Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling a pest population using a composition comprising a benzyl ester of an aromatic acid or aliphatic acid or a salicylate. Methods and compositions for controlling a pest population are provided. The compositions comprise a benzyl ester of an aromatic acid or aliphatic acid or a salicylate. The composition can include at least one fatty-acid ester to increase the pesticidal activity. The subject method controls the population of pests such as plant pests or pests infesting a mammal by contacting the pests with the composition. The subject method reduces the environmental and health hazards in pest control by minimizing the toxicity of the subject composition.

Abstract: A method and composition for inhibiting the growth of a weed is described. The herbicidal composition comprises an agriculturally-acceptable carrier in combination with a compound of Formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is alkylcarbonyl or arylcarbonyl; R.sup.2 is alkyl or H; R.sup.3 is H, OH or alkoxy; R.sup.4 is H or OH; and R.sup.5 is H, OH or alkoxy.