BIONATURE

India’s forest ecosystems harbor a rich diversity of plant species traditionally employed as biopesticides by indigenous and rural communities. A systematic ethnobotanical survey conducted in 2025 across Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Manipur documented region-specific biopesticidal plants using semi-structured interviews, participatory approaches, and guided field walks, with collected specimens authenticated through standard floras and digital herbarium resources. The study recorded 21 plant species, including herbs, shrubs, and trees such as Artemisia nilagirica, Azadirachta indica, Casearia elliptica, Curcuma longa, Cymbopogon citratus, Datura stramonium, Pongamia pinnata, Shorea robusta, and Vitex negundo used in various forms, including decoctions, powders, smoke fumigation, and plant-based barriers. These traditional practices reflect ecologically sound pest management strategies rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, offering biodegradable and low-toxicity alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides. The findings highlight the significant potential of these forest plants as promising bioresources for the development of effective and sustainable biopesticide formulations, while underscoring the need for further phytochemical, toxicological, and formulation-based research to support scientific validation and future commercialization. Overall, the study emphasises the role of traditional biopesticides in reducing dependence on hazardous chemical inputs while promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.