Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 179-191 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 184 The incorporation of biopesticides into IPM programs also aligns with global trends toward sustainable agriculture, where reducing the environmental footprint of farming is increasingly important. With growing consumer demand for organically grown food and stricter regulations on pesticide residues, biopesticides provide a viable solution for farmers aiming to meet sustainability goals while maintaining crop productivity. By reducing chemical residues and promoting eco-friendly practices, biopesticides enhance the overall sustainability of food production systems (Bateman et al., 2021). 3.4 Compatibility with other IPM components Biopesticides are highly compatible with other components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), making them versatile tools that can be used in combination with cultural, mechanical, and biological control methods. For example, biopesticides can be integrated with crop rotation practices or cover cropping, which help reduce pest populations by disrupting their life cycles. The use of biopesticides alongside these methods enhances pest suppression while minimizing the need for chemical inputs, contributing to a more holistic and sustainable approach to pest management (Kopparthi, 2020). In addition to their compatibility with cultural practices, biopesticides can be used effectively in conjunction with selective chemical pesticides, particularly in cases where pest populations need to be managed more aggressively. Research has shown that certain microbial biopesticides, such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, can be applied alongside chemical insecticides without reducing the efficacy of either product. This compatibility allows for a reduction in the overall use of chemical pesticides, which helps to prevent the development of pest resistance and reduces the environmental impact of pest control measures (Kulkarni, 2015). Biopesticides also complement biological control strategies, such as the release of natural predators or parasitoids, by reducing pest populations without harming beneficial organisms. The combination of biopesticides and biological controls strengthens IPM programs by enhancing the natural regulatory mechanisms within ecosystems. This approach not only improves the effectiveness of pest management but also promotes ecological resilience, ensuring that pest outbreaks are controlled in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner (Li, 2024). 4 Challenges and Limitations 4.1 Production and cost constraints One of the key challenges facing the biopesticide industry is the high cost of production. Biopesticides are derived from living organisms or natural products, which require specialized conditions for mass production. Microbial biopesticides, such as Metarhizium rileyi or Bacillus thuringiensis, often require controlled environments for fermentation and formulation, which increases their production costs compared to chemical pesticides (Grijalba et al., 2018). Additionally, the shelf life of many biopesticides is shorter than chemical pesticides, resulting in increased costs related to storage and distribution, making it harder for biopesticides to compete on the market (Campos et al., 2016). Another constraint is the inconsistency of supply and demand. Biopesticide production is more sensitive to environmental conditions, and fluctuations in raw materials can lead to production shortages, raising prices. Moreover, smallholder farmers, especially in developing regions, may not have access to the infrastructure required to store and distribute biopesticides effectively, further hindering their adoption (Ndolo et al., 2019). Cost recovery is also a concern, as the market for biopesticides is still relatively small compared to synthetic pesticides. As a result, the financial returns on biopesticide production are lower, dissuading large-scale investment in research and development (RandD). This limits the commercialization of newer and more effective biopesticides, as companies are hesitant to invest in expensive production processes with uncertain demand (Soetopo and Alouw, 2023). 4.2 Application issues and consistency of efficacy The application of biopesticides is another significant challenge, as their effectiveness can vary depending on environmental conditions. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and UV light exposure can degrade the active
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