Microorganisms as a biopesticides

Abstract

Microbial pathogen consists of disease causing organism, which are disseminated in the pest population in large quantity in a manner similar to application of chemical pesticides. These pathogens are exploited for biological control of insect pests through introductory or inundative applications. Insects like other organism are susceptible to a variety of diseases caused by different groups of microorganisms including virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. Microbial pathogens of insects are intensively investigated to develop environmental friendly pest management strategies in agriculture. In the present day plant protection scenario, development of resistance to chemicals and residue in higher trophic level are major hurdle in insect pest management. In the recent years biopesticides are replacing the chemicals pesticides to overcome the harmful effect of the chemicals on non-target organism. This paper reviews the insecticidal properties of microbes and their potential utility in pest management.