Nanobiopesticides for Crop Protection

Abstract

Biopesticides have long been attracting global attention as a safer strategy over chemical pest control, with potentially less risk to humans and the environment. Globally, the use of biopesticides is increasing steadily by 10% every year. Nanotechnology has provided new tools in the form of nanopesticides and nanosensors for pest management in agriculture with the concept of minimal usage for maximum effect. Nanopesticides are formulations of active ingredient of a pesticide in nanoform that have slow degradation, targeted delivery, and controlled release of active ingredient for longer period that make them environmentally safe and less toxic in comparison with conventional chemical pesticides. Several studies have reported an enhancement in the efficacy of certain biological substances on pests and a reduction of losses due to physical degradation through encapsulation of these substances in nanoparticulate systems. Research pertaining to nanobiopesticide development and evaluation till date has been limited to laboratory with approaches like development of nanocomposites, nanoengineered biopesticides, and capping of nanoparticles with biopesticides, etc. Enabling successful utilization of these formulations for pest management at the field level requires drafting of suitable biosafety and registration guidelines that are globally acceptable. In this chapter, we review the progress of research carried out in development of nanobiopesticides for crop protection, viz., management of insect pests, diseases, and nematodes.