The Role of Natural Products in Advancing Eco-Friendly Pest Management: A Review on Bio-pesticides

Abstract

Introduction: Pest management plays a vital role in agriculture and environmental protection, as pests can significantly harm crops, livestock, and human well-being. Although synthetic pesticides have traditionally dominated pest control, their long-term use has raised serious concerns regarding environmental pollution, human health risks, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pest populations. These challenges have driven a shift toward exploring natural, sustainable alternatives. Natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms have shown promise as biopesticides due to their eco-friendly profiles, safety, and targeted action against pests.

Objective:  To explore the potential of natural products as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides by reviewing their sources, mechanisms of action, and effectiveness in pest control, along with the challenges and future scope of their integration into sustainable pest management strategies.

Materials and Methods:  An extensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Research articles published between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed, focusing on the role of natural products in pest management. The study emphasized the identification of sources, active constituents, and mechanisms of action of biopesticides derived from natural products.

Results:  The review revealed a wide range of natural products exhibiting pesticidal activity through various mechanisms such as antifeedant, repellent, ovicidal, or growth-inhibiting effects. These include compounds derived from plants (e.g., neem, pyrethrum), microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis), insects, and nematodes. Many of these biopesticides demonstrated significant effectiveness against diverse pest species and offer a lower environmental footprint compared to synthetic pesticides. However, limitations such as stability, large-scale production, and regulatory hurdles remain challenges for broader implementation.

Conclusion:  Natural products represent a promising and sustainable alternative in the realm of pest management. While they offer effective and environmentally safe options, their integration into mainstream agriculture requires overcoming formulation, regulatory, and awareness challenges. Continued research and development are crucial to optimize their use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, paving the way for greener and safer pest control practices.