of insect-
castaneum. Curcumene and ginger oil at 0.2%
pests. Insecticidal properties of several monoter-
concentration induces 86% inhibition of the mycelial
penoids to the housefly, red flour beetle and south-
growth of the test fungus Rhizoctonia solani. Thus,
ern corn root-worm have been reported (Rice and
collective assessment of essential oil efficacy as green
Coats, 1994). Although many monoterpenoids have
pesticides suggests that some oils are significantly
insecticidal properties, the degree of toxicity of dif-
more active than others. However, more empirical
ferent compounds to one species differs consider-
evaluation of active components using wide array of
ably. Cornelius et al. (1997) evaluated toxicity of
pest species would reveal valuable and specific
monoterpenoids against Coptotermes formosanus
biological activities as discussed in next section.
(a subterranean termite) of which eugenol was found
most effective as termiticide. It was also effective as
ESSENTIAL OIL CONSTITUENTS AND a fumigant and as feeding deterrent. Eugenol is also
THEIR EFFICACY reported as toxic to asian armyworm, Spodoptera
As mentioned above essential oils are complex litura Fabricius, granary weevil, Sitophilus grana-68 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1
2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 69
Fig. 1. Chemical structures of essential oil constituents70 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1 ries (Linnaeus), common house fly, Musca domestica member of acyclic monoterpenoids is a liquid which Linnaeus and western corn root worm, Diabrotica has smell of lemon and occurs to an extent of 60– virgifera Lee Conte, (LD50 = 2.5–157.6 µg/insect) 80% in lemon grass oil. Due to the presence of one (Hummelbrunner and Isman, 2001; Obeng-Ofori and α, β -unsaturated moiety, it occurs as a mixture of E Reichmuth, 1997; Lee et al., 1997). Eugenol is also (trans) and Z (cis) geometric isomers. These iso- active against Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, mers are referred as geranial and neral, respectively yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and but do not show much potential in pest control. American cockroach, Periplanata americana Lichtenstein et al. (1974) have reported that (Linnaeus) (Bhatnagar et al., 1993; Ngoh et al., carvone isolated from aerial parts of dill plants 1998). Similarly, thymol induces toxicity in M. (Anethum graveolus Linnaeus) was insecticidal to domestica and S. litura (LD50 = 25.4–29.0 µg/in- Drosophilla and Aedes spp. It also suppressed larval sect) (Lee et al., 1997; Hummelbrunner and Isman, and adult survival (Ouden et al., 1993). Lee et 2001) and is also toxic to D. melanogaster and north- al. (1997) evaluated acute toxicity of 34 naturally ern house mosquito, Culex pipiens Linnaeus occurring monoterpenoids against three insect spe- (Franzios et al., 1997; Traboulsi et al., 2002). Cit- cies. They reported that citronellic acid and thymol ronellal is toxic to S. litura, M. domestica (LD50 = were the most toxic against house fly, while cit- 66.0–111.2 µg/insect; Hummelbrunner and Isman, ronellol and thujone were most effective against the 2001; Lee et al., 1997), cowpea weevil, Callo- western corn root worm. Hierro et al. (2004) has sobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) and D. melan- reported the action of different monoterpenic com- ogaster (Don-Pedro, 1996). d-Limonene in the range pounds against Anisakis simplex larvae and found of 50–273.7 µg/insect is toxic to M. domestica, D. that geraniol, citronellol, citral, carvacrol and virgifera, S. litura (Lee et al., 1997; Hummelbrunner cuminaldehyde were active at 12.5 µg/ml concentra- and Isman, 2001) and some stored grain pests and tion. cockroaches (Don- Pedro, 1996; Lee et al., 2001; Eugenol from cloves, Eugenia cryophyllus; 1,8- Coats et al., 1991). Similarly, limonene found in the cineole from Eucalyptus globules; citronellal from essential oil of various citrus leaves and fruit peels lemon grass, Cymbopogon nardus; pulegone from have exhibited significant insect control properties Mentha pulegium, and thymol and carvacrol from (Karr and Coats, 1988). Menthone, trans-anethole Thymus vulgaris are among the most active con- and cinnamaldehyde are well known anti-insect com- stituents against insects. Eugenol shows variable LD50 pounds that have been studied against variety of in- values which are purely species specific. Pulegone sects with wide range of dosage required to kill 50% is shown to be effective against M. domestica, D. population (65–1735 µg/insect) (Marcus and virgifera, P. saucia and, S. litura in the range of Lichtenstein, 1979; Harwood et al., 1990; Lee et LD 50 = 38–753.9 µg/insect (Lee et al., 1997; al., 1997; Franzios et al., 1997; Hung and Ho, 1998; Harwood et al., 1990; Hummelbrunner and Isman, Hummelbrunner and Isman, 2001; Chang and Ahn, 2001). Pulegone containing diet at 0.1% retarded 2001; Lee et al., 2001; Chang and Cheng, 2002). development and inhibited reproduction of last in- Meepagala et al. (2006) found that apiol isolated star of southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania from Ligusticum hultenii exhibited high termiticidal (Cramer) (Gunderson et al., 1985). Pulegone has activity of 100% within 11 days after treatment and also been observed to be more toxic than l-menthol similar effect was shown by vulgarone B, isolated against european corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis from Artemisia douglasiana, where as cnicin iso- (Hubner) 1st instar, where as reverse toxicity was lated from Centaurea maculosa showed mortality of observed against 2nd instar (Lee et al., 1999). 81% within 15 days after treatment when applied at Substituted phenols such as eugenol, methyl 1.0% (w/w) concentration to these termites. Citral eugenol, isoeugenol, safrole, isosafrole are better (3,7-dimethyl 2,6-octadienal), the most important toxicants and repellents than monoterpenes, such as
2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 71
limonene, cineole and p-cymene. The essential oil 1995; Ellis and Baxendale, 1997). Essential oils rich
from root of sweet flag, Acorus calamus is also known in 1,8-cineole are also effective against house dust
for its insecticidal and antigonadal actions associated mites (Miresmailli et al., 2006). These studies
with its most abundant constituent β - asarone (Koul et indicate that such compounds can make substantial
al., 1990; Koul, 1995). A. calamus has been shown to impact as commercial products, if suitable delivery
induce mortality of 80.87% in 3rd instars of Spilarctia systems are developed.
obliqua (Walker) in laboratory and 74.26% under field Beninger et al., (1993) has shown that diterpene
conditions at 2.0% concentration (Dubey et al., 2004). 3-epicaryotin reduced growth of european corn borer
According to Raina et al., (2007) orange oil larvae when incorporated into artificial diet and pu-
extracted from citrus peel (containing ~92% d- pal deformities and time to pupation also increased.
limonene) caused 96 and 68% mortality to formosan Menthol reduced growth and inhibited pupation of
subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus the variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia (Hubner)
Shiraki within 5 days and there was significant (Harwood et al., 1990). d- Limonene, linalool, α-
reduction in feeding as compared to controls at 5 myrcene and α-terpineol significantly increased the
ppm concentration (v/v), also the termites did not nymphal duration in German cockroach, Blattella
tunnel through glass tubes fitted with sand treated germanica (Linnaeus) when fed through artificial
with 0.2–0.4% orange oil extract. Catnip oil derived diet (Karr and Coats, 1992). 1, 8 Cineole isolated
from Nepeta cataria and its two major components from Artemisia annua is also a potential insecticidal
E, Z- nepetalactone, Z, E-nepetalactone monoterpenes allelochemical that could reduce the growth rate,
at 40 mg/cm2 caused 100% mortality to formosan food consumption and food utilization in some post
subterranean termite, C. formosanus after one day, harvest pests and house hold insects (Jacobson and
where as at 20 mg/cm2, 97% mortality was achieved Halber, 1947; Klocke et al., 1989; Obeng and
by E, Z- nepetalactone within 7 days which also Reichmuth, 1997). Similar effects against O. nubilalis
determined its repellent action by preventing termites (reared from 1st instars on diet) have been recorded
to tunnel through a 60 mm glass tube filled with with carveol, 4-carvomenthenol, l-carvone, citronel-
sand treated at 200 ppm (Chauhan and Raina, 2006). lal, geraniol, isopulegol, limonene, linalool, l-men-
Acaricidal activities of various essential oils have thol, perillaldehyde, peril alcohol, α-pinene,
pulegone, α-terpineol, thujone, thymol, 2-fluoro ethyl
been assessed and found toxic to honey bee mite,
thymol ether (a fluorinated thymol derivative MTEE-
Acarapis woodi (Rennie), (Ellis and Baxendale,
25), MTEE-35, MTEE-76, MTEE-90, MTEE-99 and
1997), varroa mite, Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans
MTEE-P in the concentration range of 0.02–20.0
(Calderone and Spivak, 1995), northern fowl mite,
mg/g diet (Lee et al., 1999). The LC50 value of
Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago)
MTEE-25 was 6 times more than its parent com-
(Carroll, 1994), grain mite, Tyrophagus longior
pound thymol to 1st instars of O. nubilalis.
