Biopesticides and Their Role in Sustainable Agricultural Production
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Date
2018Author
Lengai, Geraldin M. W.
Muthomi, James W.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Biopesticides are derivatives of plants, microorganisms and insects. Substances from plants and animals have been used to manage diseases in crops,
animals and humans. Reliance on nature to heal nature is a practise for many
people around the world. Use of natural products was overtaken by synthetic
chemicals due to their efficacy, reliability and quick knock down effect. However, synthetic pesticides have become a health hazards for humans and environment due to their toxicity and pollution. Biopesticides are potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Sources of biopesticides are readily available,
easily biodegradable, exhibit various modes of action, are less expensive and
have low toxicity to humans and non-target organisms. Neem, pyrethrum,
cotton and tobacco are known sources of botanical pesticides and have already been commercialized. Other sources of botanical pesticides include garlic, euphorbia, citrus, pepper among others. Species of Trichoderma, Bacillus,
Pseudomonas, Beauveria have been commercialized as microbial pesticides.
Biopesticides are however faced with challenges of formulation, registration,
commercialization, acceptance and adoption. This paper describes several aspects of biopesticide development, including but not limited to, their sources,
production, formulation, commercialization, efficacy and role in sustainable
agriculture.
Keywords
Biopesticides, Conservation Agriculture, Integrated Pest Management,
Environmental Safety
URI
http://www.scirp.org/Journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=85143http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/106954
Citation
Lengai G, Muthomi J. "Biopesticides and Their Role in Sustainable Agricultural Production." Journal of Biosciences and Medicines. 2018;6:7-41.Publisher
University of Nairobi