What are biopesticides?

Biopesticides are a subset of pesticides derived from natural materials such as plants, animals, bacteria, and minerals. They offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, often targeting specific pests with minimal impact on non-target organisms, humans, and the environment.

The classification of biopesticides typically includes three main categories: microbial pesticides, which are based on living microorganisms; plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), which are genetic modifications in plants that produce pest-resistant compounds; and biochemical pesticides, which are naturally occurring compounds that disrupt pest metabolism or behavior.

In contrast, the other options represent different categories of substances that do not align with the definition of biopesticides. Artificial chemicals synthesized in laboratories refer to synthetic pesticides, which are distinctly different from natural compounds. Traditional pesticides containing heavy metals could have detrimental effects on health and the environment, further diverging from the biopesticide concept. Fertilizers with pesticide properties might also involve synthetic chemicals or heavy metals, failing to encapsulate the natural and environmentally benign ethos associated with biopesticides.