Biopestizide

Biopesticides are pesticides derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. They include substances like microbial pesticides, plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), and biochemical pesticides. Microbial pesticides consist of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa. These microorganisms have their own mechanisms to control pests. Plant-incorporated protectants are substances that plants produce after being genetically modified to contain pesticidal traits. Biochemical pesticides are derived from natural materials and work through non-toxic mechanisms, such as pheromones to disrupt mating or plant extracts that repel insects.

The use of biopesticides offers several potential advantages. They are often specific to the target pest, meaning they can have a lower impact on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals. This specificity can contribute to more sustainable pest management strategies. Additionally, biopesticides are generally biodegradable and break down into harmless substances, reducing the risk of long-term environmental contamination compared to some conventional synthetic pesticides. Their development and application are often seen as a key component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs, which aim to combine various pest control methods to minimize risks to human health and the environment. However, biopesticides can also have limitations, such as a potentially narrower spectrum of control or a need for more frequent application under certain environmental conditions. Their effectiveness can also be influenced by factors like temperature and humidity.