Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 179-191 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 185 ingredients in biopesticides, reducing their efficacy. For instance, certain microbial biopesticides, like Metarhizium anisopliae, are sensitive to sunlight and may lose their effectiveness when exposed to high temperatures (Hernandez-Tenorio et al., 2022). This can limit their use in tropical regions where high temperatures are common. The consistency of efficacy is also a challenge because biopesticides often act more slowly than chemical pesticides. Farmers who need immediate results may find biopesticides less appealing, as they may require more time to control pest populations effectively. This delay can be critical in high-value crops, where even short-term pest damage can lead to significant economic losses (Campos et al., 2016). Additionally, biopesticides often require more precise application techniques to be effective. The timing, dosage, and method of application are critical to ensure that the biopesticide reaches the target pests without being degraded by environmental factors. This complexity can deter farmers who are accustomed to the simpler application methods of chemical pesticides (Parajuli et al., 2022). 4.3 Pest resistance to biopesticides Though biopesticides are generally considered to reduce the development of pest resistance, there is still a risk that pests could evolve to become resistant over time. For example, widespread and repeated use of biopesticides, such as Bt-based products, has led to the emergence of Bt-resistant strains of pests like the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (Bateman et al., 2021). This is particularly concerning for smallholder farmers in developing regions, where biopesticides may be overused without appropriate resistance management strategies in place. The development of resistance can undermine the long-term effectiveness of biopesticides and reduce the confidence of farmers in using them as part of their IPM strategies. This problem highlights the need for diversified pest management practices, combining biopesticides with other control methods, such as crop rotation, biological controls, and the judicious use of chemical pesticides, to delay resistance (Singh et al., 2019). Moreover, there is currently a lack of comprehensive research into how different pests develop resistance to various types of biopesticides. More studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of resistance and to develop strategies that can mitigate this risk, such as rotating different biopesticides or integrating them with other pest control tools (Nazir et al., 2019). 4.4 Regulatory and market barriers Regulatory frameworks for biopesticides are often cumbersome and can delay the commercialization of new products. Unlike chemical pesticides, which have well-established regulatory processes, biopesticides face more complex and varied regulations across different regions. This inconsistency in regulations can slow down the approval process, making it difficult for manufacturers to bring new biopesticides to market (Soetopo and Alouw, 2023). In some countries, biopesticides are subject to the same stringent regulations as chemical pesticides, even though their environmental and health risks are significantly lower. The high cost and time required for testing, including toxicology, environmental impact, and efficacy studies, create additional barriers for biopesticide producers, especially small companies. As a result, many promising biopesticide products never reach the market (Sansinenea, 2016). Additionally, market barriers persist due to a lack of awareness and confidence among farmers in using biopesticides. Many farmers are more familiar with chemical pesticides and are hesitant to switch to biopesticides due to concerns about efficacy, application complexity, and cost. To overcome this barrier, more education and training programs are needed to demonstrate the benefits and proper use of biopesticides in IPM systems (Parajuli et al., 2022).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==