What components are used to make botanical pesticides?

Botanical pesticides are derived from naturally occurring plant materials. This includes various components such as flowers, leaves, roots, and even seeds of plants, which contain specific compounds that can inhibit, repel, or kill pests. The advantage of using these natural substances is that they often degrade more quickly in the environment and can be less harmful to beneficial organisms and humans compared to synthetic chemicals.

Choosing plant parts like flowers, leaves, and roots harnesses the natural properties of these plants, which have evolved mechanisms to defend themselves against pests. This method emphasizes using eco-friendly practices in pest control, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices and organic farming principles.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the sources of botanical pesticides. While water and minerals play essential roles in growing plants, they are not components of the pesticides themselves. The option that includes synthetic chemicals refers to entirely different substances that are created artificially rather than derived from plants. Lastly, although animal products may have applications in other pest control methods, they do not qualify as botanical pesticides, which focus specifically on plant-derived substances.