Implication of biopesticides for insect pest management: an alternative of chemical pesticides

ABSTRACT: The growing global concerns about ecological and health issues have raised the necessity of managing insect pests without the use of chemical pesticides. This fact has prompted to explore alternative methods of pest management that are efficient and environmentally sustainable. This review highlights the advancement of biopesticides, including their application with specificity to target pests as well as constraints and prospects with market status. Biopesticides, which are derived from natural sources such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and insects, provide a sustainable and environment friendly solution for controlling pests while minimizing harm to non-target organisms. The biopesticide market has been increasing globally, and thousands of commercially marketed biopesticides are now used against insect pests. Worldwide, most marketed biopesticides are derived from several subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis, which control diversified orders of pests, including Lepidoptera and Diptera. Although, biopesticides have shown significant efficacy, restricted formulation approaches have limited their overall acceptance due to lower acute activity and a higher degradation rate. The review highlights the importance of ongoing research, development, and regulatory support for biopesticides to a large extent. Then, biopesticides have become a beacon of hope for a safer and more eco-friendly approach for controlling pests.

Keywords: Biopesticide, biopesticide market, eco-friendly management, microbial pesticide, pest management.