Biopesticide

A biopesticide is a biological substance or microorganism that is used to control pests. Invertebrates and macroorganisms used to control pests are usually categorised as biological pest control agents.

Biopesticides are traditionally obtained through bioprospecting from organisms including plants, microorganisms, etc. ^{[1] [ page needed ] [2]} They are components of integrated pest management programmes, and are used as substitutes for synthetic pesticides. ^[3]

Definitions

• the EU defines biopesticides as "a form of pesticide based on micro-organisms or natural products". ^[4]
• the US EPA states that they "include naturally occurring substances that control pests (biochemical pesticides), microorganisms that control pests (microbial pesticides), and pesticidal substances produced by plants containing added genetic material (plant-incorporated protectants) or PIPs". ^[5]
• invertebrates (parasitoids, nematodes, predatory mites, and other beneficials) and other macroorganisms) are registered by the authorities in the US ^[6] and Europe as biological control agents very differently to biopesticides. ^[7] In the scientific literature, however, they are sometimes referred to as biopesticides. Similarly microorganisms may also be described as biological control agents. ^[8]

Market

Global sales of biopesticides in 2024 were nearly $9.0 billion, compared to $78 billion for synthetic pesticides. ^[9] The biopesticide market has a >10% growth rate and will equal that of synthetic pesticides in 2040 if that rate were to continue. ^[9] Most use is in vegetable and covered crop, but Brazil, a country with a huge growth due to government support, has large use in field crops. ^[9] In contrast to manufacturers of synthetic pesticides, there are many (>300) manufacturers of biopesticides worldwide. ^[9] The largest segment is bioinsecticides, followed by biofungicides, and bioherbicides with only 1% of the biopesticide market. ^[10] Van Lenteren supplied a list of organisms used for biocontrol. ^[11]

Types

Biopesticides are biodegradable and renewable. Organic farming systems adopts some of these methods (microbial and bio-derived chemicals) and disallows others (GM-crops and RNAi) . ^[12]

Biopesticides can be classified thusly:

• Microbial pesticides consist of bacteria, entomopathogenic fungi or viruses (and sometimes includes the metabolites that bacteria or fungi produce). ^{[13] [14] [15] [ page needed ]}
• Bio-derived chemicals. Pesticidal chemicals or mixtures containing them obtained from plants and microorganisms. In commercial use are pyrethrum, rotenone, azadirachtin, neem oil, and various essential oils which are naturally occurring substances that control (or monitor in the case of pheromones) pests and microbial disease. ^{[16] [12]}
• Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) incorporate genetic material from other species (i.e. GM crops). They are banned in most European countries. ^[17]
• RNAi pesticides, some of which are topical and some of which are absorbed by the crop.

RNA interference

RNA interference (RNAi) uses segments of RNA to fatally silence crucial insect genes. ^[18] In 2024 two uses of RNAi have been registered by the authorities for use: Genetic modification of a crop to introduce a gene coding for an RNAi fragment and spraying double stranded RNA fragments onto a field. ^[19] Monsanto introduced the trait DvSnf7 which expresses a double-stranded RNA transcript containing a 240 bp fragment of the WCR Snf7 gene of the Western Corn Rootworm. ^[20] GreenLight Biosciences introduced Ledprona, a formulation of double stranded RNA as a spray for potato fields. It targets the essential gene for proteasome subunit beta type-5 (PSMB5) in the Colorado potato beetle. ^[19] Other applications against insects, mites, fungi, viruses, and plants are still in the research and development phase. ^[21]

Mycopesticide

Mycopesticides include fungi and fungi cell components. Propagules such as conidia, blastospores, chlamydospores, oospores, and zygospores have been evaluated, along with hydrolytic enzyme mixtures. The role of hydrolytic enzymes especially chitinases in the killing process, and the possible use of chitin synthesis inhibitors are the prime research areas. ^[22]

Examples

Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium capable of causing disease of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera. The toxin from B. thuringiensis (Bt toxin) has been incorporated directly into plants via genetic engineering. Bt toxin manufacturers claim it has little effect on other organisms, and is more environmentally friendly than synthetic pesticides.

Other microbial control agents include products based on:

• entomopathogenic fungi (e.g. Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea, Lecanicillium, Metarhizium, and Steinernema carpocapsae spp.)
• plant disease control agents: include Trichoderma spp. and Ampelomyces quisqualis (a hyperparasite of grape powdery mildew); Bacillus subtilis is also used to control plant pathogens. ^[13]
• beneficial nematodes attacking insects (e.g. Steinernema feltiae) or slugs (e.g. Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita )
• entomopathogenic viruses (e.g.. Cydia pomonella granulovirus).
• weeds and rodents have been controlled with microbial agents.