Gervais, (Perrucci, 1995), scab mite, Psoroptes
Turmeric plant oil is also very useful in pest
cuniculi (Delafond), (Perrucci et al., 1995), two
control. The turmeric leaves and unutilized parts of
spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch
turmeric plant, on hydrodistillation yields oil rich in
(Chiasson et al., 2001), Dermatophagoides ptero-
2-phellandrene (70%) that inhibits growth of S.
nyssinus (Trouessart) and American house dust mite,
obliqua and diamond back moth, Plutella xylostella
Dermatophagoides farinae Huges, (Yatagi et al.,
(Linnaeus) at 1.0 % concentration (Govindaraddi,
1997) and T. urticae (Lee et al., 1997). Choi et al.
2005; Walia, 2005).
(2004) has evaluated 53 plant essential oils against
T. urticae and Phytoseilus persimilis. Among pure Fumigants
constituents citronellal, eugenol, menthol, pulegone, Monoterpenes being volatile are more useful as
and thymol are moderately active against various insect fumigants. Several studies have been under-
mites (Calderone and Spivak, 1995; Perrucci et al., taken in the past to explore the potential of essential72 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1
oils and their constituents as insect fumigants. a workable gelatin capsule formulation (IBRC-
Pulegone, linalool and limonene are known effec- TACT) based on combination of four compounds
tive fumigants against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae. has been developed, which reduced the progeny by
While Mentha citrata oil containing linalool and 100%. A significant observation has been that when
linalyl acetate exhibit significant fumigant toxicity treatment was continued for larvae in 5-litre jars
to these rice weevils (Singh et al., 1989), l-carvone (with feeding medium) and insects were allowed to
has been reported to cause 24 times more fumigant complete life cycle under treated conditions the
toxicity than its contact toxicity to lesser grain borer, freshly emerged adults coming to the surface of the
Rhizopertha domestica (Tripathi et al., 2003). feeding medium were dead within 12 h. This sug-
Carvone was similarly effective as adulticide while gests that freshly emerged adults were highly sus-
menthol was most effective as fumigant against T. ceptible to the treatment of anethole or IBRC-TACT
castaneum and C. maculatus. 1,8-cineole on the other and could not withstand the effect of compounds.
hand exhibits both contact and fumigant toxicity One of the plausible explanations for such an effect
when tested against T. castaneum (Tripathi et could be the interference during the sclerotization
al., 2001). The adults were more susceptible than immediately after the emergence from pupae, which
the larvae to both contact and fumigant toxicity. ultimately leads to the death of beetles within 12 h
Number of compounds has been evaluated as fumi-
of their emergence (Koul et al., 2007).
gants against Musca domestica and T. castaneum.
LC50 (µg/l) values have been determined for car- Antifeedants
vacrol, carveol, geraniol, linalool, menthol, terpin- Antifeedant chemicals may be defined as being
eol, thymol, verbenol, carvones, fenchone, menthone, either repellent without making direct contact to in-
pulegone, thujone, verbenone, cinnamaldehyde, ci- sect, or suppressant or deterrent from feeding once
tral, citronellal, and cinnamic acid (Rice and Coats, contact has been made with insects. Essential oil
1994). These studies reveal that ketones were more
constituents such as thymol, citronellal and α-terpi-
effective as fumigants.
neol are effective as feeding deterrent against to-
Trans-anethole, thymol, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol,
bacco cutworm, S. litura and synergism or additive
terpineol, and linalool have been evaluated as fumi- effects of combination of monoterpenoids from es-
gants against T. castaneum. Only compound to show sential oils have been reported against S. litura lar-
significant effect against this insect species was trans- vae (Hummelbrunner and Isman, 2001). Bioefficacy
anethole and red flour beetles seemed to be least of Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtusa and
susceptible to most of the other compounds up to Luvanga scandans essential oils has also been de-
300 µl/l fumigation. Anethole has shown significant termined against S. litura larvae. Biogenically re-
effect on population from 20 µl/l concentration (66% lated monoterpenoids, the 1,8-cineole from Euca-
reduction in population), which touched to 98% at lyptus camaldulensis var. obtusa and linalool from
80 µl/l level and beyond this there was absolute Luvanga scandans species were found to be most
control of population generation. For improving the active isolates from these plants via topical applica-
mortality effect of anethole, minimum heat treatment tion. Linalool was more active (LD50 = 85.5 µg/
(45°C) device was used that enhanced the toxicity of larva) than 1,8-cineole (LD50 = 126.6 µg/larva). Vari-
adults by 2-fold at 50.0 µl/l and 100.0 µl/5l treat- ous known monoterpenoids have been used as bi-
ment, respectively. Among various combinations of nary mixtures and tested for synergy, using toxicity
compounds used anethole combined with 1,8-cin- and feeding inhibition parameters. The data suggests
eole (1:1) was the best. This combination reduced that thymol and trans-anethole synergized the ef-
the population by 100% at 50µl/l concentration and fects of linalool (at 18 µg/larva dose, combined in
at the same time was toxic to adults as well. As T. 1:1 ratio) but thymol with 1,8-cineole exhibited only
castaneum was resistant to most of the compounds, additive effect and so was the case with terpineol2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 73
and linalool combination. A definite synergism was various insect species and fumigant activity in above
also observed in case of isolated compounds from cases could be attributed to them in the respective
two different plant species, i.e. linalool with 1,8- essential oils.
cineole (Singh et al., 2008).
