Integrating Biopesticides and Botanicals for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Crop Protection Strategies

Abstract

This chapter explores the integration of biopesticides and botanical extracts to enhance sustainable crop protection, reducing environmental harm. Biopesticides, sourced from microorganisms, plant extracts, and semi-chemicals offer advantages over synthetics, with lower toxicity and reduced resistance risk. Botanical extracts, prized for their antimicrobial properties, have gained effectiveness due to extraction advances. This chapter provides an overview of the current state of research on biopesticides and botanicals, their modes of action, benefits, limitations, and potential synergistic interactions when combined with conventional or other biological control agents Challenges include inconsistent performance and regulatory hurdles, but such integrated methods promote biodiversity and ecosystem health. The chapter highlights challenges like limited availability and regulatory hurdles in implementing these alternatives. Integrated methods aim to reduce traditional pesticides' negative impacts and advance sustainability by promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health.