Biopesticide Classification: Many farmers across the globe like in the US, the UK, and other countries have discovered that they can use biopesticides as a part of IPM. IPM is nothing but an integrated pest management program that helps the growers to tackle pests and insects with more efficiency. Now researchers are showing that we can use bio pesticides instead of conventional pesticides gaining the same results.
But not many know what is a bio pesticide and how does bio pesticide works. Do not worry if you are having such doubts. Here we are going to let you know all about biopesticide, its uses, and its classifications. Biopesticides are nothing but pesticides that comes from any natural materials. This includes animals, plants, fungi, and microbes, etc. Since they are naturally occurring, they pose very minimal risk to humans. They are easily degradable hence safe for the environment. No leaching away of the pesticides that can cause serious damage to the soil and its organisms. Hence there is a paradigm shift towards them.
What are the Categories of Biopesticide:
Now that we have spoken a lot about biopesticide, we should also know the different categories. Environmental Protection Agency has classified biopesticide into three categories.
- Biochemical
- Microbial
- Plant-Incorporated Protectants
Biopesticide Classification in Detail:
- Biochemicals: It is nothing but the extracts (plants) of naturally occurring substances. These extracts are helpful in the production of insect repellants, insect attractants etc. Eg: Azadiracchtin, Capsaicin, Clove, Peppermint Oil
- Microbials: If a biopesticide contain micro-organisms or their fermentation, then it is considered as microbials. Eg: Beauveria bassiana a fungus for whitefly.
- Plant-Incorporated Protectants: Any pesticidial substances that a plant produces because of the genetic manipulation. Such biopesticide is called as Plant-Incorporated Protectants while such plants as GM Plants. Eg: Bacillus thuringiensis in Cotton, Brinjal
This is all about the classification of biopesticide. We hope that you have got the information that you are looking for. Check our website to know furthermore information on the biopesticides.