Repellents
Antifeedant activity of 1,8- cineole has also been
Vector-borne diseases caused by A. aegypti and
demonstrated against T. castaneum (Tripathi et
other mosquitoes have become global health problem.
al., 2001). In another study (Paruch et al., 2000), a
Though thousands of plants have been tested as
terpenoid lactone exhibited antifeeding activity
potential sources of insect repellents, only a few plant-
against granary weevil, Sitophilus granarium; the
derived chemicals tested to date demonstrate the
khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium; and confused
broad effectiveness and duration as good as DEET
flour beetle, T. confusum. The activity was compa-
(Cockcroft et al., 1998). Recently, a review of
rable to the neem biopesticide. Feeding deterrence
botanical phytochemicals with mosquitocidal
activities of leaf essential oil of Curcuma longa
potential has been published (Shaalan et al., 2005),
against adult and larvae of grain borer, R. domestica;
demonstrating identification of novel effective
rice weevil, S. oryzae; and red flour beetle, T.
mosquitocidal from botanicals containing active
castaneum has been attributed to the presence of phytochemicals. The review gives current state of
monoterpenes, carvone and dihydrocarvone (Tripathi knowledge on larvicidal plant species, extraction
et al., 2003). Products isolated/derived from Cur- processes, growth and reproduction inhibiting
cuma longa (turmeric) and Zingiber officinale (gin- phytochemicals, botanical ovicides, synergistic,
ger) have also been found effective as insect additive and antagonistic joint action effects of
antifeedant and insect growth regulators (Chowdhury mixtures, residual capacity, effects on non-target
et al., 1999; Agarwal et al., 2000; Agarwal and organisms, resistance, screening methodologies, and
Walia, 2003). discuss promising advances made in phytochemical
Koschier and Sedy, (2001) studied the research for vector control.
antifeedant effect of essential oil of majoram and Similarly, laboratory bioassays were conducted
rosemary oil (Rosemarinum officinalis) at 0.1–1.0% to determine the activity of 15 natural products iso-
concentration against onion thrips, Thrips tabaci lated from essential oil components extracted from
Lindeman. Essential oils of Ocimum sanctum, O. the heartwood of Alaska yellow cedar, Cham-
basilicum, Cymbopogon winterianus, Callistemon aecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach., against Ix-
lanceolatus and Vitex negundo caused 100% feed- odes scapularis Say nymphs, Xenopsylla cheopis
ing deterrence at 10% concentration. Considerable (Rothchild), and Aedes aegypti (L.) adults. Four of
feeding inhibition (70.21–80.21%) was recorded for the compounds from the essential oil have been iden-
3rd instars of S. obliqua when treated with 0.4% tified as monoterpenes, five as eremophilane ses-
concentration of Artemisia nilagarica and Juglans quiterpenes, five as eremophilane sesquiterpene de-
regia var. kumaonica oils, while at 0.3% these oils rivatives from valencene and nootkatone, and one as
induced feeding deterrence of 63.12–83.76% among a sesquiterpene outside the eremophilane parent
5th instars of S. litura (Chowdhury et al., 2000). group. Carvacrol was the only monoterpene that dem-
Essential oils from Elsholtzia densa, E. incise and onstrated biocidal activity against ticks, fleas, and
E. piulosa also showed significant antifeedant activ- mosquitoes with LC50 values of 0.0068, 0.0059, and
ity against 3rd instars of S. litura (Shishir et al., 2004). 0.0051% (w/v), respectively after 24 h. Nootkatone
Highest feeding deterrence of 76.4% was observed from Alaska yellow cedar was the most effective of
in H. armigera with essential oil of Aegle marmelos the eremophilane sesquiterpenes against ticks (LC50
(Tripathi et al., 2003). These oils are rich in 1,8- = 0.0029%), whereas the nootkatone from grape-
cineole, linalool, eugenol, carvacrol and thymol, fruit extract exhibited the greatest biocidal activity
which are known compounds to show effects against against fleas (LC50 = 0.0029%). Mosquitoes were74 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1
most susceptible to one of the derivatives of repellent against insects (Ray et al., 2000).
valencene, valencene-13-aldehyde (LC50 = 0.0024%), Accordingly ocimene from T. minuta has also
after 24 h. Bioassays to determine residual activity repellent properties which need to be exploited in
of the most effective products were conducted at 1, detail.
