Effect Of Biopesticides Research Articles

Field Efficacy and Economics of Selected Insecticides and Bio-pesticides against Chickpea Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at Prayagraj

At the Central Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, an experiment on chickpea was carried out to test the "Field efficacy and economics of selected insecticides and bio-Pesticides against chickpea pod borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) at Prayagraj" during rabi season of 2022-2023. Effectiveness of biopesticides and insecticides viz., T1 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 0.5ml ml/lit of water, T2 Emamectin benzoate 5% SG 0.4 gm/lit of water, T3 Novaluron 10% EC 1.5 ml/lit of water, T4 Spinosad 45% SC 0.5 ml/lit of water, T5 Beauveria bassiana WP 5 gm/lit of water, T6 Nisco sixer plus 1ml/lit of water and T7 Neem oil 5% @ 5 ml/lit of water and treatment of T8 Untreated control were tested against chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner). The different insecticides and biopesticides treatments revealed that all the treatments were superior over control, T1 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (0.66) which found most effective followed by T2 Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (0.87), T4 Spinosad 45% SC (0.98), T3 Novaluron 10% EC (1.11), T6 Nisco sixer plus (1.30), T5 Beauveria bassiana WP (1.48), T7 Neem oil 5% (2.15) and T8 Untreated control (6.02). The crop with the highest average yield, T1 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, produced 22.01 q/ha, and its cost-benefit ratio was 1:2.26. followed by T2 Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (21.09 q/ha) with 1:2.55 C:B ratio, T4 Spinosad 45% SC (19.75 q/ha) with 1:2.32 C:B ratio, T3 Novaluron 10% EC (17.5 q/ha) with 1:2.14 C:B ratio, T6 Nisco sixer plus (16.16 q/ha) with 1:2.02 C:B ratio, T5 Beauveria bassiana WP (13.29 q/ha) with 1:1.72 C:B ratio, T7 Neem oil 5% (13.03 q/ha) with 1:1.67 C:B ratio and T8 Control (9.5 q/ha) with 1:1.29 C:B ratio.

Evaluation of cytogenetic effect of pesticides in onion root meristem

Farmers use chemical insecticides, fungicides and herbicides to control insect pests, diseases and weeds. Extensive use of chemical pesticides is becoming hazardous to the environment and human and animal health. Biopesticides have been used as a safer alternative. Cytogenetic analysis is needed to determine the effects of chemical and biopesticides in plants if these are used frequently in an improper concentration. This investigation assessed the effects of a chemical systemic insecticide ‘Actara 25WG’ and a bioinsecticide ‘Bio Sona’ for seed germination and on root mitosis of five onion varieties. Three concentrations of Actara 25WG were used as seed treatment, viz., 25 g, 50g (recommended) and 75 g/kg seed. Similarly, Bio Sona was applied @ 2 %, 5 % (recommended) and 8 % concentrations. Depressing effects of the two pesticides were recorded in seed germination percentage except for Bio Sona 2% in variety Bhima Shakti. Actara 25WG and Bio Sona showed either mitoenhancing or cytotoxic effects depending on dose and variety. These pesticides also induced genotoxicity at recommended and higher doses on root tip cells as indicated by the frequency of total chromosomal aberrations like binucleate cells, clumps, stickiness, disturbed stage, laggards, bridges and fragments. Bio Sona at higher concentrations showed more aberrations than Actara 25WG. There were differential responses of the varieties to the pesticide treatment. More research must be done on the effects of chemicals and biopesticides in plants to assess their cytogenotoxicity.

Effect of Biopesticides against Stem Borer (Lophobarispiperis) and Thrips sp. on Pepper (Piper)

One of the pepper crop production obstacles is the presence of pests. The research was designed in a randomized block with three treatments, namely (1) botanical pesticides, (2) biological pesticides and (3) control (water), and nine replications. The treatment application is carried out once a month, done immediately after observing the intensity of the pest attack. The results showed that the attack of pepper stem borer was low (below 10%), so the effect of the treatment could not be seen significantly. The Thrips attack was high enough, it was seen that there was the ability of botanical pesticides to reduce the intensity of the attack. Meanwhile, the biological pesticide had not yet shown its ability to reduce the intensity of Thrips sp.

