Biopolymer-Based Nanopesticides for Pesticide Degradations

Pests and insects are a pertinent challenge affecting the sustainability of modern agriculture and, as a result, threatening global food security. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that up to 40% of global crop production is lost to pests and diseases, where plant diseases cost the economy $220 billion while invasive insects lead to a loss of $70 billion. Therefore, identifying strategies to address pests and insects is integral to enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture. Diverse strategies ranging from synthetic pesticides to biological pest control techniques are often used to control pests and insects in modern agriculture. However, the focus of this chapter was to explore the use of nanotechnology in aiding the manufacture of biopesticides. Based on the conducted review, it emerged that nanotechnology aided the manufacture of pesticides through liquid- and solid-state fermentation techniques. The insights also showed that using nanotechnology was beneficial in manufacture of biopesticides due to the targeted release of biochemicals, reduced harm on the environment and the optimal use of agrochemicals depending on the environmental conditions and crop requirements. In the future, it is expected that nanotechnology will be utilized as a viable option for replacing synthetic agrochemicals. Future directions also emphasize on improving safety associated with nanopesticides and reducing the complexity of production processes. The chapter further recommends researchers to establish an understanding of the degradation mechanisms of biopolymers in order to improve the design of more precise, predictable release profiles. Additionally, creating awareness of the use of nanotechnology to improve its application is also advocated.