Things to Know About Biopesticides

Biopesticides are specific forms of pesticides prepared from natural materials, including plants, bacteria, minerals, and animals. They provide a long-lasting effect for pest control on farms. Read on to know more! 

Agriculture and farming involve the cultivation of plants and different products for the well-being of humans. The use of pesticides is a common strategy to protect plants against pests and diseases. However, the effects of applying chemical-based pesticides may result in reduced soil quality and diversity, more pollution, and the growth of pesticide-resistant pests. Biological pesticides are also recognized as biocontrol, biological controls, or biopesticides. This pesticide type is natural and made of living things. They are less risky for the environment and human health than other chemicals. Biopesticides are highly effective, and even a small quantity is enough for pest control without any effects on nature and the environment. Here is everything you should know about biopesticides.

Types

Plant-Incorporated Protectants (PIPs)

This class of biopesticides is substances that plants create through the genetic material that has been given to the plant. They help the plant protect itself from pests, such as viruses and certain insects. It starts with researchers taking the genetic factor for the Bt pesticidal protein. It familiarizes with the plant’s genetic material. Later, the plant creates substances that kill or prevent the pests. 

Microbial Pesticides

These types of pesticides have a microorganism (virus, fungus, protozoan, or bacterium) as the active material. Also called microbes, these pesticides can be used to control many diverse types of pests and insects. However, each different active component is relatively specific for its target insect. For example, there are two types of fungi - while one is to control certain weeds, others kill some particular insects. One of the most commonly used microbial types is strains and subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.). Each strain of this bacterium creates a diverse combination of proteins and precisely kills one or a few related species of pests and larvae.

Biochemical Pesticides

These are naturally happening substances that damage pests in a non-toxic way. While regular pesticides are usually synthetic material that directly inactivates and kills the pest, biochemical pesticides have substances that affect or regulate mating and prevent their growth. So, they control pests without killing them. 

Advantages of Biopesticides for Agriculture 

• They are less toxic as compared to regular or conventional pesticides

• When used as a part of IPM or Integrated Pest Management programs, these natural pesticides can drastically cut down the use and need for conventional pesticides, while growing the crop yields better

• Biopesticides normally attack the target pest and associated bacteria or virus, so they do not affect a broad spectrum of organisms and friendly bacteria, insects, or birds

• These pesticides are highly effective even in small amounts and decompose rapidly, resulting in reduced exposures and pollution issues caused by chemical pesticides. So, it promotes the safety of people who work on farms.

• Biopesticides develop systemic resistance in the plants, so the use of chemicals will be reduced significantly in a long run

• They can also be effective as a second line of shield or supplementary treatment for plants

So, biopesticides are highly effective in pest control, plant growth, and increased yield. However, users must carefully read and follow all the directions on the product label to use biopesticides effectively and safely on their farms.