Biopesticides in Indian agriculture: Advances, challenges, and pathways to sustainable crop protection

Abstract

The shift towards sustainable agriculture has accelerated the use of biopesticides, which offer environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides in managing agricultural pests. Biopesticides are derived from living microorganisms, plant extracts, and other natural compounds, and they work through non-toxic mechanisms to target specific pests without harming non-target organisms. This review explores the current landscape of biopesticides in India, focusing on bacterial, fungal, and viral biopesticides. Key bacterial biopesticides include Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, which are widely used to control insect pests and plant pathogens. Fungal biopesticides such as Trichoderma spp., Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Verticillium lecanii target various pests and diseases through mechanisms like parasitism and competition. Viral biopesticides, particularly Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and Granulovirus (GV), offer highly specific control of lepidopteran pests. The review also highlights the commercialization and adoption of these biopesticides in India, driven by government support, growing consumer demand for organic food, and the challenges posed by insecticide resistance. Despite the advantages, the adoption of biopesticides faces challenges such as formulation stability, farmer awareness, and supply chain issues. However, with ongoing research and development, biopesticides hold significant potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture in India by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting ecological balance.