Biopesticides can control serious plant- damaging insect pests by their nontoxic eco- friendly mode of actions. Biopesticides and their by-products are mainly utilized for the management of pests injurious to plants.
Biopesticides are considered to be the best alternative to synthetic pesticides that are highly effective, target specific and reduce environmental risks.
Benefits of biopesticides include effective control of insects, plant diseases and weeds, as well as human and environmental safety. Biopesticides also play an important role in providing pest management tools in areas where pesticide resistance, niche markets and environmental concerns limit the use of chemical pesticide products.
Biopesticides fall into four (4) major categories:
*Microbial pesticides:
*Plant-Incorporated-Protectants (PIPs)
*Biochemical pesticides
*Semiochemicals
Microbial pesticides are mostly target- specific organisms that are aimed at killing one or a group of pests (e.g., a bacterium, fungus, virus or protozoan).
Biochemical pesticides help the plant in counter- attacking its pests or producing chemicals that would prevent pest attack on the plant. Examples are fatty acids, pheromones.
Biopesticides, including entomopathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and plant secondary metabolites, are gaining increasing importance as they are alternatives to chemical pesticides and are a major component of many pest control programs.
Biopesticides
