Abstract
One of the most important global problems is protecting crops from insects. For the control of insects, synthetic chemicals are continuously used, and their toxicity endangers health of farm operators, animals and food consumers. The negative effects on human health led to a resurgence of interest in botanical insecticides due to their minimal costs and ecological side effects. In this, we review the use of plant compounds (essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, esters and fatty acids) having anti-insect effects and their importance as an alternative to the chemical compounds used in the elimination of insects in different ways, namely repellents, feeding deterrents/antifeedants, toxicants, growth retardants, chemosterilants, and attractants. Botanical insecticides affect only target insects, not destroy beneficial natural enemies and provide residue-free food and safe environment. We, therefore, recommend using botanical insecticides as an integrated insect management program which can greatly reduce the use of synthetic insecticides.