Abstract

Pest management faces significant monetary and environmental constrains globally owing to the extensive usage and more dependency on synthetic pesticides. These chemicals pose serious concerns because of their non-target toxicity, residual effects and difficulty in biodegradation, necessitating the urgent implementation of sustainable and profitable pest management methods. The growing focus on environment friendly has spurred awareness in eco-friendly plant-based insect control techniques. Plant based pesticides have been effective against numerous pests and diseases, commonly available, low-priced, easily decomposable and exhibit low toxicity to beneficial organisms. Their efficacy is attributed to the phytochemical compositions in various plants, which provide diverse mechanisms of action against insect pests and diseases. Despite their potential, the adoption of botanical pesticides has been limited due to formulation difficulties and insufficient chemical data. The rising call for food to support the rising population initially directed to the dependence on synthetic pesticides for quick insect and disease management. However, the adverse impacts on human health, the surroundings and the emergence of resistant pest strains have driven the quest for substitute methods, with botanical pesticides attaining momentum. The varied modes of action of plant-based pesticides, stemming from their phytochemical composition, make them suitable for inclusion in integrated pest management systems, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural system.