TITLE:
Biopesticides and Their Role in Sustainable Agricultural Production
AUTHORS:
Geraldin M. W. Lengai, James W. Muthomi
KEYWORDS:
Biopesticides, Conservation Agriculture, Integrated Pest Management, Environmental Safety
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.6 No.6,
June
7,
2018
ABSTRACT: Biopesticides
are derivatives of plants, microorganisms and insects. Substances from plants
and animals have been used to manage diseases in crops, animals and humans.
Reliance on nature to heal nature is a practise for many people around the
world. Use of natural products was overtaken by synthetic chemicals due to
their efficacy, reliability and quick knock down effect. However, synthetic
pesticides have become a health hazards for humans and
environment due to their toxicity and pollution. Biopesticides are potential
alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Sources of biopesticides
are readily available, easily biodegradable, exhibit various modes of action,
are less expensive and have low toxicity to humans and non-target organisms.
Neem, pyrethrum, cotton and tobacco are known sources of botanical pesticides
and have already been commercialized. Other sources of botanical pesticides
include garlic, euphorbia, citrus, pepper among others. Species of Trichoderma, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Beauveria have been commercialized as
microbial pesticides. Biopesticides are however faced with challenges of
formulation, registration, commercialization, acceptance and adoption. This
paper describes several aspects of biopesticide development, including but not limited to, their sources,
production, formulation, commercialization, efficacy and role in sustainable
agriculture.