Vanshika Joshi¹, Sheetal Yadav²*

¹Student, Department of Biotechnology, GCG Sector 14, Gurugram, India
²Extension Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, GCG Sector 14, Gurugram, India

*Corresponding Author: Sheetal Yadav, Extension Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology, GCG Sector 14, Gurugram, India.

Received: February 06, 2026; Published: February 28, 2026

Abstract

The increasing global demand for food, coupled with the environmental and health challenges posed by synthetic pesticides, has intensified the need for sustainable pest management solutions. Bio pesticides—derived from natural sources such as microorganisms, plants, and minerals— offer an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Their specificity, biodegradability, and minimal impact on non-target organisms make them essential for sustainable agriculture. Bio pesticides are classified into microbial, botanical, and biochemical groups, each employing diverse mechanisms such as toxin production, growth regulation, mating disruption, and induction of plant defenses. Advances in production technologies, including optimized microbial fermentation, Nano-formulations, and RNA interference, have improved their efficacy, stability, and cost- effectiveness. Global success stories, such as Bt crops, neem-based products, pheromone traps, and viral bio pesticides, highlight their potential to reduce chemical pesticide usage while preserving ecological balance. Despite challenges in shelf-life, field performance, and regulatory approval, bio pesticides represent a pivotal tool for achieving sustainable, safe, and productive agriculture, contributing to environmental conservation, food security, and human health.

Keywords: Biopesticides; Sustainable Agriculture; Integrated Pest Management; Microbial Control; Botanical Extracts; Eco-friendly Pest Management

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Citation

Citation: Vanshika Joshi and Sheetal Yadav. “Bio Pesticides as Catalysts for Sustainable Crop Production and Food Security". Acta Scientific Microbiology 9.3 (2026): 21-34.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Vanshika Joshi and Sheetal Yadav. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.