Biopesticides are pest-control agents derived from natural biological sources such as microorganisms, plants, animals, or certain minerals.
- Microbial Biopesticides – Contain microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa).
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)- Controls caterpillars
- Trichoderma viride – Controls soil-borne fungal diseases
- Beauveria bassiana – Controls whiteflies, aphids, and borers.
- Botanical Biopesticides – Derived from plants.
- Eg: Neem-based pesticides from Azadirachta indica
- Pyrethrum (from chrysanthemum flowers)
- Biochemical Biopesticides – Naturally occurring substances that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms
- Eg: Pheromone traps (used for monitoring and mass trapping of insects)
Source: Down To Earth