The Effectiveness of Fragrant Biopesticide of Lemon Cigarette Biopesticide to Control Fruit Flies on Large Chilli Plants

Problems that are often encountered in increasing the production of large chili plants are pests and diseases. Some important pests that generally attack chili plants are armyworms, aphids, fruit flies, and mites. The study aimed to obtain citronella biopesticides that were effective in controlling fruit fly pests on large chili plants, using a randomized block design (RBD) with 5 levels of treatment and 5 repetitions. Biopesticide treatment consisted of citronella ash biopesticide (Ts4), citronella extract (Ts3), citronella oil (Ts2), existing (Ts1), and without biopesticide (Ts0). The results showed that citronella oil biopesticides (Ts2) had better potency than other biopesticides and controls. All citronella biopesticide treatments have low effectiveness against fruit fly pests (<40%). The main weather factor is high-intensity rain which greatly affects the effectiveness of biopesticide in the process of controlling fruit flies. Economically, the application of citronella biopesticides technology and existing biopesticides is beneficial for businesses. The value of income per hectare from large chili farming starts from the highest to the lowest respectively: treatment Ts2 (income Rp. 60,977,000 with a B/C ratio = 2.640), Ts3 (income Rp. 57,852,000 with a B/C ratio = 2.516), Ts1 (income Rp. 57,527,000 with a B/C ratio = 2.504), Ts4 (income Rp. 53,952,000 with a B/C ratio = 2.346) and Ts0 (income Rp. 46,852,000 with a B/C ratio = 2.171). With an average B/C ratio of > 1, it means that the citronella biopesticide technology is feasible to be developed to control fruit fly pests on large chili plants.

Lessons Learned and Challenges of Biopesticide Usage for Locust Management—The Case of China

Using qualitative methods, this study assessed the stakeholders and management processes involved in locust outbreaks in China, including factors influencing the use of biopesticides. Study findings show that China has an integrated national locust response protocol, which involves various institutions from all administrative levels of the government. The process is inherently highly complex but efficient, with multisectoral agencies working closely together to prevent and/or manage locust outbreaks. In addition, the process has been successful in combating recent outbreaks, due to dedicated government funding, decisive administrative and technical actions, and the empowerment of local government administration. This is the case with the county level acting as a ‘first-responder’ that is capacitated financially and technically to respond to a locust invasion in their jurisdiction. Additionally, study findings show that despite the availability of biopesticides in local markets, their use is dampened by inadequate information about market availability, negative perceptions by decision makers about their efficacy, and concerns about their costs, as well as limited knowledge of their application techniques. Actions are therefore needed by relevant authorities to enhance stakeholder awareness of biopesticide market availability, efficacy, and field application processes. Future areas of research should focus on modelling the expected impact and cost effectiveness of chemicals vs. biopesticides, thus increasing the evidence base for promoting biopesticide use.

Effectiveness of novel and bio pesticides against the fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Gunn.) of the brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Prince Mahore1*, Pradyumn Singh3, Sahab Singh Pippal1 and Nikki Bhardwaj1

Effectiveness of novel and bio pesticides against the fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Gunn.) of the brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Prince Mahore1*, Pradyumn Singh3, Sahab Singh Pippal1 and Nikki Bhardwaj1

Comparative effects of biopesticides on fall armyworm management and larval parasitism rates in northern Ghana

The outbreak of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, in Africa has led to several recommendations of insecticides, including biopesticides. However, the effects of these products on the environment, especially on parasitoids have not been assessed under field conditions. Here, we investigated the effect of commonly used biopesticides on S. frugiperda management and larval parasitoids of S. frugiperda in northern Ghana. The experiments were conducted both on-station in Wa and Nyankpala and on-farm in Wa during the 2020 rainy season. Active ingredients tested included neem oil (3% Azadirachtin), maltodextrin (282 g/l), 55% Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) combined with 45% Monosultap, and a Pieris rapae granulosis virus combined with 5% Bt. A chemical insecticide based on emamectin benzoate and acetamiprid was used as positive control while non-treated maize plots were considered as untreated control. The two most abundant parasitoids in Wa were Coccygidium luteum and Chelonus bifoveolatus, while in Nyankpala they were C. luteum and Meteorus sp. Total larval parasitism rates on-station were 18.7% and 17.6% in Wa and Nyankpala, respectively, and 8.8% in Wa on-farm. Parasitoid species diversity and evenness indexes did not vary among treatments, but parasitism rates were significantly lower with the chemical on-station in Wa and with the virus and Bt product in Nyankpala. Untreated maize plots showed the highest larval density and plant damage, the highest cob damage, and generated the lowest yields. The other treatments showed hardly any difference in cob damage and yields, suggesting that biopesticides should be preferred over chemical pesticides for S. frugiperda control.

