Examination of genetic lines of as potential sources of organic agricultural pest control agents.

is a Mediterranean shrub cultivated in Israel for traditional, ceremonial use only, with more than 98 % of the crop biomass, equivalent to 26-27 tons per ha per annum, considered agricultural waste. Therefore, potentially profitable use for this excess is being highly sought. As is also known for its unique terpene and terpenoid content, this work evaluated the impact of essential oil (EO) extracted from several cultivars on storage insects, nematodes, fungi, and pathogens. In addition, the allelopathic effect of litter on the germination success of wheat seeds was evaluated. The EO extracts demonstrated an insecticidal effect on several storage insects in fumigation experiment and a potentially inhibiting effect on wheat development in allelopathy experiments. No significant impact of EOs on the examined fungi, pathogens, and nematodes was recorded. Additional uses of the biomass suggest supplying additional income to the farmer through the circular agriculture approach. In addition, the use of this local crop can contribute to sustainable intensification by increasing farming efficiency, providing nature-based substitutes for chemical pesticides, and possibly, improving the future design of agriculture through the integration of Myrtus in monoculture crops.