The escalating environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic pesticides have intensified the search for sustainable alternatives in crop protection. Among botanical resources, spice essential oils (SEOs), derived from key spice crops such as small cardamom, black pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, cumin, and allspice, have emerged as potent natural biopesticides. These essential oils contain diverse bioactive constituents (e.g. 1,8-cineole, piperine, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, myristicin, α‑tumerone, and cuminaldehyde) that exhibit broad-spectrum pesticidal properties, including insecticidal, antifungal, antibacterial, and nematicidal activities. Their mechanisms of action involve neurotoxicity, disruption of cellular membranes, enzyme inhibition, and repellence, making them effective against a wide range of agricultural pests and pathogens. This review provides a critical synthesis of current research emphasizing methodology for study selection, comparative analysis of efficacy, and identification of knowledge gaps. It also explores formulation advancements such as nanoencapsulation and emulsification that enhance stability, bioavailability, and field performance. Beyond ecological safety, biodegradability, practical limitations, including chemical variability, production cost, inconsistent field efficiency, and regulatory constraints, are explicitly discussed. Addressing these challenges through interdisciplinary research, standardized protocols, and supportive policy frameworks is essential for mainstreaming spice essential oils in sustainable agriculture. Addressing these challenges through interdisciplinary research, standardized protocols, and supportive policy frameworks is essential for mainstreaming spice essential oils in sustainable agriculture. By highlighting advances, limitations, and future prospects, this review contributes an original analytical perspective on reducing chemical pesticide dependency and strengthening agroecological resilience.
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