Daily activity patterns and body temperature of the Oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen), in natural habitat.

Current pest management techniques would benefit from understanding the behavioural rhythms of the target pest and its body temperature, a critical aspect not well studied and potentially limiting the effectiveness of biopesticides under natural conditions. This study aims 1) to understand under natural conditions the behavioural patterns of different stages of hoppers and adults of Locusta migratoria manilensis and 2) to identify the environmental factors modulating their body temperature through field observation. We carried out an intensive field sampling in two of the main locust breeding regions in China, recording the body temperature (day and night), morphological traits (stage, sex and size) and microhabitat of 953 individuals. The results revealed that locusts preferred the ground as their main activity subhabitat, particularly for hoppers. Adults tended to move upper in the reed canopy at two peaks (10-11h and 14-15h). Locusts body temperature during daytime increased with development stage and size, while the opposite pattern occurred during night time. Entompathogenic fungi are more effective if the body temperature of the target pest is in a proper range without too high or too low. Application of biopesticides should focus on younger locusts spraying in the morning or at dusk as the locusts have lower body temperatures.

The Effect of Propagation Substrate on Pythium Root Rot Severity and the Efficacy of Biopesticides

Modern greenhouse crop production utilizes soilless substrates that range from inorganic substrates (Oasis foam and rockwool) to blends of organic substrates (sphagnum peat moss, coconut fiber, bark mulch, wood chips, and wood products). Additionally, greenhouse growers utilize beneficial microorganisms in the form of commercial biopesticides to reduce disease. Few research studies have examined the effect of propagation substrate on the efficacy of commercial biopesticides under greenhouse production conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of propagation substrates on commercially available microbial biopesticides (Rootshield WP, Cease, and Regalia) applied during propagation and at transplant for management of Pythium root rot. In this study, cucumber and calibrachoa were used as model crops. Over both cropping systems, plants propagated in Oasis foam had lower root rot compared with plants propagated in coconut coir. Across all biopesticide treatments, cucumber plants propagated in Oasis foam had 52% less root rot compared with plants propagated in coconut coir. In both infested and noninfested calibrachoa plants, plants propagated in Oasis foam had 45 to 67% less disease, and plants propagated in peat had 25 to 40% less disease compared with plants propagated in coconut coir. There was no effect of biopesticide on Pythium root rot severity, except for a reduction seen in calibrachoa plants propagated in coconut coir and treated with Rootshield WP. This research suggests that propagation substrate is important for root disease management.

A critical study on field efficacy of insecticides and biopesticides against major insect pests in Okra

Monitoring insect activity through routine surveys is one of the pathologist&#39;s key goals. Since the pest management system cannot function without precise estimates of pests and natural enemies or without accurate assessments of plant damage and its impact on yield, the knowledge about insect activity acquired through these surveys is essential. Insect resistance, insect resurgence, toxicity, and environmental pollution are only a few of the issues that have been brought on by the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides without consideration for the financial harm to the crops. In order to determine whether to implement control measures, it is important to regularly check on the number of pests and their state in the crop. Laboratory tests were performed to assess the effectiveness of various botanicals and to determine the development threshold and duration against okra pest insects. Field studies were conducted to examine the succession of pests, seasonal incidence of various insect pests in relation to weather variables, spatial distribution, sequential sampling, and the effectiveness of various insecticides and biopesticides against the most significant insect pests of okra.

