The development, regulation and use of biopesticides for integrated pest management

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, crop protection has relied heavily on synthetic chemical pesticides, but their availability is now declining as a result of new legislation and the evolution of resistance in pest populations. Therefore, alternative pest management tactics are needed. Biopesticides are pest management agents based on living micro-organisms or natural products. They have proven potential for pest management and they are being used across the world. However, they are regulated by systems designed originally for chemical pesticides that have created market entry barriers by imposing burdensome costs on the biopesticide industry. There are also significant technical barriers to making biopesticides more effective. In the European Union, a greater emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as part of agricultural policy may lead to innovations in the way that biopesticides are regulated. There are also new opportunities for developing biopesticides in IPM by combining ecological science with post-genomics technologies. The new biopesticide products that will result from this research will bring with them new regulatory and economic challenges that must be addressed through joint working between social and natural scientists, policy makers and industry.

The Trading and Use of Agrochemicals

“…Such methods are now commonly used in orchards (Chandler et al 2011). A different method of controlling insects by disrupting their reproductive activities is to use chemicals known as chemo-sterilants to sterilize the males of a pest species.…”

“…Biopesticides by 2011 had only secured around 2.5% of the pesticide market since they are highly selective, less straightforward to utilize and still comparatively unfamiliar to most farmers (Chandler et al 2011). …”

Current status, challenges, and prospects of biopesticide utilization in Nigeria

“…This unique class of bio-based pesticides is produced by genetic incorporation of DNA into agricultural commodities to prevent damage from pests or diseases [22,23]. In principle, biopesticides can be classified into three categories [23,24], namely: Microbial pesticides (MCP), Biochemical pesticides (BCP), and Plant-Incorporated-Protectants (PIPs).…”

“…Their use has gained traction over the years due to technological advancements in pest control and management. In addition, the growing acceptability of biopesticides has been prompted by the search for eco-friendly, benign and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) strategies for pest control and management [20,22]. According to Mazid and Kalita [15], biopesticide utilization is a sustainable agriculture technique with minimal, often harmless residues in harvested food crops and the environment [15].…”

The effects of Kingbo biopesticide on Tetranychus urticae Koch female adults

“…The advantages of biopesticides include their low risk to human health and the environment, compatibility with other biological control agents, lack of harvest and re-entry restrictions and a minimal or no risk for resistance development. Plant oils, extracts and other plant-derived products are the most important sources for development of biopesticides (Copping and Menn, 2000;Chandler et al 2011). …”