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Biopesticides: a Green Approach Towards Agricultural Pests

Authors:
Helseena e H at Mahatma Gandhi University
Helseena e H
Meenu Thampi at Mahatma Gandhi University
Meenu Thampi
Sharrel Rebello at Mahatma Gandhi University
Sharrel Rebello
Jisha Manakulam Sheikhmoideen
Jisha Manakulam Sheikhmoideen
Jisha Manakulam Sheikhmoideen
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Abstract and Figures

Biopesticides are biological products or organisms which are potential candidates for eco-friendly pest management and crop protection over the chemical pesticides. The so-called biopesticides include viruses, bacteria, fungi, predators, parasites, and pheromones exhibiting a variety of modes of actions. They are less toxic, rapidly degradable, and more targeted to specific pests. However, it is noted that the formulation of biopesticides plays a crucial link between production and application, and the former dictates economy, longer shelf life, ease of application, and enhanced field efficacy. Moreover, there is an urgent need for organic farmers to gain more proficiency in using biopesticides. Even though biopesticides have more advantages, the main challenge is the marketing of biopesticides. Advances in biopesticide research and development significantly reduce the environmental damage caused by the residues of synthetic insecticides and support sustainable agriculture. Numerous products have been developed since the introduction of biopesticides, some of which have taken the lead in the agro-market after being registered and released. The types of biopesticides; their mode of action; formulation strategies; recent advancements of biopesticides focusing mainly on improvement of its action spectra, to thereby replace chemical pesticides; and finally, the future aspects of biopesticides have been discussed in this review.
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Vol.:(0123456789)
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology (2024) 196:5533–5562
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-023-04765-7
1 3
REVIEW ARTICLE
Biopesticides: aGreen Approach Towards Agricultural Pests
HelseenaEllickelHezakiel1· MeenuThampi2· SharrelRebello1·
JishaManakulamSheikhmoideen1,2,3
Published online: 23 November 2023
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023
Abstract
Biopesticides are biological products or organisms which are potential candidates for eco-friendly
pest management and crop protection over the chemical pesticides. The so-called biopesticides
include viruses, bacteria, fungi, predators, parasites, and pheromones exhibiting a variety of
modes of actions. They are less toxic, rapidly degradable, and more targeted to specific pests.
However, it is noted that the formulation of biopesticides plays a crucial link between production
and application, and the former dictates economy, longer shelf life, ease of application, and
enhanced field efficacy. Moreover, there is an urgent need for organic farmers to gain more
proficiency in using biopesticides. Even though biopesticides have more advantages, the main
challenge is the marketing of biopesticides. Advances in biopesticide research and development
significantly reduce the environmental damage caused by the residues of synthetic insecticides and
support sustainable agriculture. Numerous products have been developed since the introduction
of biopesticides, some of which have taken the lead in the agro-market after being registered
and released. The types of biopesticides; their mode of action; formulation strategies; recent
advancements of biopesticides focusing mainly on improvement of its action spectra, to thereby
replace chemical pesticides; and finally, the future aspects of biopesticides have been discussed in
this review.
Keywords Biopesticides· Microbial formulations· Types of biopesticides· Organic
farming
Introduction
The world’s fast-growing population, coupled with limited agricultural land, is driving
farmers and industries to create sustainable and productive techniques for feeding an
estimated 9 billion people by 2050 [1]. Farmers have increased crop production on the
restricted amount of arable land through technological advancements, agricultural
practices, and pest management. The inadvisable use of chemical inputs in agriculture
* Jisha Manakulam Sheikhmoideen
jishams@mgu.ac.in
1 National Institute ofPlant Science Technology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India
2 School ofBiosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India
3 School ofFood Science andTechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.
... In countries like the United States, the biopesticide market has grown significantly, driven by the expansion of organic farming and the recognition of biopesticides as a critical component of IPM strategies. Notably, the global biopesticide market, valued at $5.5 billion in 2022, is projected to exceed $11 billion by 2027, reflecting the rapid pace of innovation and adoption in this field (Hezakiel et al., 2024). Despite their promise, biopesticides face challenges that hinder their widespread adoption. ...
