This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Biopesticides are biological substances or living organisms used to control harmful organisms such as insects, fungi, weeds, bacteria, and viruses. Developed as alternatives to chemical pesticides, biopesticides have gained importance due to their environmentally friendly nature and their role in sustainable agricultural practices.
The origins of biopesticides date back to ancient times. It is known that in the 4th century AD in China, ant colonies were used to control pests in citrus orchards. The widespread use of modern biopesticides in agriculture began in the mid-20th century, driven by advances in microbiology and biotechnology. The discovery of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis marked a turning point in the field of biopesticides.
Biopesticides are classified into three main categories:
The most significant advantage of biopesticides is that they cause considerably less harm to the environment and human health compared to chemical pesticides. Additionally, because they act specifically on target organisms, beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, and other non-target life forms are generally unaffected. The development of resistance by pests to biopesticides also occurs more slowly than to chemical pesticides. Moreover, biopesticides support sustainable agriculture and reduce the risk of pesticide residues accumulating in agricultural products.
However, biopesticides also have some disadvantages. Their effects often take longer to manifest and they are highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and UV radiation. Their shelf life is short and storage conditions are limited. In some cases, their application costs and duration of effectiveness make it difficult for them to compete with chemical pesticides.
Today, biopesticides have broad potential for use across various sectors of agriculture. They are effectively employed to control insect pests, fungi, and weeds, thereby reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. They are also preferred for protecting stored agricultural products against insects and microorganisms. In forestry, they serve as important tools for the biological control of tree-damaging insect species, and in landscape management, they have become an integral part of environmentally friendly practices. Furthermore, in organic farming and ecological production systems, biopesticides are indispensable for ensuring product safety and environmental sustainability.
Within this context, several biopesticide examples stand out. For instance, the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is widely used against butterflies and caterpillars and plays a key role in transgenic products such as Bt cotton and Bt corn. Entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are commonly chosen for the natural suppression of agricultural insect pests. Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, is effective against sap-sucking insects and certain fungal diseases. Additionally, pheromone traps, which alter pest behavior, are widely used in the control of pests such as the codling moth and other agricultural insects.
The global market share of biopesticides is rapidly increasing. Production and registration of biopesticides are concentrated in the United States, the European Union, and Asian countries, and efforts in Türkiye to promote biological control are gaining momentum. Growing environmental awareness, rising demand for organic agriculture, and concerns about the adverse effects of chemical pesticide residues on human health indicate that biopesticides will become even more widespread in the future.
History
Types
Advantages and Disadvantages
Applications
Current Status