Potential agrochemical applications of Schinus terebinthifolius essential oil

The essential oil (EO) extracted from the leaves of the Brazilian plant, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, has been the target of new explorations aiming at its application as a natural agricultural pesticide. With an average yield of approximately 0.4 % (m/v), the EO exhibited high concentrations of α-pinene (21.62 %), elixene (18.80 %), β-caryophyllene (13.82 %), and copaene (15.20 %). Findings revealed compelling toxicity of the EO against Artemia salina (LC50: 130.6 μg mL−1), insecticidal effects (∼97 % mortality of Sitophilus zeamais at 0.8 μL cm−3, LC50: 0.29 μL cm−3 after 72 h), and pronounced antifungal properties, hindering Aspergillus flavus growth and delaying Penicillium crustosum for up to 8 days. These results point to the potential of EO of S. terebinthifolius Raddi as a "green" bioinsecticide and biofungicide, ensuring greater exploration for agrochemical applications.