Various animal, fungal, and plant organisms and extracts have been used as biopesticides. Products in this category include:

• Insect pheromones and other semiochemicals
• Fermentation products such as Spinosad (a macrocyclic lactone)
• Chitosan: a plant in the presence of this product naturally induces systemic resistance (ISR) to allow the plant to defend itself against disease, pathogens and pests. ^[23]
• Biopesticides may include natural plant-derived products, which include alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics and other secondary chemicals. Vegetable oils such as canola oil have pesticidal properties ^{[24] [ citation needed ]}. Products based on plant extracts such as garlic have now been registered in the EU and elsewhere ^{[25] [ citation needed ]}.

Applications

Microbial agents, effective control requires appropriate formulation ^[26] and application. ^{[27] [28]}

Biopesticides have established themselves on a variety of crops for use against crop disease. For example, biopesticides help control downy mildew diseases. Their benefits include: a 0-day pre-harvest interval (see: maximum residue limit), success under moderate to severe disease pressure, and the ability to use as a tank mix or in a rotational program with other fungicides. Because some market studies estimate that as much as 20% of global fungicide sales are directed at downy mildew diseases, the integration of biofungicides into grape production has substantial benefits by extending the useful life of other fungicides, especially those in the reduced-risk category.^{[ citation needed ]}

A major growth area for biopesticides is in the area of seed treatments and soil amendments. Fungicidal and biofungicidal seed treatments are used to control soil-borne fungal pathogens that cause seed rot, damping-off, root rot and seedling blights. They can also be used to control internal seed-borne fungal pathogens as well as fungal pathogens on the seed surface. Many biofungicidal products show capacities to stimulate plant host defense and other physiological processes that can make treated crops more resistant to stresses.^{[ citation needed ]}

Disadvantages

• High specificity: which may require an exact identification of the pest/pathogen and the use of multiple products used; although this can also be an advantage in that the biopesticide is less likely to harm non-target species
• Slow action speed (thus making them unsuitable if a pest outbreak is an immediate threat)
• Variable efficacy due to the influences of various factors (since some biopesticides are living organisms, which bring about pest/pathogen control by multiplying within or nearby the target pest/pathogen)
• Living organisms evolve and increase their tolerance to control. If the target population is not exterminated or rendered incapable of reproduction, the surviving population can acquire tolerance of whatever pressures are brought to bear, resulting in an evolutionary arms race.
• Unintended consequences: Studies have found broad spectrum biopesticides have lethal and nonlethal risks for non-target native pollinators such as Melipona quadrifasciata in Brazil. ^[29]

Market research

The market for agricultural biologicals was forecast to reach $19.5 billion by 2031. ^[30]

See also

• Antagonism (phytopathology)
• Bioherbicide
• Biological pest control
• Cembratrienol
• Integrated Pest Management
• LUBILOSA
• Pest resistance management plans
• Plant defense against herbivory
• Use as a population control agent

