Growers and Grocers

What are they?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, biopesticides fall into three categories: microbial pesticides (microorganisms are the active ingredient), Plant-Incorporated-Protectants (genetic material is added to plants so that they naturally produce the pesticide substance), and biochemical pesticides (naturally occurring substances).

Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. For example, canola oil and baking soda have pesticidal applications and are considered biopesticides. At the end of 2001, there were approximately 195 registered biopesticide active ingredients and 780 products.

Are they safe?
Because biopesticides come from naturally occurring things like insect pheromones, bacteria, fungi and algae, they are considered less harmful to humans and animals then their chemical counterparts.

According to the Savvy Gardener, “An example of a microbial pesticide is Bacillus thuringiensis, or “Bt.” Bacillus thuringiensis is a naturally occurring soil bacteria that is toxic to the larvae of several species of insects but not toxic to nontarget organisms.”

Benefits of biopesticides include effective control of insects, plant diseases and weeds, as well as human and environmental safety. Biopesticides also play an important role in providing pest management tools in areas where pesticide resistance, niche markets, and environmental concerns limit the use of chemical pesticide products.

Uses
Biopesticides – being naturally occurring – can be used in organic farming, as well as in any crop environment to control pests. In the United States, the uses are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Because they are natural substances, biopesticides can go where chemicals cannot. Organic farmers, for instance, can’t spray chemical pesticides without losing their organic status, but they can deploy biopesticides. Thus, that familiar loose-leaf lettuce in the organic bins at the grocery store was probably sprayed with products like Agraquest’s Serenade or Novodor from Valent, which also makes organic mosquito repellent and fruit-growth.