Biocontrol Agents: A Sustainable Solution to Pests and Disease Management in Agriculture

Abstract

The reliance on chemical pesticides in agriculture has led to numerous environmental and health concerns, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives. Biocontrol agents, including beneficial insects, fungi, and bacteria, offer an eco-friendly solution to managing pests and plant diseases. This paper reviews the effectiveness of biocontrol agents in various agricultural systems, focusing on their role in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The study examines the use of predatory insects, parasitoids, and microbial agents for controlling pest populations, as well as the application of natural plant extracts to inhibit pathogen growth. While biocontrol offers numerous advantages, such as reduced pesticide use and minimal environmental impact, the paper also identifies challenges related to the stability, specificity, and cost of biocontrol agents. The research emphasizes the need for further studies on the compatibility of biocontrol agents with conventional farming practices and their scalability in large agricultural systems. The study concludes that biocontrol, when used in combination with other sustainable practices, can be an effective and environmentally friendly solution for pest and disease management.