Biopesticides: Microbial Innovations for Pest Control
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Biopesticides are biological agents derived from natural sources, including microbial pathogens (fungi, bacteria and viruses) and nematodes, that play a pivotal role in sustainable pest management. These eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides are less toxic, breakdown faster and are more targeted, making them an efficient solution for decreasing environmental damage and promoting the agricultural bioeconomy. Biopesticides are essential for integrated pest management programs because of their host-specific action and compatibility with other control strategies. The formulation of biopesticides is crucial to their efficacy, since it influences shelf life, simplicity of use and field performance. Recent advances in biopesticide research have centred on broadening their action spectrum, overcoming environmental constraints and improving delivery systems. While biopesticides are well recognised for their environmental benefits and long-term pest management, difficulties persist, including low farmer awareness, sluggish action and commercial limitations. Efforts to solve these issues are critical to expanding acceptance and replacing synthetic pesticides with safer biological alternatives. The biopesticide market has grown significantly as a result of the development of several products, many of which have been commercially successful. These products exhibit a variety of modes of action, including infection, competition and disruption of pest physiology. This chapter highlights the potential of biopesticides as a transformative tool in global pest management, discussing their types, formulations, application technologies and mechanisms of action. With continued innovation, biopesticides hold the promise of achieving sustainable agriculture by ensuring environmental preservation and reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, thereby aligning with the principles of ecological balance and food safety.
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... Creative approaches to pest management are required as agriculture diversifies to satisfy shifting consumer needs and adjust to climate change. In this sense, seaweed biopesticides present a special opportunity (Helseena et al. 2023). A number of variables, including the type of seaweed utilized, the cultivation and extraction procedures, and the formulation methods, might affect the cost of making seaweed biopesticides. ...
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The exploitation of marine biomass, particularly seaweeds, presents significant opportunities for sustainable biopesticide production. Seaweeds, or macroalgae are diverse photosynthetic organisms found in marine environments, rich in bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, polyphenols, and sulphated polysaccharides. These compounds exhibit potent pesticide properties, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. The biopesticides derived from seaweeds are biodegradable, exhibit low toxicity to non-target organisms, and align with the principles of environmental sustainability. The growing demand for organic and sustainable agricultural products further underscores the economic potential of seaweed-based biopesticides. However, challenges such as scalability of production, extraction efficiency, and standardization of bioactivity must be addressed to realize this potential fully. Advances in biorefinery approaches, extraction technologies, and formulation techniques are critical to overcoming these challenges. Additionally, ongoing research into the synergistic effects of different seaweed compounds and the development of innovative delivery systems will enhance the efficacy and commercial viability of seaweed-derived biopesticides. This review highlights the promising role of seaweeds in biopesticide production, emphasizing the need for continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate these natural compounds into sustainable agricultural practices. Graphical Abstract
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... Based on the demand side of biopesticide, scholars are working to identify and remove the influencing factors that prevent farmers from adopting biopesticide. They have empirically analyzed how the following factors can be optimized to promote biopesticide adoption by farmers: Technical attributes, pesticide knowledge, ecological cognition, risk preferences, market factors, and government regulation, among others [14][15][16]. For example, Huang et al. [4] pointed out that biopesticides have disadvantages such as slow efficacy, few products, high prices, and a narrow control spectrum. ...
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Biofertilizers and Biopesticides: Sustainable Alternatives for Agriculture
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Soil Improvement and Water Conservation Biotechnology is a comprehensive guide addressing the urgent challenges of soil degradation and water scarcity in agriculture. This book explores innovative biotechnological strategies for enhancing soil health, conserving water, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It covers foundational topics like soil composition and water management in arid regions, focusing on Mexico's unique desert environments. Advanced chapters highlight cutting-edge solutions, including biofertilizers, biopesticides, microalgal applications, bioremediation, nanotechnology, and biological desalination. The book also introduces tools like luminescent biosensors for pesticide detection and ethical and social aspects of environmental biotechnology. Tailored for students, researchers, and professionals in agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental science, this book bridges theoretical insights with practical applications to offer sustainable solutions for global soil and water challenges. Key Features: - Biotechnological solutions for soil improvement and water conservation. - Practical case studies, tools, and methodologies for sustainable agriculture. - Ethical and social dimensions of environmental biotechnology.
