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Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (16 February 2026) | Viewed by 20843

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Dr. María Liza López

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Guest Editor

CONICET-Estación Experimental Agropecuaria INTA San Juan, San Juan, Argentina
Interests: semiochemicals; pest; essential oils; chemical ecology; biopesticides

Dr. María Paula Zunino

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Guest Editor

Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, Concejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Cátedra de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
Interests: essential oils; volatile organic compounds; bioinsecticides
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Dear Colleagues,

The use of biological control in agriculture dates back to ancient times, with early civilizations employing natural enemies to manage pests. The modern development of biopesticides began in the 20th century with the discovery of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), an insecticidal bacterium. Since then, advances in microbiology, biotechnology, and integrated pest management (IPM) have accelerated the development of biopesticides derived from microorganisms, plant extracts, and natural enemies. Today, biopesticides and biological control are central to sustainable agriculture, addressing pest challenges while reducing environmental impact.

The increase in pest populations due to climate change and their geographic expansion presents a significant challenge. Food production must adapt by adopting sustainable practices, developing control strategies that ensure food security while also being environmentally friendly.

This Special Issue aims to gather innovative research on biopesticides and biological control to enhance sustainable pest management, aligning with environmental goals and agricultural productivity. This Special Issue will highlight novel strategies relating to biopesticides and biological control, semiochemical effects and mechanisms, and advancements that align with environmental goals while supporting agricultural productivity.

Dr. María Liza López
Dr. María Paula Zunino
Guest Editors

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Keywords

semiochemicals
biopesticides
biological control
chemical ecology
pest management

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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13 pages, 1161 KB

Open AccessArticle

dsABCC1 and dsABCC3 Enhance the Insecticidal Activity of Chlorantraniliprole in Rice Stem Borer Chilo suppressalis

by Qiwen Pu, Xin Mao, Yichi Zhang, Ali Hasnain, Moxian Chen and Chunqing Zhao

Agronomy 2026, 16(11), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16111080 - 29 May 2026

Viewed by 318

Abstract

The rice stem borer (RSB), Chilo suppressalis, is one of the most destructive rice pests in China and chlorantraniliprole has been extensively used for its control over the past decade. However, the continuous and intensive application of chlorantraniliprole has accelerated the development of resistant RSB populations in field, thereby threatening sustainable rice production. In this study, a field resistant strain of RSB exhibited a 181.76-fold resistance level to chlorantraniliprole compared to a susceptible strain. To explore the potential involvement of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in chlorantraniliprole resistance, four candidate ABC transporter genes (CsABCC1, CsABCC3, CsABCA3 and CsABCD2) were analyzed in resistant and susceptible strains. Compared to the susceptible strain, the expressional levels of CsABCC1 and CsABCC3 were significantly upregulated by 1.58- and 1.38-fold, respectively, whereas of CsABCA3 and CsABCD2 showed non-significant differences in the resistant strain. RNA interference assays demonstrated that naked dsRNA induced only limited gene silencing, while chitosan-mediated dsRNA delivery significantly improved RNAi efficiency. Following feeding with chitosan-coated dsCsABCC1 and dsCsABCC3, the expression levels of both genes were reduced by 44.63% and 38.49%, respectively, relative to the control and the larval mortality increased following chlorantraniliprole treatment to 63.33% and 56.67%, respectively. In addition, silencing CsABCC1 caused a greater reduction in larval weight after insecticide treatment. These findings indicated that CsABCC1 and CsABCC3 are involved in chlorantraniliprole detoxification and may contribute to resistance. Overall, this study provides evidence for the functional involvement of ABC transporters in chlorantraniliprole resistance and highlights chitosan-mediated RNAi as a promising complementary approach for resistance management within integrated pest management programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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15 pages, 527 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Effect of Sterile Insect Technique and Augmentative Biological Control Use for Ceratitis capitata Control Under Field Cage Conditions

by Lorena del Carmen Suárez, Guillermo Sánchez, Mariano Ordano, Fernando Murúa, Segundo Ricardo Núñez-Campero, Flávio Roberto Mello Garcia and Sergio Marcelo Ovruski

Agronomy 2026, 16(6), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16060631 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 803

