Maida Shahid1, Fiza Shaukat2 *, Aniqa Shahid3, Aqsa Sohail4 and Mawra Nadeem5
1Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 2Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 3Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 4Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 5Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
*Corresponding author: fizaali.3855@gmail.com
Biopesticides have gained significant attention as an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach for managing insect pests. These pest control agents are derived from natural sources such as plants, microbes, and insects themselves, offering several advantages over conventional chemical pesticides. Biopesticides offer target specificity, minimal environmental impact, and reduced risks to human health. They can be classified into three main categories: microbial biopesticides, bio-derived chemicals, and plant-incorporated protectants. Microbial biopesticides utilize microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, to control pests through various mechanisms, including direct pathogenicity or the production of toxins. Bio-derived chemicals are derived from natural compounds, such as botanical extracts or pheromones, and act as repellents, attractants, or disruptors of pest behavior. Plant-incorporated protectants involve genetic modification of plants to produce insecticidal proteins, providing continuous pest control. The efficacy of biopesticides can be influenced by factors such as formulation, application methods, and environmental conditions. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that combine multiple pest control methods, including biopesticides, have shown great potential in achieving sustainable pest management. Despite their advantages, challenges remain in the development and commercialization of biopesticides, including limited availability of effective strains or compounds, regulatory barriers, and market acceptance. Future research should focus on optimizing biopesticide formulations, improving efficacy, expanding the target pest range, and addressing concerns related to persistence, non-target effects, and resistance development. Overall, biopesticides present a promising alternative for insect pest management, offering effective and sustainable solutions for crop protection and public health.