Innovative formulation strategies for botanical- and essential oil-based insecticides

Abstract

In response to growing concerns regarding the adverse environmental and health effects of synthetic pesticides, there has been a notable surge in the demand for plant-based bioinsecticides. Botanicals and essential oils (EOs) are emerging as promising alternatives that offer a safer and more sustainable approach to pest management. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these natural insecticides is often hindered by their inherent instability under environmental conditions, high volatility, and susceptibility to thermal decomposition, which necessitates frequent reapplication and diminishes their practical utility. To address these challenges, innovative formulation strategies such as nanoemulsions, microemulsions, nanoencapsulation, and microencapsulation have been developed. These advanced approaches facilitate controlled release, enhance stability, and significantly improve the efficacy of botanical- and EO-based insecticides. By providing target-specific action, these formulations not only reduce the frequency of applications and lower dosage requirements but also minimize environmental contamination and enhance overall pest management efficiency. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of these advanced formulations, including the preparation and characterization of nano-/microemulsion and nano-/microencapsulate systems and the technical challenges associated with their characterization. This manuscript examines the efficacy of these formulations in pest management, focusing on their physical and chemical stability under various storage conditions. Additionally, it addressed the impact of these formulations on nontarget organisms and their potential phytotoxicity. Despite the promising results observed in controlled settings, there is a notable lack of field studies evaluating the suitability of these formulations for different crops and their effectiveness in diverse agricultural environments. This identified gap underscores the necessity for further research to validate the practical application of these technologies. This review also discusses the scalability and cost-effectiveness of these advanced formulations, providing insights into their potential for broader commercial adoption.