Development of biopesticides and future opportunities

Abstract

Biopesticides, pesticides based on living organisms or their extracts, are increasing in sales around the world, as synthetic pesticides are less available and environmental and health issues drive new approaches. Despite the increasing sales and use, there are still limitations that restrict more widespread uptake, such as slow to kill, cost, difficulties of production, lack of appropriate formulations, and reputation based on previous poor performance of biopesticides. Regulation continues to be problematic in many countries, as the processes are designed for evaluating chemistry rather than live organisms. Biopesticides do have a bright future, given the amount of investment currently in the area, improving products and growing need.