2, 4, and 6 wk after initial treatment. Residual LC50 Cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamyl acetate and
values for nootkatone did not differ significantly at essential oils from different Cinnamomum species
4 wk post-treatment from the observations made at are effective mosquito larvicides (Huang and Ho,
the initial 24 h treatment. The ability of these natu- 1998; Cheng et al., 2004). Several monoterpenoidal
ral products to kill arthropods at relatively low con- constituents evaluated for their insect repellent
centrations also represents an alternative to the use activity show that linalool and nerol in linear
of synthetic pesticides for control of disease vectors monoterpenoids and carvone, pulegol, pulegone and
(Panella et al., 2005; Dietrich et al., 2006). Repel- isopulegol in monocyclic monoterpenoids are the
lency of oils of lemon, eucalyptus, geranium, and most effective space repellents; some others have
lavender have also been recorded against Ixodes rici- been found effective as repellents against the German
nus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory and field cockroach, B. germanica (Inazuka, 1983). Two
(Jaenson et al., 2006). monoterpenes namely menthol and citral have been
However, plants whose essential oils have been reported to be toxic against tracheal mites (Ellis and
reported to have repellent activity include citronella, Baxendale, 1997). Thus such essential oil compounds
cedar, verbena, pennyroyal, geranium, lavender, pine, may play a pivotal role in the control of mosquito
cinnamon, rosemary, basil, thyme, and peppermint. driven dengue and malaria outbreaks through lure
Most of these essential oils provided short-lasting and kill technique. In recent years, several
protection usually lasting less than 2 h. Many essential monoterpenoids have been considered potential
oils and their monoterpenic constituents are known alternatives to conventional insecticides as a natural
for their mosquito repellent activity against Culex means of pest control. Since oxygenated essential
species (Choi et al., 2002; Traboulsi et al., 2002). oil constituents are more active, efforts have been
The mosquito repellent activity of 38 essential oils made to improve bioefficacy of one such oxygenated
was screened against the mosquito A. aegypti under essential oil constituent fenchone (LC50 = 3.8 mg/l
laboratory conditions using human subjects for house flies and 14.2 mg/l for red flour beetles;
(Trongtokit et al., 2005). The oils of Cymbopogon Rice and Coats, 1994) by its chemical modification
nardus (citronella), Pogostemon cablin (patchuli), and structure-activity relationship studies.
Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Zanthoxylum Turmerone and ar-turmerone (dehyd-
limonella were the most effective and provided 2 h roturmerone), the major constituents of turmeric
of complete repellency. Among three essential oil rhizome powder oil are strong repellents to stored
constituents namely eugenol, cineole and citronellal, grain pests. The turmeric oil has been reported to
the later was found to be most effective against A. provide protection to wheat grains against red flour
aegypti mosquito (Coats et al., 1991). Lemon grass beetle, T. castaneum (Herbst) (Chahal et al., 2005).
oil ointment containing 15% v/w citral exhibited 50% The fruit oil of Piper retrofractum has also shown
repellency which lasted for 2–3 h (Oyedela et high repellency (52–90%) against T. castaneum at
al., 2002). It has now been reported that a component 0.5–2% concentration.
of the essential oil of the catnip plant (Nepeta Oviposition Inhibitors and Ovicides
cateria), the nepetalactone repels mosquitoes 10 Application of 1, 8 cineole and majoram reduced
times more effectively than DEET as it takes about ovipopsition rate by 30–50% at concentration of
one-tenth as much nepetalactone as DEET to have 1.0%, as compared to untreated controls (Koshier
the same effect. Tagetes erecta is a potential plant and Sedy, 2001). In Egypt, A. calamus oil at 0.1%
whose essential oil from flowers has been effective prevented oviposition of C. maculatus (Dimetry et2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 75
al., 2003). Garlic oil which is also an oviposition the yellow aphid/whitefly sticky trap will attract these
deterrent has been found to be highly toxic to eggs unwanted pests and capture them on the trap (http://
of P. xylostella (Govindaraddi, 2005) and 99.5% www.arbico-organics.com/1610075.html).
