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Microbial Insecticides in Sustainable Agriculture: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Prospects

Samuel Adedayo Fasiku(1), Adesuwa Oluwatofunmi Akagbosu(2), Femi Johnson Afolabi(3), Moses Sunday Afariogun(4),


(1) Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
(2) Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
(3) Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
(4) Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria
Corresponding Author

Abstract


The current research work examines microbial insecticides as potential and sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides for agricultural pest management.  The development, mechanisms, and use of bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoan pesticides are studied with particular attention to mode of action and specificity.  The review explains that toxins produced by important bacteria, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), damage cells, and toxins from fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, penetrate and colonise insects, rendering them ineffective. Microbial pesticides have many advantages, including negligible pollution, safety to non-target organisms, and a low likelihood of pest resistance development. Microbial insecticides are complex in nature but degrade rapidly.  The review also covers production methods, application techniques, and quality control measures needed for effective use in integrated pest management. Although microbial pesticides can be an environmentally sound solution for sustainable agriculture, their use must be designed taking into consideration the formulation, application, and environmental conditions.

Keywords


Bioinsecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis, Integrated pest management, Pest control, Beauveria bassiana

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DOI: 10.56534/acjpas.v5i2.197

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