Essential Oils: An Ecofriendly Approach for Plant Pest and Disease Management
Abdelhak Rhouma *
Regional Centre of Agricultural Research of Sidi Bouzid, CRRA, Gafsa Road Km 6, B.P. 357, 9100, Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia.
Lobna Hajji-Hedfi
Regional Centre of Agricultural Research of Sidi Bouzid, CRRA, Gafsa Road Km 6, B.P. 357, 9100, Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia.
Abla Bousselma
Laboratory (LAPAPEZA), Department of Food Technology, University of Batna 1 Hadj Lakhdar, Biskra Avenue, Batna, 05005, Algeria.
Abdulnabi Abbdul Ameer Matrood
Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Iraq.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Recently plant essential oils received increasing attention for plant health and food security in the sustainable agriculture context. Essential oils are promising biological sources since they are cost-effective, biodegradable, and safe for human health and the environment. This review covers the essential extraction characteristic, extraction methods, and conservation needed for the scientist’s and industries’ knowledge. Furthermore, the main biological activities and involvement of essential oils in plant pests and diseases are outlined. Finally, this review concludes the potential commercial application and the future challenges of essential oils as an eco-friendly method in sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: Sustainable agriculture, plant disease, bioactive compounds, essential oils