Biopesticides as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides: A case for microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides

Abstract

Over the years, synthetic pesticides like herbicides, algicides, miticides, bactericides, fumigants, termiticides, repellents, insecticides, molluscicides, nematicides, and pheromones have been used to improve crop yield. When pesticides are used, the over-application and excess discharge into water bodies during rainfall often lead to death of fish and other aquatic life. Even when the fishes still live, their consumption by humans may lead to the biomagnification of chemicals in the body system and can cause deadly diseases, such as cancer, kidney diseases, diabetes, liver dysfunction, eczema, neurological destruction, cardiovascular diseases, and so on. Equally, synthetic pesticides harm the soil texture, soil microbes, animals, and plants. The dangers associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have necessitated the need for alternative use of organic pesticides (biopesticides), which are cheaper, environment friendly, and sustainable. Biopesticides can be sourced from microbes (e.g., metabolites), plants (e.g., from their exudates, essential oil, and extracts from bark, root, and leaves), and nanoparticles of biological origin (e.g., silver and gold nanoparticles). Unlike synthetic pesticides, microbial pesticides are specific in action, can be easily sourced without the need for expensive chemicals, and are environmentally sustainable without residual effects. Phytopesticides have myriad of phytochemical compounds that make them exhibit various mechanisms of action, likewise, they are not associated with the release of greenhouse gases and are of lesser risks to human health compared to the available synthetic pesticides. Nanobiopesticides have higher pesticidal activity, targeted or controlled release with top-notch biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this review, we examined the different types of pesticides, the merits, and demerits of synthetic pesticides and biopesticides, but more importantly, we x-rayed appropriate and sustainable approaches to improve the acceptability and commercial usage of microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides for plant nutrition, crop protection/yield, animal/human health promotion, and their possible incorporation into the integrated pest management system.

Cyclotides: The next generation in biopesticide development for eco‐friendly agriculture

“…Additionally, they can be derived from natural sources that are both cost-effective and sustainable. 41,42 The annual growth rate of biopesticides surpasses 15% and is expected to achieve parity with the synthetic pesticide market in the next two decades. [30][31][32][43][44][45][46][47]…”

Biotechnological and Biocontrol Approaches for Mitigating Postharvest Diseases Caused by Fungal Pathogens and Their Mycotoxins in Fruits: A Review

“…They can be used to control or prevent the growth of pathogenic fungi in fruits. Because commercial interest is increasing, the formulation of biopesticides both in diversity and number is rapidly increasing . According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are currently 390 registered biopesticide active ingredients in the USA.…”

“…Because commercial interest is increasing, the formulation of biopesticides both in diversity and number is rapidly increasing. 75 According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are currently 390 registered biopesticide active ingredients in the USA. Biopesticides can be divided into three categories based on their active ingredients: microbial, biochemical, and plant incorporated protectants.…”

Ecofriendly Nanoemulsion to Promote the Wetting and Spreading of Droplet on Soybean Leaves for Regulating the Sheath Blight

“…The presence of pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani which causes soybean sheath blight often leads to secondary infections such as root rot, leaf blight, and various other diseases. This in turn, results in severe yield losses and food safety concerns. − In many cases, chemical fungicides are applied to control these diseases. − However, the extensive use of conventional synthetic pesticide formulations raises significant concerns related to health, environment, and the development of pesticide resistance. − Increasing food safety demands have led to the search for healthier and environmentally friendly alternatives. − …”