Lemongrass oil is derived from three different species: Cymbopogan flexuosus, C. citratus, and C. pendulus. Its uses as a pesticide active ingredient are primarily as an anti-fungal agent in post-harvest handling and as an insect repellent. Lemongrass oil also has some herbicidal properties. The essential oil is high in citral, which is considered the principal biologically active agent. A common food ingredient in many cuisines, lemongrass oil is non-toxic to humans and most non-target species. Lemongrass has a non-toxic mode of action and is believed to pose a minimal risk to human health and the environment.