What is a biopesticide?

A biopesticide is defined as a pesticide that is derived from natural materials, including plants or microorganisms. This classification encompasses a variety of biological control agents, such as bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts, which can effectively manage pest populations while being more environmentally friendly than synthetic chemicals. Biopesticides often target specific pests or diseases and have a lower risk of harming beneficial organisms, making them a sustainable alternative in pest management strategies.

Using natural origins also typically means that biopesticides are more biodegradable and often have a lower impact on non-target species and the ecosystem overall. This contributes not only to the effectiveness of pest control but also aligns with organic farming practices and integrated pest management systems that aim to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides.

In contrast, options mentioning synthetic chemicals, the need for special licenses, or concerns about a pesticide's inability to degrade in the environment do not accurately define biopesticides and emphasize characteristics that are not relevant to this category of pest management solutions.