reduction in egg hatching has been recorded in S. Compositions of cis-jasmone were found to
obliqua at 250 mg oil/50 eggs using essential oil of effectively attract adult Lepidoptera. The cis-jasmone
Aegle marmelos (Tripathi et al., 2003). l-Carvone may be used alone or in combination with one or
also completely suppresses the egg hatching of T. more other volatiles of the Japanese honeysuckle
castaneum at 7.22 mg/cm2 surface treatment (Tripathi flower, particularly linalool and/or phenylac-
et al., 2003). Carvacrol, carveol, geraniol, linalool, etaldehyde. By attracting the adult Lepidoptera to
menthol, terpineol, thymol, verbenol, carvones, attracticidal baits and/or field traps, the attractants
fenchone, menthone, pulegone, thujone, verbenone, are useful for the control and monitoring of these
cinnamaldehyde, citral, citronellal, and cinnamic acid agricultural pests (Pair and Horvat, 1997). Similarly,
have been evaluated as ovicides against M. domestica natural essential oils have shown a high attractiveness
eggs (Rice and Coats, 1994). Inhibition of hatching for greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum
ranged from 33–100%. These studies demonstrate Westwood. Greenhouse whitefly reacted particularly
that monoterpenoid ketones are significantly more intensively to sandalwood oil, basil oil, and grapefruit
effective than structurally similar alcohols (like oil. After the application of aromatic substances on
menthone versus menthol; verbenone versus yellow sticky traps, the number of insects caught
verbenol, etc.) increased significantly amounting to 487.64, 483.20,
and 333.09%, respectively (Górski, 2004). Thus,
Attractants
natural essential oils or their constituents could be
Geraniol and eugenol are effective attractants
useful in the monitoring of pests, at least greenhouse
and are used as lures in traps for the Japanese beetle,
whitefly in the present case.
Popillia japonica Newman, and methyl-eugenol has
been used to trap oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Antifungal Agents
Hendel (Vargas et al., 2000). Cinnamyl alcohol, 4- Antifungal activities of certain essential oils or
methoxy-cinnamaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, gerany- their components have also been assessed and found
lacetone and α-terpineol are also attractive to adult effective for Botrytis cinerea (Wilson et al., 1997),
corn rootworm beetles, Diabrotica sp. (Hammack, Monilinia fructicola (Taso and Zhou, 2000),
1996; Petroski and Hammack, 1998). The essential Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium moniliforme and
oil and a number of extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Muller et al., 1995), F.
L. in solvents of increasing polarity have been iso- oxysporum (Bowers and Locke, 2000), Cymbopogon
lated, and their components identified and tested as nardus (De-Billerbeck et al., 2001), Aspergillus niger
pest control agents. Ethanol and acetone extracts (Paster et al., 1995), A. flavus (Montser and Carvajal,
attract grape berry moth, Lobesia botrana. How- 1998), Penicillium digitatum (Daferera et al., 2000)
ever, none of the extracts had a significant effect on and F. solani, R. solani, Pythium ultimum and
western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Zambonelli et al.,
which is attracted by 1,8-cineole, a major essential 1996), Alternaria padwickii, Bipolaris oryzae, and
oil component (Katerinopoulos et al., 2005). peanut fungi (Nguefack et al., 2007; Krishna and
Lemon essential oil is distilled from the peels Pande, 2007). Unlike insects, different fungal species
of Citrus limonum. It has a light yellow color and a show more consistent results. Thymol and carvacrol
characteristic lemon aroma. Lemon essential oil are definitely active against most fungal species tested
contains several terpenes and geraniol, which have (Kurita et al., 1981; Muller-Riebau et al., 1995; Tsao
all been shown to attract thrips, fungus gnats, and Zhou, 2000). The mechanism of action of these
mealybugs, scale, and Japanese beetles. Adding this compounds against fungi is unknown but may be
oil to the insect-a-peel, thrips/leafminer blue trap, or related to their general ability to dissolve or otherwise76 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1
disrupt the integrity of cell walls and membranes (10.93%), linalool (14.90%), linalyl acetate (8.35%),
(Isman and Machial, 2006). and Carvone (8.77%) (Khanna et al., 1990)
Greenhouse experiments have been conducted Tagetes minuta oil has been found to be active
to determine the effectiveness of plant essential oils against carnation ring spot (CaRSV) and carnation
as soil fumigants to manage bacterial wilt (caused vein mottle viruses (CaVMV). The ingredients
by Ralstonia solanacearum) in tomato. Pottin- present in the oil namely dihydrotagetone and
gmixture (“soil”) infested with R. solanacearum was ocimene when tested individually in pure form, were
treated with the essential oils at 400 mg and 700 mg found to have enhanced antiviral activity against two
per liter of soil in greenhouse experiments. R. carnation viruses (US Patent 6444458, 2002). The
solanacearum population densities were determined oil as such and the bioactive consitituent present in
just before and 7 days after treatment. Populations oil can be commercially used as natural and eco-
declined to undetectable levels in thymol, palmarosa friendly antiviral products.
