D3156: An essential oil-based pesticide

Agricultural practices on both a large and small scale are ever evolving in efficiency. A major challenge of agriculture is to increase food production without damaging the environment. As we advance, it is crucial to develop methods that not only optimize plant growth and health, but that prioritize minimizing impact on the environment and human health. Neem oil serves as an effective pesticide with significantly less environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives. It is rapidly biodegradable due to its organic composition, resulting in minimal environmental impact while maintaining powerful insecticidal properties Despite the advantages of neem oil as a biopesticide, there are many drawbacks that limit the development and use of it. Short shelf life, photosensitive properties, and issues with residue make it difficult to use neem on a large scale. This study aims to test and trial a neem alternative made from plant derived essential oils. We completed several different tests using Spodoptera exigua larvae to evaluate the effectiveness of an a water based solution with a 1% essential oil blend against neem. The essential oil-based blend had a higher proportion of neonate larval mortality than that of neem. The essential oil-based blend also imparted lower leaf damage than the neem. Further ongoing studies also have been showing more positive outcomes of the essential oil-based insecticide than the neem spray in small scale horticultural applications.