Phytochemical-Based Botanical Pesticides for Sustainable Crop Protection: Mechanistic and Functional Perspectives
1Sariput Bhosikar, 2Rekha Parmar² and 3Mukesh Laichattiwar
1Sariput Bhosikar, 2Rekha Parmar² and 3Mukesh Laichattiwar 1Department of Agadatantra, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara - 391760 (India) 2Department of Dravya Guna, Parul Institute of Ayurved, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara - 391760 (India) 3Vice Principal, College of Agriculture, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara - 391760 (India) Corresponding Author: 1 [drbsariput@gmail.com]
ABSTRACT
Botanical pesticides derived from Ayurvedic Krimighna plants represent a scientifically validated, ecologically superior, and culturally grounded alternative to synthetic agrochemicals for sustainable crop protection. This analysis evaluates the mechanistic basis and documented efficacy of key phytochemical-based pesticides, with focused attention on plants traditionally classified as Krimighna (insecticidal) in classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Compounds such as azadirachtin, pyrethrins, embelin, piperine, plumbagin, and calotropin exhibit well-characterised, multi-target insecticidal mechanisms — including ecdysone antagonism, neural channel hyperactivation, mitochondrial Complex-I inhibition, and reactive oxygen species generation — that confer potent pest suppression at low application rates while presenting favourable mammalian safety profiles. The rapid environmental degradation of these phytochemicals, far from being a limitation, ensures negligible soil and food residues — a decisive ecological advantage over persistent synthetic chemistries. Advances in microencapsulation, nano-formulation, and UV-stabilised delivery systems are successfully addressing earlier concerns about residual activity and batch standardisation.