Biopesticides as Promising Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides: A Review of Their Current and Future Status

Lukmanul Hakim Samada,Usman Sumo Friend Tambunan

doi:10.3844/ojbsci.2020.66.76

Lukmanul Hakim Samada, Usman Sumo Friend Tambunan

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3844/ojbsci.2020.66.76

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Abstract

Biopesticides are living organisms or natural products that control agricultural pests including bacteria, fungi, weeds, viruses and insects. Biopesticides can be classified into different categories, such as microbial pesticides, plant-incorporated protectants and biochemicals. Biopesticides are a crucial component of integrated pest management programs for pest control, which lead to more natural alternatives to chemical pesticides that are eco-friendly and safer. Since the emergence of biopesticides for potential pest management, numerous products have been released and some of them dominate the market. This review paper will discuss the current status, future prospect and challenges associated with the use of biopesticides in pest control.

Highlights

Agricultural pests, such as bacteria, weeds, insects and fungi can lower the yield and quality of crop production
Biopesticides can be applied as an alternative to the use of chemical pesticides as they have been shown to be effective for pest management and the generation of sustainable agricultural products (Prabha et al, 2016)
In the European Union, the impact of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policies provides the incentive for novel pest management strategies, especially the use of biopesticides, including living microorganisms or natural products (Chandler et al, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

Agricultural pests, such as bacteria, weeds, insects and fungi can lower the yield and quality of crop production. The primary method used since the 1960s to control pests has been the intensive application of chemical pesticides (Kumar and Singh, 2015). Pesticides have been successful at reducing pest populations, it is well known that their application can have negative effects on the environment and the crops itself. Eco-friendly management is needed for sustainable crop production. Biopesticides can be applied as an alternative to the use of chemical pesticides as they have been shown to be effective for pest management and the generation of sustainable agricultural products (Prabha et al, 2016). In the European Union, the impact of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policies provides the incentive for novel pest management strategies, especially the use of biopesticides, including living microorganisms or natural products (Chandler et al, 2011)

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Conclusion