Insights Into 70 Years of Global Botanical Pesticide Research Based on a Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic pesticides have triggered global interest in botanical alternatives as eco-friendly pest control solutions. This study analyses the global evolution, knowledge structure, and research gaps in botanical pesticide research spanning seven decades. Through systematic bibliometric analysis of 2,977 peer-reviewed articles (1950–2024) retrieved from Scopus, research trends, thematic shifts, and collaboration networks were examined using PRISMA guidelines, Bibliometrix in R, and VOSviewer. Scientific output has grown steadily at 7.76% annually, with India, Brazil, and China emerging as leading contributors. Notable contributors such as Pavela R., Benelli G., and Isman M.B. emerged as leading authors based on productivity and citations. Industrial Crops and Products, Crop Protection, and Pest Management Science were identified as the most relevant sources publishing botanical pesticide research. Research themes evolved from basic insecticidal properties to formulation optimization, toxicity validation (LC ₅₀ , LD ₅₀ ), and essential oil chemistry. Collaboration remains predominantly national, though intercontinental partnerships are expanding. Despite rising academic interest, commercialization, field validation, and socio-economic adoption remain limited. This review not only maps the evolution of botanical pesticide research but also shows structural limitations hindering mainstream adoption, urging global stakeholders to integrate policy reforms and interdisciplinary innovations. It proposes a forward-looking strategy focused on interdisciplinary innovation, policy reform, and farmer-centered approaches to improve the global adoption of botanical pesticides in sustainable agriculture.