Role of Botanicals for the Management of Sucking Pests in Horticultural Crops

Botanical or plant-derived extracts, compounds, and molecules have demonstrated insecticidal activities against sucking pests in vegetables, fruits, plantations, and medicinal and aromatic plants. As a result, the biopesticides market has been experiencing significant growth, surpassing that of synthetic pesticides. The global biopesticides market is projected to expand from USD 7.7 billion in 2024 to USD 15.6 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%. In contrast, the market for synthetic pesticides is declining due to increasing insect resistance and concerns over their adverse effects on non-target organisms, the environment, and human health.

Given these trends, botanical insecticides are gaining traction worldwide, particularly for managing insect pests in agriculture and horticulture crops. Botanicals are considered safer for beneficial insects, humans, and the environment, positioning them as vital contributors to organic farming and sustainable agriculture. To capitalize on this potential, further research is needed to explore the insecticidal properties of botanicals. This includes identifying new active compounds and developing formulations for use alone or in combination with other products in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Additionally, it is important to validate these botanical solutions against target pests in greenhouse and field settings as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides.

In this Research Topic, we welcome studies on the following subtopics, but not limited to:

- Analysis and characterization of the chemical composition of plant extracts and essential oils, along with an evaluation of their insecticidal activities against sucking pests in horticultural crops.

- Development and validation of botanical formulations specifically designed to manage sucking pest populations in horticultural crops.

- Investigation of the effects of botanical pesticides on the natural enemies of sucking pests and pollinators to ensure ecological balance and pollination health in horticulture.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Bio-efficacy, bioassay, plant extracts, essential oils, isolated natural compounds, insects, sucking pests

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.