Years of overusing chemical pesticides have left lasting consequences: residues in produce, pest resistance, decline of natural enemies and environmental pollution. Against this backdrop, biological products have emerged as a necessary direction, protecting crops more safely and sustainably.
What are biological products?
Biological plant-protection products are derived from living organisms or their derivatives and used to control pests and diseases. Instead of killing with toxic chemicals, they exploit natural mechanisms such as parasitism, antagonism, infecting pests or competing with pathogens. Their hallmark is high selectivity, minimal impact on natural enemies and humans, and rapid environmental breakdown.
Main groups
Several groups of biological agents are widely studied and applied, each targeting different pests.
- Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): produces specific toxins that kill caterpillar larvae.
- Trichoderma fungi: antagonise soil pathogens, stimulate roots and improve plant health.
- Entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium, Beauveria): infect and kill harmful insects.
- NPV viruses: cause specific disease in certain caterpillars.
- Beneficial nematodes: parasitise and kill soil-dwelling pests.
Modes of action
Unlike fast, broad-acting chemicals, biological products work through subtler mechanisms. Bt produces specific toxic proteins that only harm certain pests when ingested. Parasitic fungi penetrate insect cuticles and develop inside. Trichoderma competes for space and nutrients and secretes enzymes that break down pathogens. Because of this selectivity, effects appear more slowly and depend heavily on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and timing of application.
Advantages and limitations
Shifting to biological products brings benefits but also requires a change in mindset.
- Advantages: safe for people and natural enemies, lower residues, less resistance, environmentally friendly.
- Limitations: slower action, sensitivity to storage and weather, and less consistent results if used incorrectly.
Biological products work best as part of integrated pest management, not as a one-for-one replacement for chemicals.
Research and application
Current research focuses on selecting high-potency strains, improving production and storage to extend shelf life, and integrating biological products with other practices within integrated pest management (IPM). Transferring know-how to farmers so they apply products at the right time and in the right way is decisive for field success.
Committed to promoting ecological and sustainable agriculture, ASTRI Institute prioritises applied research and transfer of biological plant-protection products, working with farmers and cooperatives to build lower-chemical cultivation processes toward safe produce and a healthy farming environment.