oil, and lemongrass oil treatments at both concentra- Thrips-vectored Tomato spotted wilt virus is one
tions, whereas tea tree oil had no effect. Tomato of the most devastating pest complexes affecting to-
seedlings transplanted in soil treated with 700 mg/ mato. Field trials were conducted over 2 years to
liter of thymol, 700 ml/liter of palmarosa oil, and determine the effects of volatile plant essential oils
700 ml/liter of lemongrass oil were free from bacte- and kaolin-based particle films on the incidence of
rial wilt and 100% of plants in thymol treatments tomato spotted wilt and population dynamics of
were free of R. solanacearum (Pradhanang et al., Frankliniella thrips. The essential oils compound,
2003). geraniol, lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil,
and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolii) oil, were com-
Antiviral Agents
pared with a standard insecticide treatment and an
The plant volatile oils and pure isolates have
untreated control. All treatments were applied with
been mentioned as containing substances which in-
and without kaolin, in a 5 × 2 factorial design. When
terfere with or inhibit infection of viruses. The es-
combined with kaolin, the three essential oils re-
sential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia in concentration
duced tomato spotted wilt virus incidence by 32 to
of 100, 250, 500 ppm has been found to be effective
51% in 2005 and by 6 to 25% in 2006 compared
in decreasing local lesions of TMV on host plant
with the control. When applied with kaolin, the three
Nicotiana glutinosa (Bishop, 1995). Similarly, es-
essential oils produced yields similar to the insecti-
sential oils of Ageratum conyzoides, Callistemon
cide standard (Reitz et al., 2008). Therefore, natu-
lanceolatus, Carum copticum, Ocimum sanctum and
rally occurring products, such as essential oils and
Peperomia pellucida have been evaluated for in-
kaolin, could be used successfully to control viruses
hibitory activity against cowpea mosaic virus
and reduce insecticide use on tomatoes.
(CPMV), mung bean mosaic virus (MBMV), bean
commonil mosaic virus (BCMV) and southern bean
mosaic virus (SBMV). Ocimum sanctum at 3000 COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND USES
ppm gave the best inhibition of 89.6, 90, 92.7, 88.2% In spite of considerable research effort in many
against CMV, MBMV, BCMV, and SBMV respec- laboratories throughout the world and an ever-
tively. The other oils also showed inhibitory activity increasing volume of scientific literature on the
against other viruses (Rao et al., 1986) Another re- pesticidal properties of essential oils and their
port has shown 62% inhibition against tobacco mo- constituents, surprisingly few pest control products
saic virus. The fresh hydrodistilled carrot leaves based on plant essential oils have appeared in the
yielded 0.07% essential oil, analysed by GLC and market place. This may be a consequence of
TLC. Constituents were identified by IR, NMR and regulatory barriers to commercialization (i.e. cost of
mass spectra. Twenty nine compounds were identi- toxicological and environmental evaluations) or the
fied and the major constituents were Sabinene fact that efficacy of essential oils toward pests and2008 Koul et al. : Essential oils as green pesiticides 77
diseases is not as apparent or obvious as that seen approved for use in North America for control of
with currently available products. In the United tracheal mites in beehives, and a product produced
States, commercial development of insecticides based in Italy (Apilife VARTM) containing thymol and lesser
on plant essential oils has been greatly facilitated by amounts of cineole, menthol and camphor is used to
exemption from registration for certain oils control Varroa mites in honeybees (Canadian Honey
commonly used in processed foods and beverages Council; http://www.saskatchewanbeekeepers.ca/
(Quarels, 1996). This opportunity has spurred the users/folder.asp@FolderID=5317.htm).
development of essential oil-based insecticides, The humble marigold could be the key to
fungicides, and herbicides for agricultural and organic, renewable and cost-effective pest control,
industrial applications and for the consumer market, according to researchers at De Montfort University
using rosemary oil, clove oil, and thyme oil as active (DMU) in Leicester. Tagetes patula, the French
ingredients. Interest in these products has been marigold species most common to gardens, has the
considerable, particularly for control of greenhouse ability to destroy attackers beneath the soil and it is
pests and diseases and for control of domestic and this property that researchers believe could be
veterinary pests. Nonetheless, some U.S. companies harnessed to help protect crops.
have introduced essential-oil-based pesticides in Israel startup Botanocap, founded on oil
recent years. Mycotech Corporation produced an encapsulation knowledge created at the Ben Gurion
aphidicide/miticide/fungicide for greenhouse and University of the Negev, is developing a slow release
horticultural use and for bush and tree fruits based technology for essential oils, to make relatively
on cinnamon oil with cinnamaldehyde (30% in the environmentally friendly pesticides. The company
EC formulation) as the active ingredient, however, has developed a patented technology for the gradual
this product is no longer being sold. EcoSMART release of essential etheric oils and natural
Technologies has introduced insecticides containing components. It possesses patents on capturing
eugenol and 2-phenethyl propionate aimed at essential oils in capsules, to achieve the delayed
controlling crawling and flying insects, under the release effect. Etheric oils can be produced from
brand name EcoPCO® for pest control professionals. some 3000 plants. Controlled slow release with
An insecticide/miticide containing rosemary oil as protecting the active components until release are
the active ingredient has recently been introduced the main point of Botanocap (http://www.ivc-online/
for use on horticultural crops under the name ivcWeeklyItem.asp?articleID=5313).