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PGPR and nutrient consortia promoted cotton growth, antioxidant enzymes, and mineral uptake by suppressing sooty mold in arid climate
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Introduction Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, providing significant employment opportunities and supporting the country’s textile industry. However, cotton productivity is severely impacted by pests and diseases, such as black spots caused by sooty mold, posing critical challenges to sustainable agriculture. This study investigates a novel integration of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with recommended NPK fertilizers and micronutrients to enhance cotton growth, yield, disease resistance, and post-harvest soil properties. Methodology A consortium of Bacillus megaterium (ZR19), Paenibacillus polymyxa (IA7), and Bacillus sp. (IA16) were evaluated under six treatments: control (T1), PGPR (T2), recommended NPK (T3), recommended NPK + PGPR (T4), recommended NPK + micronutrients (T5), and recommended NPK + micronutrients + PGPR (T6). Results The results depicted a significant increase in antioxidant activities of 19% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), 29% peroxidase (POX), 28% peroxidase dismutase (POD), and 14% catalase (CAT) activity under T6 as compared to control. Similarly, growth parameters substantially improved root length (39%), shoot length (19%), and root and shoot biomass by up to 31 and 20%, respectively, under T6. Moreover, the yield attributes like single boll weight and lint percentage were also enhanced by 32 and 13%, respectively, under the integration. In contrast, the PGPR consortium demonstrated considerable biocontrol potential against sooty mold, as disease incidence was reduced by 68% in cotton, the disease index was 75%, and control efficacy reached 75%. The PGPR consortium also substantially improved post-harvest soil biological and chemical properties, including bacterial populations, microbial biomass nitrogen, organic matter, and essential nutrient availability. Discussion So, these findings witnessed the dual behavior of the Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains with balanced nutrition and can lead us to the development of an effective biopesticide cum biofertilizer for the sustainable production of cotton in arid conditions by combating sooty mold effectively.
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Recent Advances in Biopesticide Research and Development with a Focus on Microbials
Article
  • Mar 2025
Biopesticides are pest control products derived from natural sources such as microbes, macro-organisms (insects and pathogens), plant extracts, and certain minerals. Many biopesticides are considered environmentally safe and can complement or substitute conventional chemical pesticides. They can also be highly specific or broad spectrum with a unique mode of action controlling a wide range of pest species. Due to their target-specificity and low to no environmental residuality, biopesticides conform to the 3 pillars of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the Sustainable Development Goals, and, ultimately, the Paris Agreement. This review focuses largely on microbial biopesticides derived from fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. It discusses (i) the various microbial biopesticide formulations, (ii) the mode of microbial biopesticide action, (iii) the factors that affect the potential efficacy of biopesticides, (iv) challenges to the adoption of microbial biopesticides, and (v) the role of microbial biopesticides in Integrated Pest Management programs. Finally, advancements in application techniques, as well as future research directions and gaps, are highlighted.
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Optimizing surfactin yield in Bacillus velezensis BN to enhance biocontrol efficacy and rhizosphere colonization
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Introduction Surfactins, a class of lipopeptide biosurfactants secreted by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), have garnered significant attention due to their dual functionality in promoting plant growth and controlling plant diseases. Their potential as biopesticides is underscored by their unique physicochemical properties and biological activities. However, the practical application of surfactin is currently limited by its low yield in natural strains. Methods This study aimed to optimize the culture conditions for Bacillus velezensis BN, a strain with exceptional biocontrol properties, to enhance its surfactin yield. Critical factors, including nitrogen sources and amino acid supplementation, were systematically investigated to determine their impact on surfactin production. Results The study revealed that nitrogen sources and amino acid supplementation were pivotal factors influencing surfactin yield. Compared to the baseline, these factors resulted in a remarkable 5.94-fold increase in surfactin production. Furthermore, a positive correlation was established between surfactin yield and biocontrol efficacy. Enhanced surfactin yield was associated with improved antifungal activity, biofilm formation, and rhizosphere colonization capacity of B. velezensis BN on potato plantlets. Discussion These findings provide novel insights into the practical application of surfactin and establish a scientific foundation for the development of innovative and eco-friendly antifungal agents suitable for agricultural use. The results demonstrate that optimizing culture conditions can significantly enhance surfactin yield and biocontrol efficacy, thereby highlighting the potential for sustainable agricultural practices.
