An environmentally friendly solution
The use of chemical pesticides has been a common practice in agriculture for decades, but its negative effects on the environment, human health and biodiversity have generated growing concern. In response, farmers are increasingly turning to more sustainable alternatives, such as natural insecticides. Among these, the flowers of various plants have proven to be effective in repelling or eliminating insect pests from crops, providing an environmentally friendly and less toxic solution. This article explores how the flowers of certain plants act as natural insecticides and what their benefits are for crops.
Flowers that repel pests and protect crops

Some flowers contain bioactive compounds that act as repellents or poisons for harmful insects, protecting crops without the side effects of synthetic pesticides. A notable example is the Aztec marigold flower (Tagetes erecta), whose essential oil is known to repel insects such as nematodes, mites and whiteflies. The chemical compounds present in the flowers of emit a scent that disorients insects, hindering their ability to locate their prey.

The marigold (Calendula officinalis) is another flower traditionally used as a natural insecticide. Its ability to repel flies, aphids and mites makes it an excellent choice for growing alongside other plants, acting as a natural barrier. The marigold contains substances such as salicylic acid, which inhibit the action of certain insects, reducing their presence in crops. In 2023, a study conducted in India showed that planting marigold in tomato fields resulted in a significant decrease in whitefly infestations, which favored the production and health of the crop (Singh et al., 2023).
Benefits and practical applications in agriculture
The use of flowers as natural insecticides offers several benefits. First, these flowers are often easy to grow, making them a viable option for both small and large farmers. In addition, flowers not only protect crops, but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential to the overall health of agricultural ecosystems.

Another prominent flower in the fight against pests is the Indian neem flower (Azadirachta indica), whose extract is known as neem oil and is widely used as an organic repellent and pesticide. Neem oil is effective against a wide range of insects, including mites, mosquitoes, and beetles. The flowers of this tree contain azadirachtin, a compound that disrupts the life cycle of insects, preventing them from reproducing and feeding. Recent research has shown that the application of neem oil reduces insect damage in vegetable and fruit crops without affecting beneficial organisms (Tewari et al., 2024).
Dalmatian pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium), seen in the photo above this article, is a flower that has been widely studied for its insecticidal properties. Its flowers contain pyrethrins, natural compounds that act as neurotoxins against a variety of insects. Pyrethrins affect the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. This compound is used commercially in organic insecticidal products. In a 2024 study by the Thailand University of Agricultural Technology, chrysanthemum flower extract applied to rice crops was shown to reduce mosquito and other insect infestations without affecting beneficial species in the ecosystem (Liang et al., 2024). Dalmatian pyrethrums have become a popular choice for controlling pests without resorting to synthetic chemicals.
Apart from direct applications on insects, these flowers also favor sustainable agriculture by reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals. Natural pesticides are not only less toxic to the environment, but also allow the conservation of beneficial insects, such as pest predators, which help maintain ecological balance in crops.
The cultivation of flowers with insecticidal properties is not limited to gardens or small plots. Large agricultural producers are integrating these plants into their integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, an approach that combines cultural, biological and physical practices to control pests more sustainably. The inclusion of flowers such as marigolds, marigolds, neem and Dalmatia flowers in these systems has been shown to be effective not only in protecting crops, but also in enhancing agroecosystem biodiversity.
By way of conclusion
The use of flowers as natural insecticides represents an innovative and environmentally friendly way to address pest challenges in agriculture. These plants offer an alternative to synthetic pesticides, with benefits for human health, biodiversity and the environment. Current research supports their efficacy and suggests that their inclusion in agricultural practices may be key to a more sustainable future in food production. Farmers should consider the potential of flowers not only as a tool to repel insects, but as an integral part of an agricultural system that promotes balance and sustainability.