Biopesticides and biological control agents: advances, integration, and prospects for sustainable pest management
4 affiliations
- 1Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia
- 2Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria
- 3Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin
- 4Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State
Abstract
Agrifood demand has intensified due to increasing global population, resulting in widespread reliance on synthetic insecticides for pest control in both open-field and greenhouse systems. Although these insecticides have significantly contributed to agricultural productivity, their intensive and prolonged use has resulted in pest resistance, high production costs, disruption of non-target organisms, and risks to human health. Consequently, there is an urgent need for safer, cost-effective, and more environmentally sustainable pest control alternatives. In this context, biopesticides have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional synthetic insecticides, due to their lower toxicity to non-target organisms, rapid biodegradability, decreased environmental persistence, and greater compatibility with biological control agents within integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Biopesticides encompass a diverse range of products, including biochemical compounds, microbial agents, botanical formulations, and plant-incorporated protectants. Recent innovations in formulation and delivery technologies have significantly enhanced the efficacy and stability of biopesticides. For example, nano-formulated products, such as nano-encapsulated Bacillus thuringiensis , have demonstrated up to a 30–50% increase in field persistence and pest control efficacy compared to conventional formulations. This review extensively discusses biopesticide classification and relationship to biological control, modes of action, advantages, current, in front of limitations, and roles in modern agriculture. It further examines recent developments in formulation and delivery technologies, alongside regulatory, commercial, and agroecological factors influencing adoption. Finally, our review emphasizes the critical role of biopesticides in decreasing reliance on synthetic chemicals, enhancing agroecosystem resilience, and supporting the global transition toward sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection systems.
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BibTeX
@article{jalloh2026biopesticides,
title = {{Biopesticides and biological control agents: advances, integration, and prospects for sustainable pest management}},
author = {Abdul A. Jalloh and Sourav Pal and Osariyekemwen Osa Uyi and Pooja Malhotra and Jason M. Schmidt and Michael D. Toews and Saumik Basu},
journal = {Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems},
year = {2026},
month = may,
doi = {10.3389/fsufs.2026.1805083},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2026.1805083},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Biopesticides and biological control agents: advances, integration, and prospects for sustainable pest management
AU - Abdul A. Jalloh
AU - Sourav Pal
AU - Osariyekemwen Osa Uyi
AU - Pooja Malhotra
AU - Jason M. Schmidt
AU - Michael D. Toews
AU - Saumik Basu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/05/29
JO - Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
DO - 10.3389/fsufs.2026.1805083
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2026.1805083
AB - Agrifood demand has intensified due to increasing global population, resulting in widespread reliance on synthetic insecticides for pest control in both open-field and greenhouse systems. Although these insecticides have significantly contributed to agricultural productivity, their intensive and prolonged use has resulted in pest resistance, high production costs, disruption of non-target organisms, and risks to human health. Consequently, there is an urgent need for safer, cost-effective, and more environmentally sustainable pest control alternatives. In this context, biopesticides have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional synthetic insecticides, due to their lower toxicity to non-target organisms, rapid biodegradability, decreased environmental persistence, and greater compatibility with biological control agents within integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Biopesticides encompass a diverse range of products, including biochemical compounds, microbial agents, botanical formulations, and plant-incorporated protectants. Recent innovations in formulation and delivery technologies have significantly enhanced the efficacy and stability of biopesticides. For example, nano-formulated products, such as nano-encapsulated Bacillus thuringiensis , have demonstrated up to a 30–50% increase in field persistence and pest control efficacy compared to conventional formulations. This review extensively discusses biopesticide classification and relationship to biological control, modes of action, advantages, current, in front of limitations, and roles in modern agriculture. It further examines recent developments in formulation and delivery technologies, alongside regulatory, commercial, and agroecological factors influencing adoption. Finally, our review emphasizes the critical role of biopesticides in decreasing reliance on synthetic chemicals, enhancing agroecosystem resilience, and supporting the global transition toward sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection systems.
SN - 2571-581X
ER -