Bio Insecticides

Biological Insecticides in Agriculture

Insecticides are used in agriculture in large quantities worldwide, to reduce the damage of insects to crops. Most of the insecticides are chemicals. These chemicals have varying levels of toxicity to humans and wildlife and considerable environmental risks. Being non-selective, they kill in addition to the target insects many beneficial organisms including the natural enemies of the pest larvae, and disrupt the ecological balance. Furthermore, they produce resistance of the insects to the biocides, leading to growing use of new chemicals with higher concentration and toxicity.

Bioinsecticides offer an ecological solution to exterminate these pests, by being host specific. Unlike chemicals, they do not have adverse effects on the ecosystem -they are focused on the pests.

Bacterial insecticides have been the subjects of intensive research work for many years. Preparations based on Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) have proved to be effective against various pest species. They are very selective and kill only the target larvae. They are safe for all non-target organisms.