J.R.P.E. Mars (Julia)

The use of conventional, synthetic pesticides has detrimental effects on the environment and human health. However, farmers heavily rely on pesticides for successful crop yield.

In order to overcome this problem, researchers try to develop biopesticides: antimicrobial substances that can be derived from natural sources. We propose essential oil (EO) as a candidate. EOs are natural volatile fractions extracted from aromatic plants, e.g. rosemary, lavender, oregano, mint, etc

Our interdisciplinary research team aims to explore the potential of essential oil as a biopesticide by investigating

I) how can EOs be applied in the field,

II) whether the mechanism of EO works directly on the pathogen or indirectly, through priming of the plants immune system