Abstract

Biological control using parasitoid wasps and the sterile insect technique (SIT) are environmentally sustainable strategies that can be integrated into fruit fly management programs. Both eco-friendly techniques have been applied independently against the invasive pest Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), commonly known as the Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, in irrigated fruit-growing areas of San Juan Province, central-western Argentina. At the San Juan Biofactory, both sterile medfly males and the exotic larval parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) are mass-reared using the Vienna-8 temperature-sensitive lethal (tsl) genetic sexing strain. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of controlling the medfly by combining releases of D. longicaudata and sterile male flies under field cage (semi-field) conditions. Trials were conducted during the summer, from 31 January to 26 April 2019, at a fruit farm in the Rawson district of San Juan. Each mesh-covered cylindrical iron field cage enclosed five exposure devices, each holding three semi-ripe figs used as oviposition substrates. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) control (no parasitoid or sterile fly releases), (2) parasitoid release alone (fertile flies from a biparental medfly strain which were released first, followed by parasitoids), (3) sterile medfly release alone (fertile flies and sterile males released simultaneously), and (4) combined techniques (fertile and sterile medflies released first, followed by parasitoids). The resulting dataset includes the number of recovered puparia and non-hatching puparia, adult flies and parasitoids, as well as the benefit proportion and Abbott’s effectiveness for each experimental condition. Combining both methods produced an additive suppression of the pest population, achieving 96% suppression of the medfly population, a value close to a near-eradication effect. These results support the use of both control techniques in an area-wide integrated medfly management approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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15 pages, 534 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Bacillus halotolerans as a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium and Root Phytopathogen Biocontrol Agent in Solanum lycopersicum Under Field Conditions

by María Del Carmen Gonzáles-Miranda, Patricia Verastegui, Katty Ogata-Gutiérrez and Doris Zúñiga-Dávila

Agronomy 2026, 16(4), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16040484 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 724

Abstract

Tomato is the most widely consumed vegetable worldwide and serves as an important source of vitamins and minerals. Using the Bacillus species as biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters is a sustainable approach to optimize production and mitigate the effects of root-infecting phytopathogenic fungi, thereby reducing reliance on chemical inputs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Bacillus sp.-based bioinoculant, produced in a 7 L bioreactor, for controlling root phytopathogens and enhancing tomato yields under field conditions. The trial was conducted at an experimental field of the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Lima, Peru) using a randomized complete block design with four blocks. Treatment means were compared using Tukey’s multiple range test (α = 0.05) to evaluate treatment effects. The treatments included three concentrations of the bioinoculant (10%, 20%, and 30%) derived from an initial concentration of 1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL of a Bacillus halotolerans IcBac2.1 strain sourced from the LEMyB laboratory strain collection, a commercial biological product (1 × 10⁹ CFU/g), and uninoculated control. Applications were made for the following four key stages of crop development: 10 days after germination, when transplanting through root dipping, 7 days after transplanting, and at the onset of flowering. In all treated groups, applications were directed to the plant crown, whereas the control group received no treatment. The evaluated variables included plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), root disease incidence (%), chlorophyll index (SPAD), °Brix, pH, vitamin C (mg/100 g), total protein (mg/100 g) and crop yield (t/ha). The greatest plant growth-promoting effects were observed in plants inoculated with the 20% bioinoculant and in the commercial product treatment, as evidenced by increased plant height, greater fruit diameter, caliber, and length, as well as lower root disease incidence (2.86% and 1.43%, respectively). In addition, yields were highest in these treatments (29.9 and 25.2 t ha⁻¹, respectively) compared with 14.5 t ha⁻¹ in the control. These results indicate that a 20% B. halotolerans-based bioformulation, similar to the commercial formulation, promotes plant growth, improves agronomic performance, and reduces root disease incidence in tomato crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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27 pages, 3474 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Possible Role of Semiochemicals in Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.): Implications for the Biological Behavior of Cydia pomonella

by María Pía Gomez, Flavia Jofré Barud, Sayra Jaled, Silvina Garrido, Liliana Cichón and María Liza López

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030331 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 625

