Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 10-19 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 17 Research should also focus on understanding the factors affecting growth, sporulation, and toxin formation in Bt to improve production yields (Wafa et al., 2020). 9.3 Policy and market recommendations The regulatory landscape for biopesticides needs to be streamlined to facilitate their commercialization and widespread adoption. Current regulations often mirror those for synthetic pesticides, which can be a barrier to the market entry of biopesticides (Damalas and Koutroubas, 2018). Policies should be revised to reduce the requirements for toxicological, environmental, and residual tests specific to biopesticides. Governments should also support public policies and private initiatives aimed at transitioning towards pesticide-free agri-food systems (Soetopo and Alouw, 2023). Furthermore, educating farmers and stakeholders about the benefits and application of biopesticides is essential for overcoming market constraints and enhancing adoption rates (Sachdev and Singh, 2016). 10 Concluding Remarks The research on Bt biopesticides has highlighted several critical points. Firstly, biopesticides, including those based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), are recognized for their potential in sustainable agriculture due to their lower toxicity and environmental impact compared to synthetic chemical pesticides. Despite their benefits, the adoption of biopesticides remains limited, constituting only 1%~5% of the global pesticide market. Regulatory challenges are a significant barrier, as current regulations are often designed for chemical pesticides, imposing high costs and complex requirements on biopesticide producers. Additionally, there are technical challenges related to the production, formulation, and efficacy of Bt biopesticides, which need to be addressed to enhance their market presence. Continued innovation in the field of Bt biopesticides is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, the development of new formulations, such as nano-Bt, can improve the efficacy, delivery, and field persistence of Bt biopesticides, making them more competitive with chemical pesticides. Secondly, advancements in fermentation technologies and the use of alternative substrates can reduce production costs, making Bt biopesticides more economically viable. Furthermore, regulatory innovation is needed to create a more favorable environment for biopesticide development and commercialization, which can be achieved through collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Lastly, integrating biopesticides into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs can enhance pest control strategies and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. To address the regulatory and market challenges of Bt biopesticides, the following recommendations are proposed. Simplify and harmonize biopesticide regulations globally to reduce the burden on producers and facilitate market entry. Invest in research to develop new Bt formulations, such as nano-Bt, and improve existing production and formulation processes to enhance efficacy and reduce costs. Encourage public policies and private sector initiatives that support the transition towards sustainable agriculture and the use of biopesticides. Provide education and training to farmers on the benefits and use of Bt biopesticides to increase their confidence and adoption rates. Promote the integration of Bt biopesticides into IPM programs to achieve more sustainable and effective pest control. By addressing these recommendations, the potential of Bt biopesticides can be fully realized, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and reducing the environmental impact of pest management. Acknowledgments The publisher would like to thank Dr. Fang X. from the Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources for reviewing and providing valuable feedback on the manuscript. Special thanks are also extended to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their review and valuable suggestions for improvements. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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