Xian Zhang , Guifen Wang

Hainan Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572000, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Entomology, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 5   doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0022
Received: 05 Sep., 2024    Accepted: 06 Oct., 2024    Published: 17 Oct., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhang X., and Wang G.F., 2024, Role of biopesticides in integrated pest management for maize, Molecular Entomology, 15(5): 179-190 (doi: 10.5376/me.2024.15.0022)

Biopesticides play a crucial role in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of maize, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. This study assesses the efficacy, benefits, and challenges of using biopesticides in maize pest management. Key biopesticides, including microbial agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis and botanical extracts like neem, have demonstrated significant effectiveness in controlling major pests, particularly the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). This study highlights advancements in biopesticide formulation, including encapsulation technologies and genetic modifications, which have enhanced the stability and application of these agents in varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the integration of biopesticides with precision agriculture and other IPM components has proven to optimize pest control while reducing the ecological footprint of maize farming. Despite their potential, challenges such as production costs, regulatory barriers, and pest resistance are limiting factors for wider adoption. The review concludes by discussing future directions in research and policy needed to accelerate the global use of biopesticides in maize IPM, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Biopesticides; Integrated Pest Management; Maize; Sustainable Agriculture; Fall Armyworm