An Application of Biopesticides in Control of Pest and Crop Protection: An Eco-Friendly Management

Agriculture is significantly impacted by pests such as plant diseases, insects, nematodes, weeds, and other pests, causing reduced yields and quality. Biopesticides, derived from live organisms and their metabolites, offer a sustainable alternative to harmful chemical pesticides, which pose serious environmental and health risks. Biopesticides include fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and entomopathogenic viruses. The secondary metabolites of plants are becoming more important nowadays. It substitutes conventional pesticides, which are the backbone of many pest control programs. Biopesticides are effective, less toxic, biodegradable, and host specific, enabling them safer for humans, animals, and environment. Despite their potential, a global usage growth rate of 10% per annum, biopesticides currently represent about 2.8% of India’s pesticide market. Greater awarness and adoption are also needed, supported through research into formultion,delivery and commercialization. With rising global concerns about environmental safety and health, promoting biopesticides is crucial. This chapter includes the significance of biopesticides, types of biopesticides, and future prospects, emphasizing the need for education and policy support to enhance their integration into sustainable agriculture practices which are essential for promoting their widespread adoption and addressing global concerns about environmental safety.