In this paper , the important effect on the organisms life activities of plant essential oil as well as the terpenoids in it is described . it also introduces the researching progress of the plant essential oil in antiboisis , disinfection , mothkilling , anthelmintic action , insect killing , ovicidal action and its effect on the plants growth 论述了植物精油及其中所含的萜类化合物对生物的生命活动的重要作用.对植物精油在抗菌、杀菌、诱虫、驱虫、杀虫、杀卵和影响植物生长等方面的研究进展进行了介绍