References

1. Copping, Leonard G. (2009). The Manual of Biocontrol Agents: A World Compendium. BCPC. ISBN   978-1-901396-17-1.
2. "Regulating Biopesticides". Pesticides. Environmental Protection Agency of the USA. 2 November 2011. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
3. M. Kaushal and R. Prasad, ed. (2021). Microbial Biotechnology in Crop Protection. Singapore: Springer Nature. ISBN   978-981-16-0048-7.
4. "Encouraging innovation in biopesticide development" (PDF) (News alert). European Commission DG ENV. 18 December 2008. Issue 134. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
5. "Biopesticides". United States Environmental Protection Agency. October 23, 2025. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
6. "Biological Control Organism Permits". Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. July 30, 2025. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
7. Castella, Christina; Orsat, Clemence; Macdargent, Marina (2022). "Study on the Union's situation and options regarding invertebrate biological control agents for the use in Plant Health and Plant Protection". Publications Office of the European Union. European Commission, Directorate General for Health and Food Safety. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
8. Stenberg, Johan A.; Sundh, Ingvar; Becher, Paul G.; Björkman, Christer (13 March 2021). "When is it biological control? A framework of definitions, mechanisms, and classifications". Journal of Pest Science. 94: 665–676.
9. Marrone, Pamela G. (23 October 2025). "Increasing the use of biological pesticides in integrated pest management programs". Frontiers in Insect Science. 5 1552361.
10. Marrone, Pamela G. (10 February 2023). "Status of the biopesticide market and prospects for new bioherbicides". Pest Management Science. 80 (1): 81–86.
11. van Lenteren, J.C.; Bolckmans, K.; Köhl, J. (18 March 2017). "Biological control using invertebrates and microorganisms: plenty of new opportunities". BioControl. 63: 39–59.
12. Pal GK, Kumar B. "Antifungal activity of some common weed extracts against wilt causing fungi, Fusarium oxysporum" (PDF). Current Discovery. 2 (1): 62–67. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 December 2013.
13. Coombs, Amy (1 June 2013). "Fighting Microbes with Microbes" . The Scientist. Archived from the original on 2013-01-07. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
14. Malherbe, Stephanus (21 January 2017). "Listing 17 microbes and their effects on soil, plant health and biopesticide functions". Explogrow. London. Archived from the original on 2016-02-19. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
15. Francis Borgio J, Sahayaraj K and Alper Susurluk I (eds) . Microbial Insecticides: Principles and Applications, Nova Publishers, USA. 492pp. ISBN   978-1-61209-223-2
16. Isman, Murray B. (2020). "Botanical Insecticides in the Twenty-First Century—Fulfilling Their Promise?" . Annual Review of Entomology. 65: 233–249. doi:10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025010. PMID   31594414.
17. National Pesticide Information Center. Last updated November 21, 2013 Plant Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) / Genetically Modified Plants
18. Zhu, Kun Yan; Palli, Subba Reddy (2020-01-07). "Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges of Insect RNA Interference". Annual Review of Entomology . 65 (1). Annual Reviews: 293–311. doi:10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025224. ISSN   0066-4170. PMC   9939233 . PMID   31610134. S2CID   204702574.
19. Vélez, Ana M.; Narva, Ken; Darlington, Molly; Mishra, Swati; Hellmann, Christoph; Rodrigues, Thais B.; Duman-Scheel, Molly; Palli, Subba Reddy; Jurat-Fuentes, Juan Luis (2023). "Chapter One - Insecticidal proteins and RNAi in the control of insects". In Jurat-Fuentes, Juan Luis (ed.). Advances in Insect Physiology. Vol. 65. Academic Press. pp. 1–54. doi:10.1016/bs.aiip.2023.09.007. ISBN   9780323954662.
20. "International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)". International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
21. Germing, Kirsten; Navarrete, Cecilia Andrea Díaz; Schiermeyer, Andreas (25 January 2025). "Crop protection by RNA interference: a review of recent approaches, current state of developments and use as of 2013". Environmental Sciences Europe. 37 (15): 1–17.
22. Deshpande, M. V. (1999-01-01). "Mycopesticide Production by Fermentation: Potential and Challenges" . Critical Reviews in Microbiology. 25 (3): 229–243. doi:10.1080/10408419991299220. ISSN   1040-841X. PMID   10524330.
23. Benhamou, N.; Lafontaine, P. J.; Nicole, M. (December 2012). "Induction of Systemic Resistance to Fusarium Crown and Root Rot in Tomato Plants by Seed Treatment with Chitosan" (PDF). Phytopathology. 84 (12). American Phytopathological Society: 1432–44. doi:10.1094/Phyto-84-1432. ISSN   0031-949X. OCLC   796025684 . Retrieved February 8, 2014.
24. "Canola Oil insectide" (PDF). 18 Nov 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
25. "EU Pesticides database - European Commission". ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
26. Burges, H.D. (ed.) 1998 Formulation of Microbial Biopesticides, beneficial microorganisms, nematodes and seed treatments Publ. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, 412 pp.
27. Matthews GA, Bateman RP, Miller PCH (2014) Pesticide Application Methods (4th Edition), Chapter 16. Wiley, UK.
28. L Lacey & H Kaya (eds.) (2007) Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology 2nd edition. Kluwer Academic, Dordrecht, NL.
29. Tomé, Hudson Vaner V.; Barbosa, Wagner F.; Martins, Gustavo F.; Guedes, Raul Narciso C. (2015-04-01). "Spinosad in the native stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata: Regrettable non-target toxicity of a bioinsecticide" . Chemosphere. 124: 103–109. Bibcode:2015Chmsp.124..103T. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.11.038. PMID   25496737.
30. Dent, Dr. Michael (2020). Biostimulants and Biopesticides 2021-2031: Technologies, Markets and Forecasts. IDTechEx. ISBN   9781913899066.

External links

• Bioinsecticides Market (Acquire Market Research)
• Registered Biopesticides 04/29/02 United States Environmental Protection Agency. Updated 29 March 2002. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
• International Biocontrol Manufacturers' Association (IBMA)