Biopesticides and insect pest management

Pesticides are extensively used worldwide but their misuse is known to pollute the environment and is ecologically unacceptable. The major drawback of chemical pest control agents is their potential toxicity to humans and other organisms, leaving negative impact on the environment. So, the search of alternate solution for these toxic substances has become need of the time. Therefore, there is a need to replace them with biopesticides which are harmless to non-target organisms and humans. Biopesticides contain a wide range of biochemical, microbial pesticides derived from natural sources i.e., micro-organisms and plant extracts having insecticidal properties. Their benefit can be maximized by the discovery of new compounds, their combinations, easiness in manufacturing and regulatory frameworks for risk assessment along with promotion of their use. This review discusses how biopesticides help in reducing environmental pollution and some successful examples of bio pesticides’ use in Pakistan.