USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT - A REVIEW

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides has created different types of environmental and toxicological problems. Its intensive use in agriculture has caused adverse effects to the environment. It also cause harmful effect on natural enemies and result in the development of insect resistance. To overcome this problems the scientists have looked for less persistant and biodegradable alternatives, which includes the use of plant essential oils. Essential oils have been used effectively to control preharvest and postharvest phytophagous insects. Essential oils have a pronounced effect on the development period, growth and adult emergence of insect. The expanding literature on the possibility of the use of these volatiles is reviewed in the present time. It focuses on the oils effect on oviposition, repellency, ovicidal, pupicidal, larvicidal, insecticidal and antifeedant activities of insects. Possible attractive effect of essential oils to pests may offer novel application in management of insects.