A Perspective of Environmental Toxicology: Biopesticides Versus Synthetic Pesticides
摘要
Synthetic pesticides have significantly benefitted both agriculture and health care, enhancing crop yields by effectively controlling pest’s species and reducing disease vectors that threaten public health. Improper application of these insecticides may create a toxic environment due to the accumulation of their residues and bring harms to the non-target species as well as the entire ecosystem. When consumed by humans, it leads to biomagnification and causes fatal diseases like diabetes, kidney and liver failure, cancer, dermatitis, neurological damage, cardiovascular disease, and more. In this regard, biopesticides have been introduced as an alternative substitute in terms of human health and a sustainable eco-friendly environment, thus needs to be integrated into the pest management strategies. However, biopesticides have to overcome loads of challenges to capture the present pesticide market like meeting supply demand, available at a reasonable cost and with an increased shelf life and consistent performance against specific pest species. Therefore, there is an urgent need for deeper research and analysis to enhance the effectiveness, affordability, and accessibility of biopesticides, contributing to a more sustainable environment. This chapter addresses the benefits and drawbacks of biopesticides against synthetic pesticides.