# Impediments and Limitations in the Production and Use of Biopesticides

Ajeet Kumar

► To cite this version:

Ajeet Kumar. Impediments and Limitations in the Production and Use of Biopesticides. Master. Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers, DR. RAJENDRA PRASAD CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY PUSA, SAMASTIPUR-848125, BIHAR, INDIA, India. 2025, pp.1-3. [https://hal.science/hal-05124499v1](https://hal.science/hal-05124499v1)

HAL Id: hal-05124499

Submitted on 5 Jul 2025

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

A lecture notes

On

Impediments and Limitations in the Production and Use
of Biopesticides

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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
# Impediments and Limitations in the Production and Use of Biopesticides

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

## 1. Introduction

Biopesticides offer eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. However, despite their proven benefits, **production bottlenecks** and **field-level limitations** hinder their widespread adoption. These challenges must be addressed to ensure scalability and success in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

## 2. Major Impediments in Production

### A. Technical Challenges

* **Strain instability:** Genetic or phenotypic drift over subcultures

* **Low shelf-life:** Limited viability under ambient storage

* **Contamination risks:** Especially in solid-state and nematode production

* **Requirement of specific substrates:** Cost and availability issues

### B. Infrastructure Limitations

* Lack of **automated fermentation units** or **bioreactors** in small-scale setups

* Inadequate **cold storage** for live formulations

* Poor quality control in unregulated labs

### C. Regulatory Hurdles

* Delays in **registration and licensing**

* Lack of **clear, crop-specific guidelines** for use

* Absence of **standardized protocols** for QA/QC across different organisms

## 3. Field-Level Limitations

### A. Environmental Sensitivity

* Susceptibility to **UV radiation, high temperatures, and desiccation**

* Need for **moist microclimates** for successful infection (e.g., fungal spores)

### B. Limited Spectrum and Speed

* **Narrow host range** in many biopesticides (e.g., NPV for *Helicoverpa*)

* **Slower action** than chemical pesticides; not suitable for emergency control

<footnote n="1">¹Assistant 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>
## C. Application Difficulties

* Lack of awareness about correct timing, dosage, and methods

* Incompatibility with common chemical pesticides or adjuvants

* Limited availability of drone or drip delivery systems

## 4. Market and Socio-Economic Limitations

* **Higher unit cost** than synthetic pesticides in many cases

* **Weak supply chains and distribution networks**

* **Farmer skepticism** due to past inconsistent performance

* Lack of **government subsidies** or insurance coverage

## 5. Limitations in R&D and Extension

* **Inadequate funding** for basic and applied biopesticide research

* Absence of **location-specific field validation trials**

* **Limited integration** with mainstream extension services and IPM programs

## 6. Summary Table: Impediments at Different Stages

<table><thead><tr><td>Category</td><td>Key Limitation</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Production</td><td>Strain instability, contamination, shelf life</td></tr><tr><td>Infrastructure</td><td>Lack of cold storage, automation</td></tr><tr><td>Regulatory</td><td>Delayed approvals, no crop-specific protocols</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental</td><td>UV sensitivity, need for humidity</td></tr><tr><td>Application</td><td>Poor farmer training, slow action</td></tr><tr><td>Market</td><td>High cost, poor supply chain, low adoption</td></tr><tr><td>R&D/Extension</td><td>Low field support, poor awareness programs</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 7. Suggestions for Overcoming Limitations

* Develop **stress-tolerant strains and formulations**

* Provide **financial incentives** and subsidies to producers and farmers

* Strengthen **extension services** and demonstration programs

* Promote **PPP models** for biopesticide manufacturing

* Integrate with **digital tools** (apps, IoT, AI) for targeted delivery and pest tracking