Question

What is bio-pesticide ? Classify the various bio-pesticides with example.

Hint:

Fact: Bio-pesticides are highly target-specific, reducing harm to beneficial insects and the environment.

Answer 1

A bio-pesticide is a pest control product sourced from natural origins like plants, microorganisms, or minerals.
Instead of chemical toxins, bio-pesticides biologically manage pests, offering an eco-friendly and safer alternative for non-target organisms.
There are three primary classifications:
1. Microbial bio-pesticides: These incorporate microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa that target specific pests.
Example: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is extensively utilized for controlling caterpillars and other insect larvae.
2. Botanical bio-pesticides: These consist of plant-derived compounds that naturally deter or eliminate pests.
Example: Neem-based pesticides, like Azadirachtin extracted from neem seeds, are applied against diverse insect pests.
3. Bio-control agents: This category involves deploying natural predators or parasites to regulate pest populations.
Example: Trichogramma wasps are introduced to parasitize the eggs of insects that damage crops.
Bio-pesticides contribute to decreased chemical pesticide reliance, support ecological equilibrium, and foster sustainable agricultural methods.