# Definitions, Concepts, and Classification of Biopesticides: Pathogens, Botanical Pesticides, and Biorationals

Ajeet Kumar

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Ajeet Kumar. Definitions, Concepts, and Classification of Biopesticides: Pathogens, Botanical Pesticides, and Biorationals. Master. Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers, DR. RAJENDRA PRASAD CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY PUSA, SAMASTIPUR-848125, BIHAR, INDIA, India. 2025, pp.1-4. [https://doi.org/10.51244/89V1](https://doi.org/10.51244/89V1)

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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University

Pusa (Samastipur) - 848125, Bihar

A lecture notes

On

Definitions, Concepts, and Classification of Biopesticides:
Pathogens, Botanical Pesticides, and Biorationals

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

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
# Definitions, Concepts, and Classification of Biopesticides: Pathogens, Botanical Pesticides, and Biorationals

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

## 1. Introduction to Biopesticides

Biopesticides are a class of pest management agents derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. They offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides and are often target-specific, biodegradable, and less harmful to beneficial organisms.

## 2. Definitions

* **Biopesticide:**

A formulation made from natural sources (microorganisms, botanicals, or other biologically active substances) used to control pests through non-toxic or biologically based mechanisms.

* **Pathogenic Biopesticides:**

These are formulations containing living organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa) that cause disease or inhibit the development of pest organisms.

* **Botanical Pesticides:**

Plant-derived substances that exhibit pesticidal properties, such as extracts, essential oils, and secondary metabolites (e.g., neem, pyrethrin, rotenone).

* **Biorational Pesticides:**

Pesticides that are biologically based and cause minimal ecological disruption. This includes insect growth regulators, sex pheromones, and natural enzyme inhibitors.

## 3. Key Concepts

* **Eco-friendliness:**

Biopesticides are typically non-toxic to non-target organisms and decompose quickly without leaving harmful residues.

* **Specificity:**

Most biopesticides are highly specific, targeting only a particular pest or group of pests.

* **Resistance Management:**

Biopesticides play a crucial role in integrated pest management (IPM) programs by delaying resistance development in pests.

* **Mode of Action:**

Varies from microbial infection, growth disruption, repellent effects, to interference with reproductive behaviours.

<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>
## 4. Classification of Biopesticides

### A. Microbial Biopesticides (Pathogens)

<table><thead><tr><td>Type</td><td>Example</td><td>Target Pests</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bacteria</td><td><i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> (Bt)</td><td>Lepidopteran larvae</td></tr><tr><td>Fungi</td><td><i>Beauveria bassiana</i>, <i>Metarhizium anisopliae</i></td><td>Aphids, beetles</td></tr><tr><td>Viruses</td><td>Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), Granulovirus (GV)</td><td>Caterpillars</td></tr><tr><td>Protozoa</td><td><i>Nosema locustae</i></td><td>Grasshoppers</td></tr></tbody></table>

### B. Botanical Biopesticides

<table><thead><tr><td>Source Plant</td><td>Active Component</td><td>Pest Type</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Neem (Azadirachta indica)</td><td>Azadirachtin</td><td>Insects (all stages)</td></tr><tr><td>Chrysanthemum spp.</td><td>Pyrethrins</td><td>Mosquitoes, flies</td></tr><tr><td>Derris spp.</td><td>Rotenone</td><td>Insects, fish</td></tr><tr><td>Garlic</td><td>Sulfur compounds</td><td>Insects, fungi</td></tr></tbody></table>

### C. Biorational Pesticides

<table><thead><tr><td>Type</td><td>Description</td><td>Mode of Action</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)</td><td>Disrupt development</td><td>Juvenile hormone analogs</td></tr><tr><td>Sex Pheromones</td><td>Disrupt mating</td><td>Confusion/trapping</td></tr><tr><td>Repellents</td><td>Deter pest approach</td><td>Olfactory stimulation</td></tr><tr><td>Enzyme Inhibitors</td><td>Interfere with digestion/metabolism</td><td>Botanical alkaloids</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 5. Advantages of Biopesticides

* Environmentally safe

* Decomposes quickly

* Specific to pests

* Reduces chemical pesticide use

* Promotes biodiversity
**6. Limitations**

* Short shelf life

* Sensitivity to UV light and temperature

* Slow action compared to chemicals

* Requires frequent application

* Narrow target range

**7. Conclusion**

The classification of biopesticides into microbial (pathogens), botanical, and biorational categories provides a structured approach to their use in sustainable agriculture. They form an integral part of IPM and future pest management strategies due to their eco-compatibility and specificity.