It is important to be aware that biopesticides are still pesticides and fall under the same regulations as their synthetic counterparts. Although manufacturers are still reluctant to commit to such alternatives due to difficulties with approval and registration, biopesticides could be alternatives for traditional plant protection products, either as a base for the synthesis of new products or integrated with traditional plant protection products. In addition, biopesticides have to be used only as indicated on the label, which provides critical information about how to safely handle and use plant protection products.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and its isomer, neochlorogenic acid (NCGA), were found to be the major phenolic compounds in the flesh and peel of three peach cultivars. Their concentrations are especially high in immature fruits (CGA, 151-548 mg/kg; NCGA, 85-380 mg/kg), whose resistance to the brown rot fungus, Monilinia laxa , is very high. The concentrations of these two phenolic compounds decline in maturing fruits (CGA, 77-181 mg/kg; NCGA, 30-82 mg/kg), and this decline is associated with a concomitant increase in susceptibility to brown rot infection. Other phenolic compounds found in the same HPLC chromatograms at 340 nm from each peach extract at varying sampling dates in each of the three peach cultivars were not correlated with the incidence of brown rot and appeared only in some cultivars. The incidence of brown rot for each cultivar at each sampling date was significantly negatively correlated with the NCGA (r > -0.85) and CGA (r > -0.90) contents. At concentrations that are similar to those in peach fruit, CGA does not inhibit spore germination or mycelial growth of M. laxa in culture but markedly inhibits the production of melanin-like pigments in the mycelia of M. laxa in culture (42% melanin reduction). Accordingly, we propose that the high concentrations of CGA and NGA in immature fruits might contribute to their reduced susceptibility or increased resistance to brown rot infection by interfering with fungal melanin production.

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The importance of biomass as a source of chemicals, biofuels, and energy is widely accepted. Currently, the attention is mainly focused on the valorisation of by-products from lignocellulosic materials. Chemical compounds derived from plants and microorganisms that provide good protection for crops against weeds, pests, and diseases (biopesticide active substances) have been used to formulate pesticides. Their use is increasingly encouraged by new pesticide regulations that discourage the use of harmful active substances. This article reviews the current and future situation of biopesticides, especially natural chemical products, and focuses on their potential within the European pesticide legislative framework. Moreover, this article highlights the importance of the different modes/mechanisms of action of the active substances obtained from natural sources, the role of chemistry in biopesticide development, and how the adoption of integrated pest management practices contributes to a greater trend towards biopesticides.

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