What is a biopesticide?

A biopesticide is defined as a pesticide that is made from materials found in nature. This classification typically includes substances derived from natural sources such as plants, microorganisms, and certain minerals. Biopesticides are often favored in pest management for their compatibility with the environment, lower toxicity to non-target organisms, and minimal impact on beneficial insects and ecosystems.

These natural origins can include plant extracts, such as neem oil or pyrethrins, or microbial agents, like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which are effective against specific pests while posing less risk to human health and other wildlife. The focus on natural materials is significant because it aligns with the growing movement towards sustainable and organic farming practices, making biopesticides an important tool in integrated pest management systems.

In contrast, pesticides derived from synthetic materials, those designed to disrupt mating behaviors in pests, or chemicals that simply repel pests do not meet the criteria of being classified as biopesticides, as they do not rely on natural origins.