Present status and the future prospects of microbial biopesticides in Iran

Abstract

A considerable part of agricultural products are destroyed in Iran by various pests such as insects, weeds, fungi, nematodes, viruses, and bacteria. Application of chemical pesticides has improved agricultural productivity, but they have also caused adverse effects on the environment and human health. Microbial pesticides (biopesticides) are often considered as low-risk substitute for conventional chemical pesticides that can play a key role in resolving the problem in a sustainable way. Though reducing agrochemical usage is a public demand in Iran, the adoption of biopesticides by growers has been much slower than expected. However, growing social awareness about the advantages of biocontrol promises bright prospects for the business of microbial pesticides in Iran. In this chapter we reviewed the history of biocontrol of pest in Iran and its future prospects. We also discussed the issues that restrain the interest of Iranian companies to fund research and development of biopesticides and hinder their acceptance by Iranian growers. Available biopesticides and the list of producing/distributing companies in Iran are also included.