Formulation of botanicals for the control of plant-pathogens: A review

Essential oils and plant extracts contain a multitude of bioactive substances against fungi, bacteria and nematodes. In plant pathology research, botanicals are commonly used in their raw state. Without any type of formulation, bioactive compounds of plants can be degraded and volatilized rapidly under field conditions. Controlled-release liquid and solid formulations with plant compounds as active ingredients are common in some fields, such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, food technology and cosmetology. However, the use of controlled-release formulations is an under explored approach in plant pathology, although these technologies are interesting options for managing seed, soil-borne and post-harvest pathogens. In this review, we discuss the potential and options of formulations of botanicals against plant pathogens.