Biopesticides: An ecofriendly approach for pest control

An ecofriendly alternative to chemical pesticides is biopesticides, which encompasses a broad array of microbial pesticides, biochemicals derived from micro-organisms and other natural sources, and processes involving the genetic incorporation of DNA into agricultural commodities that confer protection against pest damage. Biopesticides fall into three major classes. The potential benefits to agriculture and public health programmes through the use of biopesticides are considerable. The interest in biopesticides is based on the disadvantages associated with chemical pesticides are discussed. The total world production of biopesticides is over 3,000 tons/yr, which is increasing at a rapid rate. India has a vast potential for biopesticides. However, its adoption by farmers in India needs education for maximizing gains. The market share of biopesticides is only 2.5% of the total pesticide market. The stress on organic farming and on residue free commodities would certainly warrant increased adoption of biopesticides by the farmers. Biopesticides being target pest specific are presumed to be relatively safe to non-target organism including humans. However, in India, the registration committee requires the data on chemistry, bioefficacy, toxicity and packaging and labeling, for registration. Pesticide Registration Committee has so far not approved any guidelines for the registration of GM biopesticides. In India, some of the biopesticides like Bt, NPV, neem based pesticides, etc. have already been registered and are being practiced.