EcoTrolTM. Another product based on rosemary oil In terms of green pesticide technology using
is a fungicide sold under the name SporanTM, while oil-in-water microemulsions as a nano-pesticide
a formulation of clove oil (major constituent: delivery system to replace the traditional
eugenol), sold as MatranTM, is used for weed control. emulsifiable concentrates (oil), in order to reduce
All of these products have been approved for use in the use of organic solvent and increase the
organic food production. The primary active dispersity, wettability and penetration properties of
ingredients in EcoSMART products are exempt from the droplets is being developed. The advantages
Environmental Protection Agency registration and of using pesticide oil-in-water microemulsions for
are approved as direct food additives or classifies as improving the biological efficacy and reducing the
GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the Food dosage of pesticides would be a useful strategy in
and Drug Administration. green pesticide technology.
Several smaller companies in the U.S. and the
U.K. have developed garlic-oil based pest control CONCLUSIONS AND CONSTRAINTS
products and in the U.S. there are consumer Pesticides based on plant essential oils or their
insecticides for home and garden use containing mint constituents have demonstrated efficacy against a
oil as the active ingredient. Menthol has been range of stored product pests, domestic pests, blood-78 Biopesticides International Vol. 4, no. 1
feeding pests and certain soft-bodied agricultural will likely continue to be a barrier until regulatory
pests, as well as against some plant pathogenic systems are adjusted to better accommodate these
fungi responsible for pre- and post-harvest diseases. products (Isman and Machial, 2006).
They may be applied as fumigants, granular In fact, pesticides derived from plant essential
formulations or direct sprays with a range of effects oils do have several important benefits. Due to their
from lethal toxicity to repellence and/or oviposition volatile nature, there is a much lower level of risk to
deterrence in insects. These features indicate that the environment than with current synthetic
pesticides based on plant essential oils could be pesticides. Predator, parasitoid and pollinator insect
used in a variety of ways to control a large number populations will be less impacted because of the
of pests. minimal residual activity, making essential-oil-based
In terms of specific constraints, the efficacy of pesticides compatible with integrated pest
these materials falls short when compared to synthetic management programs. It is also obvious that
pesticides although there are specific pest contexts resistance will develop more slowly to essential-oil-
where control equivalent to that with conventional based pesticides owing to the complex mixtures of
products has been observed. Essential oils also constituents that characterize many of these oils.
require somewhat greater application rates (as high Ultimately, it is in developing countries where the
as 1% active ingredient) and may require frequent source plants are endemic that these pesticides may
reapplication when used out-of-doors. ultimately have their greatest impact in integrated
Additional challenges to the commercial pest management strategy. It is expected that these
application of plant essential-oil-based pesticides pesticides will find their greatest commercial
include availability of sufficient quantities of plant application in urban pest control, public health,
material, standardization and refinement of pesticide veterinary health, vector control vis-à-vis human
products, protection of technology (patents) and health and in protection of stored commodities. In
regulatory approval (Isman, 2005). Although many agriculture, these pesticides will be most useful for
essential oils may be abundant and available year protected crops (e.g. greenhouse crops), high-value
round due to their use in the perfume, food and row crops and within organic food production
beverage industries, large-scale commercial systems where few alternative pesticides are avail-
application of essential-oil-based pesticides could able. There are thus the opportunities like (i)
require greater production of certain oils. In addition, changing consumer preferences towards the use of
as the chemical profile of plant species can vary ‘natural’ over synthetic products; (ii) existence of
naturally depending on geographic, genetic, climatic, and growth in niche markets, where quality is more
annual or seasonal factors, pesticide manufacturers important than price; (iii) strong growth in demand
must take additional steps to ensure that their for essential oils and plant extracts; (iv) potential to
products will perform consistently. All of this requires extend the range of available products including new
substantial cost and smaller companies may not be product development through biotechnology; (v)
willing to invest the required funds unless there is production of essential oils and plant extracts from
a high probability of recovering the costs through low cost developing countries.
some form of market exclusivity (e.g. patent
protection). Finally, once all of these issues are Acknowledgements. Authors are thankful to
addressed, regulatory approval is required. Although Gurmeet Singh, Rajwinder Singh and Anshu Middha
several plant essential oils are exempt from for rendering suitable help during the compilation of
registration in the United States, many more oils this review. This review article contains information
are not, and few countries currently have such gathered from numerous published resources, and thus
exemption lists. Accordingly, regulatory approval we would like to extend our appreciation to all authors
continues to be a barrier to commercialization and of the references used in this manuscript.You can also read
