What is a botanical pesticide?

A botanical pesticide refers to a pest control product that is derived from naturally occurring chemicals found in plants. These products harness the natural defenses that plants have developed to protect themselves from pests and diseases. The active ingredients in botanical pesticides can include alkaloids, glycosides, and other phytochemicals that are effective in managing pest populations.

These natural substances often have lower toxicity to non-target organisms, including humans and beneficial insects, compared to synthetic pesticides. This characteristic makes botanical pesticides appealing for organic farming and integrated pest management strategies, where the aim is to minimize chemical use while still effectively controlling pests.

In contrast, the other options describe substances that do not align with the definition of botanical pesticides. A product derived from synthetic chemicals does not originate from plants and may not exhibit the same safety profile. A chemical compound that increases plant growth pertains to fertilizers rather than pest control. Similarly, a kind of herbicide made exclusively from minerals refers to a product that is inorganic rather than plant-based, thus differing from botanical pesticides.