Trends in Neem (Azadirachta indica)-Based Botanical Pesticides

Modern agricultural production is dominated by the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, which account for 95% of the global market share of total pesticide use. However, this over-reliance on synthetic pesticides adversely affects and interferes with the functioning of the ecosystem. Neem (Azadirachta indica), a botanical biopesticide widely known for its bactericidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, herbicidal, and nematicidal properties, offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. To date, more than 200 bioactive compounds have been extracted from neem, and several commercial formulations have been developed and registered as broad-spectrum biopesticides. More advanced strategies in the use of neem as a botanical biopesticide have been developed with a focus on developing more innovative and effective approaches. This chapter also covers current advancement on neem bioactive ingredients, their efficacy and extraction methods. In addition, stability of the bioactive compounds and environmental, health and safety issues are discussed.