Review summarizes insecticidal effects of Litsea cubeba essential oil in agriculture, suggesting a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides.
Rising demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides has spurred research into plant-derived essential oils with insecticidal properties. Among these, Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. has attracted considerable attention for its high levels of bioactive terpenoids, particularly citral, limonene, and pinene derivatives. This review summarizes the chemical composition, biological properties, and insecticidal activities of L. cubeba essential oil against various agricultural and stored-product pests. Studies have demonstrated significant fumigant, contact toxic, repellent, and acaricidal activities against insects such as Lasioderma serricorne, Liposcelis bostrychophila, Tenebrio molitor, and Trichoplusia ni. The review also discusses potential mechanisms of action, advantages over conventional pesticides, and prospects for commercialization. Current evidence suggests that L. cubeba essential oil is a promising botanical insecticide that may contribute to sustainable pest management.
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Nnamdi* et al. (2026) studied this question.
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