Biopestisidejä

Biopestisidejä, or biopesticides, are pesticides derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. They are a subset of pesticides, but with a focus on naturally occurring substances. Biopesticides can be broadly categorized into four main types: biochemical pesticides, microbial pesticides, plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), and other biochemical pesticides.

Biochemical pesticides include substances such as plant extracts and pheromones that control pests through non-toxic mechanisms. Microbial pesticides consist of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa, which target specific pests. Plant-incorporated protectants are substances that plants produce to protect themselves against pests, often when specific genes are inserted into the plant. Other biopesticides encompass naturally occurring substances that have pesticidal properties.

The use of biopesticides is often promoted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic pesticides. They tend to have a more targeted action, affecting only the intended pest and its close relatives, thus minimizing harm to beneficial insects, wildlife, and humans. Furthermore, biopesticides are generally biodegradable, breaking down quickly into harmless substances. This reduces the risk of environmental contamination and the accumulation of residues in food and ecosystems. However, their efficacy can sometimes be lower or slower than synthetic alternatives, and they may require more frequent application. Their development and registration processes also have specific regulatory pathways.