Abstract . Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions, and to defend against attack from predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. Aromatic plants are a special kind of plants used for their aroma and flavour. Many of them are also used for medicinal purposes. Aromatic compounds are present in plants in root, wood, bark, foliage, flower, fruit, seed. Essential oils have a long tradition of use in the protection of stored products, based on antimicrobial and antifungic activity. Some chemical constituents of volatile oils interfere with the octopaminergic nervous system in insects. As this target site is not shared with mammals, most essential oil chemicals are relatively non-toxic to mammals and fish in toxicological tests, and meet the criteria for “reduced risk” pesticides.

Key words :Essential oils, green pesticides, monoterpenes, terpenoids, antifeedants, repellents, fumigants

Presentation: oral