Sustainable biological control of pests: the way forward

Abstract

Synthetic pesticides have been and are still the mainstay of pest management. While their use has contributed significantly to the agricultural sector’s development, their longterm, widespread, and incorrect use has equally contributed to environmental contamination and degradation and the unsolicited increase in pesticide resistance. Furthermore, many consumers in developing countries cannot afford the high cost of synthetic pesticides. However, increased awareness of the risks posed by synthetic pesticides, scientific and technological advancement in biological control of pests, and increased recognition and benefits of indigenous and organic practices gradually contribute to the move from synthetic pesticides to sustainable alternatives. As the plethora of evidence on the shortcomings of conventional pest control methods and the economic, social, and environmental benefits of biological control methods mount, the shift toward using alternative control strategies for pest management will record sustained growth into the future. The prospects, challenges, and interacting factors that influence the effectiveness and sustainability of biological control are discussed.