Abstract

The codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) is a major pest of pome fruits worldwide, guided by semiochemicals to locate hosts and oviposition sites. Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), although less studied, is also affected by this pest. This study aimed to identify behaviorally active compounds for codling moth by characterizing the volatilome of quince cultivars. Volatile profiles were analyzed across four phenological stages (flowering, unripe, growth, and ripe fruit) using solid-phase microextraction and GC–MS. The cultivars evaluated were Champion, INTA 37, INTA 117, and INTA 147. Female oviposition behavior and neonate larval host choice were also assessed. Identified volatiles included esters, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and norisoprenoids. Among monoterpenes, limonene, consistently detected across all cultivars and stages, emerged as a key kairomone. Volatile composition varied across phenological stages, with the fruit growth stage exhibiting the highest diversity and abundance of compounds previously reported as behaviorally active. This pattern coincided with peak female oviposition and larval host selection. Females oviposited mainly on leaf surface, whereas during ripening, eggs were deposited on fruit lacking pubescence. Overall, INTA 147 was the most preferred cultivar. These findings highlight quince volatiles, particularly Limonene, as potential candidates for the development of semiochemical-based tools to improve codling moth management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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25 pages, 3888 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Natural Defender: Endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AsL-1 from Alstonia scholaris Latex Effectively Controls Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Mango

by Sabiha Ramadani, Jue-Liang Hsu and Douglas J. H. Shyu

Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2760; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122760 - 29 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1019

Abstract

Biological control using beneficial microbes offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides for managing postharvest diseases. This study reports the isolation and characterization of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AsL-1 from the latex of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., unconventional ecological niche. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) of AsL-1 showed strong antifungal activity, inhibiting the growth of Colletotrichum musae (48.89 ± 0.57%), Glomerella cingulata (52.22 ± 0.00%), Fusarium graminearum (47.78 ± 0.57%), and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (47.78 ± 0.00%) in vitro. Microscopy revealed that the CFS disrupted fungal development by blocking conidial germination and appressorium formation, and in C. gloeosporioides caused melanization defects linked to reduced virulence. In vivo tests on mango fruit confirmed that AsL-1 significantly decreased anthracnose lesion size and disease incidence. Protein analyses (SDS-PAGE, gel overlay, and LC-MS/MS) identified two antifungal proteins (24 and 16 kDa), corresponding to β-1,3-1,4-glucanase and flagellin. The detected β-1,3-1,4-glucanase activity indicates its role in degrading fungal cell walls and interfering with melanin biosynthesis pathways essential for pathogenicity. Overall, these findings highlight B. amyloliquefaciens AsL-1 as a promising protein-based biocontrol agent and show that latex-associated microbes may serve as valuable sources of new antifungal strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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14 pages, 445 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effective Yield Protection in Organic Potato Cultivation Through the Application of Diverse Strategies Utilizing Basic Substances

by Jolanta Kowalska, Józef Tyburski, Joanna Krzymińska and Magdalena Jakubowska

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2178; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092178 - 12 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1593

Abstract

Basic substances of plant or animal origin are permitted for use in the protection of organic crops. Experiments were performed under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions using emulsified sunflower oil solution at 10%, water onion extract (Allium cepa L.) at 25%, chitosan at 2%, two commercial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (US 05 and Coobra), and a low dose of copper (2 kg/ha) to inhibit the growth of Phytophthora infestans, to contribute to the extension of the vegetation period, and to maintain the photosynthetic capacity responsible for the quantity of yield. Potato varieties with different levels of resistance to the pathogen were planted, and preventive treatments were performed. In the greenhouse experiment, inoculation of potato plants with the pathogen was carried out. The aim of the study was to develop strategies for the combined or alternating use of basic substances and copper in order to delay the appearance of potato late blight symptoms and keep them below the level of economic damage. The main factor determining the effectiveness of the tested strategies was the yield. Protective treatments contributed to an increase in yield compared with untreated plants. Strategies combining copper with sunflower oil, onion extract, or chitosan reduced late blight symptoms; however, the final effect on plant health and yields depended on the susceptibility of the variety to the pathogen. Strategies based solely on basic substances were effective in protecting potato varieties that were less susceptible to P. infestans (e.g., Red Sonya, Lilly, Tajfun). For more-susceptible varieties (e.g., Vineta, Satina, Lord) copper pesticide must be included in the treatment strategy; however, copper can be applied either as the first four foliar sprays followed by two treatments with basic substances or, alternately, with them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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13 pages, 1829 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Use of Clove and Rosemary Plant Extracts Against Colletotrichum acutatum and Botrytis cinerea

by Vytautas Bunevičius, Armina Morkeliūnė, Justina Griauzdaitė, Alma Valiuškaitė and Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė

Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071728 - 17 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