Evaluation of the Effect of Various Biopesticides on the useful Arachno Entomofauna of the Apple Orchard in the Southeast of Kazakhstan

Currently, Kazakhstan is actively researching the greening of the protection of apple orchards from lepidopteran pests. In this regard, biological preparations of various origins were tested. The aim was to study their impact on useful non-target arachno entomofauna (entomophagous insects and pollinators). During the research, both classical methods used in entomology and plant protection, and original modifications were used. In the south-east of Kazakhstan, in the agrobiocenosis of an apple orchard, an assessment of the effects of biological preparations was carried out: Phytoverm ® K.E. (aversectin C, a natural mixture of four avermectins B1a, A1a, A2a, B2a, produced by Streptomyces avermitilis microorganisms), Greene Gold, 0.3% by weight (admiration), Entolek Planteco K ® (Akanthomyces lecanii), and Lepidocide ® S.K. (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) on entomophagous insects of harmful lepidoptera and pollinators. The greatest decrease in the number of indicator species was observed in the variants with azadirachtin and avermectin. It is concluded that when these bioinsecticides are used together with entomophagous insects and pollinators, it is necessary to draw up and apply special step-by-step schemes with a time interval between the treatment with a biological product and the release of entomophagous insects or pollinators in summer. It is also desirable to study these drugs in more detail in terms of their prolonged action, not only on entomophagous insects and pollinators but also on soil-forming agents, in the conditions of Kazakhstan. Biological preparations based on Bacillus thuringiensis and Akanthomyces lecanii had almost no negative effect on the number of entomophagous insects and pollinators. When choosing biologics for use against harmful lepidoptera in apple orchards in the south-east of Kazakhstan, it is advisable to focus on these bioinsecticides as having a more sparing effect for non-target arachno entomofauna.

Effects of biopesticides extracted with a homemade solvent on stored maize protection

Abstract Synthetic chemicals continue to play an important role in reducing storage losses attributable to insect pest activities. However, the adverse effects associated with some patented chemicals make synthetic pesticides less attractive and have given the drive to search for alternative methods of pest control. This study evaluated the effects of a traditional gin, akpeteshie crude extracts made of four timber species, neem (Azadirachta indica), mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), teak (Tectona grandis) and cedrela (Cedrela odorata) on the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais on stored maize grains in the laboratory. Home-made extracts of the test tree plants at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2% were tested as grain protectants or as insect poisons. All tested extracts in their respective concentrations performed well in the reduction of live insects during maize storage as compared to a non-extract treatment. The mode of action of all the extracts was generally concentration and time-dependent. On average neem extract was the most effective followed by mahogany, teak, and cedrela in that order. Neem and mahogany extracts performed well in reducing grain damage at a concentration of 2% and at 0.5% concentration of cedrela extract respectively. All extracts reduced progeny emergence and acted both as a repellent or a toxicant. The extracts performed better as compared to the untreated control in the viability of maize seeds leading to germination, and subsequent seedling emergence. The relatively low weight loss of the stored grains treated with these crude extracts during the 90-day experimental period at a maximum concentration of 2% is predictive that they can be adopted as safe and alternative grain protectants against weevils in store. The unknown phytochemicals in these akpeteshie hardwood extracts may be responsible for the insecticidal properties against the weevils. For some concentrations of the extracts, germination was inconsistent which led to the suspicion of allelopathy.

Toxic effects of botanical biopesticides on specios of the order Hymenoptera

Toxic effects of botanical biopesticides on specios of the order Hymenoptera

Efficacy of Biopesticide Formula Containing Streptomyces sp. and Trichoderma sp. against Southern Green Stink Bug (Nezara viridula) on Soybean (Glycine max L.)

Streptomyces sp. and Trichoderma sp. are soil microorganisms isolated from shallot fields that can act as biological agents and increase crop production. Nezara viridula, the southern green stink bug, is the leading pest of soybean during the generative period, which can cause damage up to 80%. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a liquid biopesticide formula using a mixture of coconut water and potato extract containing Streptomyces sp. and Trichoderma sp. This study used a randomized block design. The first factor was the time of application and the second factor was the concentration level. There were 8 treatment combinations and 2 controls. Each treatment combination was repeated three times. Probit LC50 and LT50 were performed to determine the effectiveness of biopesticides. The calculation of probit analysis obtained results of 84,443 ppm or about 84% for LC50, while the LT50 analysis obtained results of 4.7 days.

