Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 131-140 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 136 6.3 Innovation and product development Innovation in the formulation and delivery of Bt-based biopesticides is critical to overcoming existing challenges and improving their market appeal. Advances in nanotechnology and microencapsulation can enhance the stability, efficacy, and shelf-life of biopesticide products, making them more competitive with chemical pesticides (Damalas and Koutroubas, 2018; Devi et al., 2019; Hernandez-Tenorio et al., 2022). Research and development should focus on creating formulations that are more resistant to environmental degradation and have extended field persistence (Devi et al., 2019; Hernandez-Tenorio et al., 2022). Additionally, integrating biopesticides into broader pest management systems, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), can optimize their use and demonstrate their effectiveness in combination with other control methods (Ayele, 2005; Fletcher et al., 2020). By continuously improving product performance and delivery mechanisms, the market adoption of Bt-based biopesticides can be significantly boosted. 7 Comparative Analysis of Global Practices 7.1 Best practices in regulatory approval The regulatory approval processes for biopesticides vary significantly across different regions, impacting the availability and adoption of these products. In the United States, the regulatory framework is relatively streamlined, allowing for a higher number of biopesticide-active substances to be registered compared to the European Union (EU). The complexity of EU regulations has resulted in fewer biopesticide products being available in the market, which is a stark contrast to the more flexible regulatory environments in the United States, India, Brazil, and China (Balog et al., 2017). In Canada, the regulatory landscape has evolved over the years, with significant increases in the registration of microbial biopesticides due to proactive government policies and industry collaboration (Bailey et al., 2010). 7.2 Successful market adoption strategies Successful market adoption of biopesticides is often driven by a combination of regulatory support, public awareness, and industry innovation. In North America, which holds the largest market share of biopesticides at 44%, the growth is supported by favorable regulatory conditions and increasing public and political support for sustainable agricultural practices (Bailey et al., 2010). In India, despite the vast potential for biopesticides, market adoption remains low at 2.5% of the total pesticide market. This is attributed to the need for greater farmer education and awareness about the benefits of biopesticides, as well as the development of more robust regulatory guidelines for the registration of genetically modified biopesticides (Gupta and Dikshit, 2010). 7.3 Lessons learned from different regions Different regions offer valuable lessons in the regulatory approval and market adoption of biopesticides. The EU's stringent regulatory framework highlights the need for balancing safety and innovation to avoid stifling market growth (Balog et al., 2017). The United States and Canada demonstrate the benefits of a supportive regulatory environment that encourages the development and registration of new biopesticide products (Bailey et al., 2010; Balog et al., 2017). India's experience underscores the importance of education and awareness in driving market adoption, as well as the necessity for clear and comprehensive regulatory guidelines (Gupta and Dikshit, 2010). These insights can inform global strategies to enhance the adoption and effectiveness of biopesticides in sustainable agriculture. 8 Challenges and Future Directions 8.1 Technical and methodological challenges The development and deployment of Bt-based biopesticides face several technical and methodological challenges. One significant issue is the degradation of bioactive components due to environmental factors such as air, light, and temperature, which can reduce the efficacy of biopesticides (Hernandez-Tenorio et al., 2022). Additionally, the production and formulation costs of Bt biopesticides are often high, which can limit their marketability and widespread use (Brar et al., 2006). The variability in regulations across different countries also poses a challenge, as it complicates the registration and approval process for new biopesticide products (Soetopo and Alouw, 2023).
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