Summary
This narrative review examines the biocontrol potential of secondary metabolites from aromatic and medicinal plants, particularly the Lamiaceae family, against economically important soil-borne phytopathogens. Despite extensive laboratory evidence of antimicrobial activity—especially against Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Phytophthora species—only a few aromatic herb species have reached commercial biopesticide formulation, owing to inconsistent field efficacy, regulatory barriers, and cost constraints. The authors highlight waste recycling from the aromatic plant industry as a promising, economically feasible pathway to improve soil health whilst reducing environmental burden.
Regional applicability
The review's conclusions on biocontrol mechanisms and identified barriers to commercialisation are globally relevant and applicable to United Kingdom farming systems facing soil-borne disease pressures on cereals and horticultural crops. However, UK-specific field validation studies and regulatory pathways for plant-derived biopesticides would be required to translate these findings into practical recommendations for British growers.
Key measures
Antimicrobial activity of plant-derived secondary metabolites; biocontrol efficacy against soil-borne pathogens; commercial viability and field verification status of plant-based formulations; soil microbial community composition and soil fertility effects
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised literature on the antimicrobial and biocontrol efficacy of secondary metabolites derived from aromatic and medicinal plants (particularly Lamiaceae family) against soil-borne bacterial, fungal, and nematode pathogens including Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium spp., and Phytophthora spp. The study identified barriers to commercialisation of plant-based biopesticides and explored the potential of industrial waste recycling from aromatic plant sectors as an economically viable soil health intervention.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.