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Target gene selection for RNAi‐based biopesticides against the hawthorn spider mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis (Acari: Tetranychidae)
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Characterization of Lysobacter enzymogenes B25, a potential biological control agent of plant-parasitic nematodes, and its mode of action
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It is certainly difficult to estimate productivity losses due to the action of phytopathogenic nematodes but it might be about 12 % of world agricultural production. Although there are numerous tools to reduce the effect of these nematodes, there is growing concern about their environmental impact. Lysobacter enzymogenes B25 is an effective biological control agent against plant-parasitic nematodes, showing control over root-knot nematodes (RKN) such as Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica. In this paper, the efficacy of B25 to control RKN infestation in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Durinta) is described. The bacterium was applied 4 times at an average of concentration around 10 8 CFU/mL showing an efficacy of 50-95 % depending on the population and the pressure of the pathogen. Furthermore, the control activity of B25 was comparable to that of the reference chemical used. L. enzymogenes B25 is hereby characterized, and its mode of action studied, focusing on different mechanisms that include motility, the production of lytic enzymes and secondary metabolites and the induction of plant defenses. The presence of M. incognita increased the twitching motility of B25. In addition, cell-free supernatants obtained after growing B25, in both poor and rich media, showed efficacy in inhibiting RKN egg hatching in vitro. This nematicidal activity was sensitive to high temperatures, suggesting that it is mainly due to extracellular lytic enzymes. The secondary metabolites heat-stable antifungal factor and alteramide A/B were identified in the culture filtrate and their contribution to the nematicidal activity of B25 is discussed. This study points out L. enzymogenes B25 as a promising biocontrol microorganism against nematode infestation of plants and a good candidate to develop a sustainable nematicidal product.
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Study on the cancer by chemical pesticides exposure to pesticide applicators, farm workers and consumers: Urgent need for safer eco-friendly pesticides
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To study the effect of chemical toxic pesticides used in agricultural for pest control the maximum risk involved to applicator and handling the chemical pesticides with excess cancer risk. In this study, the epidemiological, molecular biology and toxicological evidence emerging from recent literature which pesticides are responsible for several type of cancer in human beings and other health hazards in environment. These problems force us to resort to use of refer pesticides. The IPM technology and plant origin as pesticides an environmentally sound alternative to chemical pesticides, diseases, even in climate extremes such as drought, heat waves, flood and storm to increase the particular crop pests. The new bio-pesticide products that will result from this research will bring with than new regulatory and economic challenges that must be addressed through joint natural scientist, policy makers and industry.
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Biopesticide Consumption in India: Insights into the Current Trends
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Biopesticides are formulations derived from naturally occurring compounds that manage pests through non-toxic and environmentally favorable means. Being living organisms (natural enemies) or products, biopesticides represent less of a risk to the environment and to human health. Biopesticides, classified into three broad classes, are increasingly used in pest control, and include semiochemicals, plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), and compounds derived from plants and microorganisms. Because of their advantages for the environment, target-specificity, efficacy, biodegradability, and applicability in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, biopesticides are gaining interest. Although biopesticides have seen significant advances in market penetration, they still make up a relatively small fraction of pest management solutions. Over 3000 tons are produced globally per annum, and this number is rising rapidly. In India, biopesticides account for just 4.2% of the country’s total pesticide market. Although the government has promoted the use of biopesticides by including them in several agricultural programs, biopesticides face numerous difficulties at a local level, but are predicted to expand at an astonishing 10% yearly pace. Under the Insecticides Act 1968, the Ministry of Agriculture in India controls the use of pesticides. Among the major biopesticides produced and used in India are Trichoderma, Bacillus thuringiensis, nuclear polyhedrosis virus, and neem-based pesticides.
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RNAi-Based Biopesticides Against 28-Spotted Ladybeetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Does Not Harm the Insect Predator Propylea japonica
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RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated control of the notorious pest Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is an emerging environment friendly research area. However, the characterization of key target genes in H. vigintioctopunctata is crucial for this. Additionally, assessing the risk of RNAi to nontarget organisms (NTOs) is necessary for environmental safety. In this study, the potential of RNAi technology in controlling H. vigintioctopunctata infestation has been investigated by the oral delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The results revealed that the silencing of six genes, including HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k, was highly lethal to H. vigintioctopunctata. The LC50 values of the dsRNAs used to silence these six genes were found to be less than 13 ng/μL. Moreover, the use of the bacterially expressed dsRNAs caused high mortality in the lab and field populations of H. vigintioctopunctata. Further, administration of HvHel25E and HvSrp54k dsRNAs in the predatory lady beetle Propylea japonica confirmed no transcriptional or organismal levels effects. This risk-assessment result ensured no off-target RNAi effects on the NTOs. Overall, the findings of the study suggested that HvABCH1, HvHel25E, HvProsbeta5, HvProsalpha6, HvProsbeta6, and HvSrp54k can be novel promising molecular targets with high specificity for H. vigintioctopunctata management with negligible effects on the NTOs.
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