The Potential and Green Chemistry Attributes of Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture

Chemotherapy has advanced modern agriculture with costly side effects such as the extinction of beneficial species, resistant pest resurgence, environmental pollution, tainted food consumption, and health implications. Attention is now focused on biopesticides as a solution to the abovementioned disadvantages. Additionally, there is a growing need to understand the range and relative effectiveness of biopesticides in controlling pests and promoting sustainable agriculture. The latter is the major driver of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In comparison to synthetic pesticides, biopesticides offer nearly similar protection against the most notorious pests, except Albugo candida (oomycetes), Ustilago maydis (fungi), Phytomonas spp. (protozoa), Nacobbus aberrans (nematode), and Cyperus rotundus (weed). This study shows that viruses are more vulnerable to essential oils, nematodes and weeds to natural enemies, herbivorous insects to biochemical insecticides, and plant pathogens to plant-incorporated protectants and microbial pesticides. This work also demonstrates that it is preferable to use plant-derived biopesticides in a field concurrently. Incorporating these findings into large-scale farming via the integrated pest management method would improve the outcome of sustainable agriculture (SA), which connects 11 of the 17 SDGs. Despite their proven efficacy and sustainable attributes, biopesticides have some deficiencies, such as slow action and a short shelf life span, which can be improved by omics, RNA interference, and nano-based technologies. This field of technologies provides relevant prospects for improving existing biopesticides and discovering and developing new bio-controlling agents (BCA).

Evaluation and economic analysis of ecofriendly biological approaches for the management of shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella F.) of okra

During the years 2020 and 2021, the effects of various biopesticides and the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis on the okra shoot and fruit borer were investigated in open fields. All interventions outperformed over the untreated control. The entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis was the most promising biopesticide tested, with the lowest shoot (5.49% and 6.87% in 2020 and 2021, respectively) and fruit damage (4.95% and 5.65% in 2020 and 2021, respectively), followed by the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (7.08%, 8.04% shoot damage and 6.78% and 6.73% fruit damage during 2020 and 2021, respectively). Interestingly, all biopesticides evaluated were shown to be safe for the polyphagous predators occurring in the okra habitat, such as the ladybird beetles Menochilus sexmaculatus and Micraspis discolour and the spiders Marpissa spp. and Oxyopes lineatipes. However, emamectin benzoate 5% SG was the most effective treatment in terms of minimizing okra shoot and fruit damage, resulting in a maximum percent reduction over control (PROC) (85.54 and 80.90 against shoot damage and 76.60 and 71.33 against fruit damage during 2020 and 2021, respectively). Each treatment's economics were also analysed. The experimental plots treated with emamectin benzoate had the highest cost:benefit ratio (1:11.16), while B. thuringiensis had the highest (1:7.06) among the biopesticide / parasitoid releasing plots.

Effective control of Alphitobius diaperinus using natural bioinsecticides

Pest insects known as darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) are common in poultry farms. These pests can develop into a variety of disease vectors, causing damage to chicken coops, decreased chick performance, and financial losses to farmers. In Indonesia, synthetic insecticides are still used for pest control, which is detrimental to non-target creatures and the environment. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of biopesticides from cinnamon bark extract (Cinnamomum aromaticum), nutmeg seeds (Myristica fragrans), lavender flowers (Lavandula angustifolia), and lime peel (Citrus aurantifolia), as well as synthetic insecticides alpha-cypermethrin against A. diaperinus larvae and imago. Bioinsecticide levels are 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%, while alpha-cypermethrin levels are 1%, 4%, 7%, and 10%, respectively, based on LC50 values. The analysis was repeated three times and the treatment was carried out every two days for a total of 14 days. The data were analyzed with paired sample t-tests to determine the average difference in each treatment when there was an average difference and calculated N-Gain score to determine the effectiveness of biopesticides and synthetic insecticides. The average value of N-Gain essential oil from cinnamon bark extract was successful in causing A.diaperinus death in the imago stage (81.14) and the highest larvae (80) of other test solutions. Cinnamon bark extract and nutmeg seed extract are effective in imago (95.14) and larvae (78.91), respectively, and can be used as a natural biopesticide to replace synthetic insecticides in the control of A.diaperinus in imago and larvae stages. Keywords: Biological control, Biopesticides, Environmental management, Essential oils

