Evaluation of botanical extract formulations for greenhouse pest management

The development of additional pesticides which minimize negative effects on the environment and beneficial insects is imperative for successful long-term management and enhanced sustainability of agricultural systems. Utilizing plant based essential oils, which generally have low toxicity to humans and other mammals, could increase sustainable pest management options. The chemical complexity of plant-based essential oils may contribute to their broad effectiveness, yet understanding the individual contributions of different chemical components in pest suppression could increase the precision by which these products are deployed. The identification of such compounds and their synergistic interactions are the goals of the proposed work. An increased understanding of direct and indirect effects of insect control products on beneficial predaceous insects will inform integrated pest management of agricultural pests.

Faculty Supervisor:

Juli Carrillo

Student:

César Cabra

Partner:

Terramera Inc

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Program: