Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review of Their Role in Integrated Pest Management

Abstract

Biopesticides include living organisms or products derived from natural sources, like genes and metabolites or natural-identical synthetic sources, that can be used to control pests. They are valuable pest management tools in sustainable agriculture. They protect crops from a wide range of pests and diseases while exhibiting specificity against target organisms and with minimal environmental impact. Incorporation of biopesticides into integrated pest management (IPM) programs provides a more holistic approach for growers to maximize crop yields, reduce overreliance on chemical pesticides, safeguard agroecosystems, and enhance crop yield and quality. This review explores the different classes of biopesticides (including biochemical, microbial, and plant-incorporated protectants), their modes of action, and their potential to enhance IPM strategies. The prospects of integrating emerging biopesticide technologies, such as nano-biopesticides and RNA-based biopesticides, into the existing IPM programs are also discussed.