# History and concept of biopesticides, Importance, scope and potential of biopesticide

Ajeet Kumar

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Ajeet Kumar. History and concept of biopesticides, Importance, scope and potential of biopesticide. Master. Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers, India. 2025. hal-05124485

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Submitted on 22 Jun 2025

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**Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University**
**Pusa (Samastipur) - 848125, Bihar**

*A lecture notes*

*On*

*History and concept of biopesticides, Importance, scope and potential of biopesticide*

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**COURSE TITLE: Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers**

****(Elective course)***

**COURSE NO.:** ASS-307; **CREDIT HOUR:** 3 (2+1)

**YEAR/SEMESTER:** 3rd YEAR / 6th SEMESTER

**Dr. AJEET KUMAR**

**Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist (Soil Science)**

**Department of Microbiology**

**Collage of Basic Sciences and Humanities (CBS&H),**

**Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)**

**June 2025**
# History and Concept of Biopesticides: Importance, Scope, and Potential

Dr. AJEET KUMAR<fnref n="1" />

## 1. Introduction

Biopesticides are biologically-based agents used to control pests, encompassing microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses), biochemical substances (plant extracts, pheromones), and beneficial insects. They offer an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, aligning with the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) and organic agriculture.

## 2. History of Biopesticides

### 2.1 Early Use

* **Ancient Practices**: Use of ash, plant extracts (e.g., neem, pyrethrum), and oil emulsions for pest control.

* **China (1100 AD)**: Use of predatory ants to control pests in citrus orchards.

### 2.2 Emergence of Microbial Biopesticides

* **1835**: Discovery of *Beauveria bassiana* as a silkworm pathogen by Agostino Bassi - foundational to microbial insecticides.

* **1874**: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) first isolated from infected silkworms.

* **1940s-50s**: First commercial production of Bt formulations.

* **1980s onwards**: Regulatory approvals and increased commercial development of microbial and biochemical pesticides.

## 3. Concept of Biopesticides

### 3.1 Definition

Biopesticides are natural-based pest management agents derived from living organisms or their by-products. According to the **EPA (USA)**, biopesticides are classified into three major types:

### 3.2 Types of Biopesticides

* **Microbial Biopesticides**: Contain microorganisms (e.g., *Bacillus thuringiensis*, *Trichoderma*, *Metarhizium*).

* **Biochemical Biopesticides**: Naturally occurring substances (e.g., neem oil, pheromones, plant volatiles) that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms.

* **Plant-Incorporated Protectants (PIPs)**: Genetically engineered plants expressing pesticidal properties (e.g., Bt cotton).

## 4. Importance of Biopesticides

* **Environmental Safety**: Biodegradable, non-persistent, and target-specific with minimal off-target impacts.

* **Human and Animal Health**: Reduced toxicity compared to synthetic pesticides.

<footnote n="1">¹ Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist (Soil Science-Soil Microbiology, Soil fertility, Soil Chemistry), Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities (CBS&H), RPCAU, Pusa-848125, Bihar. E-mail: ajeet.sri@rpcau.ac.in</footnote>
* **Resistance Management:** Lower chances of resistance development due to complex modes of action.

* **Organic Farming:** Essential components of certified organic crop protection.

* **Sustainability:** Promotes biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

* **Regulatory and Trade Compliance:** Safer residues align with stringent Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs).

# 5. Scope and Application

## 5.1 Agricultural Crops

* Used against pests in cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and plantation crops.

* Effective in seed treatment, foliar sprays, and soil applications.

## 5.2 Horticulture and Greenhouse Cultivation

* Widely used due to enclosed conditions that support microbial efficacy.

## 5.3 Post-Harvest and Stored Grain Protection

* Entomopathogenic fungi and botanical extracts used to manage storage pests.

## 5.4 Urban and Public Health

* Larvicidal formulations (e.g., *Bacillus sphaericus*) used in mosquito control programs.

# 6. Potential and Future Prospects

## 6.1 Market Growth

* The global biopesticide market is growing at >10% CAGR, driven by demand for residue-free food and sustainability.

## 6.2 Innovations and Advancements

* **Genetic Engineering:** Development of transgenic crops with biopesticide traits.

* **Nano-formulations:** Enhanced stability and targeted delivery of bioagents.

* **AI and IoT:** Precision application and pest monitoring systems.

* **Microbial Consortia:** Synergistic blends for broader spectrum activity.

## 6.3 Challenges

* **Shelf-life and Storage:** Limited compared to synthetic pesticides.

* **Field Efficacy:** Variable results under different environmental conditions.

* **Awareness and Adoption:** Limited knowledge among farmers.

* **Regulatory Delays:** Lengthy registration processes in many countries.

# 7. Conclusion

Biopesticides represent a critical tool for achieving sustainable agriculture and ecological pest management. Their importance lies in minimizing environmental impact, promoting biodiversity and ensuring food safety. With advancing research, favourable policies and increasing consumer awareness, the scope and potential of biopesticides are poised to expand significantly.