A Review of the Microbial Biopesticides: Types and Applications

The aim of this study is to carry out a detailed review of the literature on microbial pesticides, types and applications. This is because the term microbial biopesticides is a broad array from micro-organisms and other natural sources, and processes involving the genetic incorporation of DNA into agricultural commodities that confer protection against pest damage (plant-incorporated protectants). Some microbial pesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, have a long history of safe and effective use as a biological insecticide. More recent developments in microbial pest control include the utilization of other bacterial and fungal species that may competitively inhibit the growth of pathogenic and toxigenic micro-organisms on important agricultural commodities. The study adopts an extensive review of literature such as conference papers, journal articles, internet sources, books to find out the effects of microbial biopesticides, types and applications as reported by past authors with the help of standard literature procedures in their research work. These secondary sources of information were reviewed to understand the microbial biopesticides, types and applications. Authors in this study found that the use of microbes and their gene products introduces additional considerations to the toxicological dose-response relationship, including a need to determine the plausibility of infectious and immunological effects in association with human exposure to these biopesticides in food or the environment. Studies of substantial equivalence suggest that foods currently derived from plant-incorporated protestants are not likely to differ from conventional foods. However, there is general consensus that the scientific methods to assess risks from genetically modified foods and micro-organisms will continue to evolve in the future. Keywords: Microbial Biopesticides: Types: Applications: Pest Control

Effects of Biopesticides and Undersown Cover Crops on Soil Properties in the Organic Farming System

The inclusion of undersown cover crops in crop rotations and the use of biopesticides are essential for the long-term sustainability of the agroecosystem in organic farming. We hypothesized that biopesticides and undersown cover crops (crimson (incarnate) clover (Trifolium incarnatum Broth.), hairy (winter) vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and winter rye (Secale cereale L.)) are likely to have a positive impact on soil agrophysical and biological properties. Soil shear strength, soil aggregate–size distribution, plant root dry biomass and number and biomass of earthworms were determined at the end of the plant growing season. We concluded that the application of biopesticides and growing of undersown cover crops decreased soil shear strength and increased the percentage of macro-aggregates (0.25–10 mm) in the plough layer. In the plots with cover crops, plant root biomass was found to be significantly higher by a factor of 1.9 to 3.5, compared to the plots without cover crops. The application of biopesticides and undersown cover crops did not significantly affect the number and biomass of earthworms in the soil. The abundance of earthworms was more influenced by meteorological conditions.

Biopesticides and insect pollinators: Detrimental effects, outdated guidelines, and future directions.

As synthetic pesticides play a major role in pollinator decline worldwide, biopesticides have been gaining increased attention to develop more sustainable methods for pest management in agriculture. These biocontrol agents are usually considered as safe for non-target species, such as pollinators. Unfortunately, when it comes to non-target insects, only the acute or chronic effects on survival following exposure to biopesticides are tested. Although international boards have highlighted the need to include also behavioral and morphophysiological traits when assessing risks of plant protection products on pollinators, no substantial concerns have been raised about the risks associated with sublethal exposure to these substances. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the studies investigating the potential adverse effects of biopesticides on different taxa of pollinators (bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and wasps). We highlight the fragmentary knowledge on this topic and the lack of a systematic investigation of these negative effects of biopesticides on insect pollinators. We show that all the major classes of biopesticides, besides their direct toxicity, can also cause a plethora of more subtle detrimental effects in both solitary and social species of pollinators. Although research in this field is growing, the current risk assesment approach does not suffice to properly assess all the potential side-effects that these agents of control may have on pollinating insects. Given the urgent need for a sustainable agriculture and wildlife protection, it appears compelling that these so far neglected detrimental effects should be thoroughly assessed before allegedly safe biopesticides can be used in the field and, in this view, we provide a perspective for future directions.