Question

Explain the importance of biopesticides in organic farming.

Answer 1

Biopesticide is a term used for bacterial and fungal toxins which can be used to destroy pests/pathogens/insects and can be directly integrated into the plants. The special characteristics of biopesticide is that they do not harm the plant or other organisms except its target organism. Some of the examples of biopesticides are:

1. Soil pollution is reduced through the utilisation of biopesticides. In contrast, the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers results in widespread soil pollution.
2. The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture results in the contamination of soil with fluoroacetamide-like compounds.
3. These are detrimental to both humans and other creatures, as well as to plants. They have the potential to induce cutaneous diseases in humans.
4. Pests and pathogens can be eradicated through the utilisation of bacterial and fungal toxins. The plant materials are directly incorporated with these chemicals. 
   E.g., Spinosad is a biopesticide produced as a by-product of fermentation.