Horticulture and agriculture are facing the challenge of growing healthy and high-quality crops. Plant extracts are currently being widely investigated as an alternative means of plant protection. Interest in these measures has increased in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, environmental pollution, and adverse effects on human health. Also, due to the goals of the European Green Deal and the decreasing use of chemical pesticides, it has become essential to look for safer alternatives. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of plant extracts of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) against Colletotrichum acutatum and Botrytis cinerea plant pathogens and to evaluate fungal pathogens recovery after the exposure to the extract. The plant extracts (PEs) were obtained by subcritical CO₂ extraction. The inhibitory effect of PEs was investigated in vitro at concentrations of 1200, 1600, 2000, 2400, 2800, and 3000 μL/L. Petri dishes were incubated at 25 ± 2 °C, and the mycelial growth of fungal pathogens was evaluated at 2, 4, and 7 days after inoculation (DAI). Reinoculation was then performed. The research showed that both plant extracts had an antifungal effect. However, clove PE was more effective. This allows us to say that plant-based measures can inhibit plant pathogens, but it is essential to determine the optimal concentrations and test them with different pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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18 pages, 665 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Potential of Salvia discolor Extract Against Common Agricultural Pathogens

by Poonam Devi, Anna Paola Lanteri, Andrea Minuto, Valentina Parisi, Valeria Iobbi, Nunziatina De Tommasi and Angela Bisio

Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061268 - 22 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

Phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria pose a serious threat to global agriculture, leading to significant economic losses and potential health risks. Consequently, the search for natural alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals has garnered increasing scientific attention, with plant extracts emerging as promising environmentally friendly solutions. In this context, the surface extract of Salvia discolor, obtained using dichloromethane, was analyzed for its bioactive potential. Chemical profiling revealed a rich composition of terpenoids and flavonoids. The antimicrobial potential of the ground extract was evaluated against nine phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae race 1, Phoma betae, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Pythium dissotocum, and Stemphylium sp.), and two phytopathogenic bacteria (Clavibacter michiganesis subsp. michiganesis and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum), selected from common pathogens of agricultural interest. Complete inhibition of P. chlamydospora at 1000 µg mL⁻¹ and strong activity against P. dissotocum, F. solani and B. cinerea was observed, and low inhibition (<40%) against C. lindemuthianum and F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae race 1. However, the extract showed promising results in the post-harvest protection of tomatoes against gray mold. Moderate antibacterial activity was seen against C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. These findings indicate that S. discolor extract has the potential to serve as an effective natural crop protection agent, though further optimization may be needed for broader application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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11 pages, 1286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Sustainable Thrips Control in Nectarine Cultivation: Efficacy, Pollinator Safety, and Integrated Pest Management Strategies

by Evangelos Moutsaras, Aikaterini Gerasimatou, Athanasios Antonopoulos, Christina Panopoulou, Dimitrios Lazarakis and Antonios Tsagkarakis

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030627 - 28 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2755

Abstract

The efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, for controlling Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae, Pergande, 1895) in nectarine orchards, was evaluated, alongside their potential impact on honeybees (Apis mellifera, Hymenoptera: Apidae, Linnaeus, 1785). Field trials revealed that S. feltiae significantly reduced thrips populations and fruit damage compared to the control, while H. bacteriophora showed no significant effect. The reduction in feeding scars on fruits from S. feltiae–treated trees underscores its potential as a sustainable biocontrol agent. However, laboratory bioassays indicated that another EPN, Steinernema carpocapsae, induced delayed mortality in honeybees under high-exposure conditions, pinpointing the need for careful application to minimize risks to pollinators. These findings demonstrate the potential of S. feltiae for integrated pest management (IPM) in nectarine cultivation while emphasizing the importance of species-specific selection and pollinator safety. Future research should focus on optimizing application methods, understanding environmental influences on EPN efficacy, and assessing long-term impacts on pollinator health to ensure sustainable pest management practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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28 pages, 2701 KB

Open AccessReview

Mycofumigation with Beneficial Yeasts: An Eco-Friendly Approach Against Postharvest Pathogens

by Rochelle C. Olana, Dulanjalee Lakmali Harishchandra, Sukanya Haituk, Christian Joseph R. Cumagun and Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030392 - 6 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1241

Abstract

Postharvest fungal diseases result in substantial crop losses, with disease severity often exacerbated by inadequate handling practices and unfavorable environmental conditions. Conventional fungicides have been widely employed; however, the frequent use has led to serious challenges, including the emergence of fungicide resistance and ecological concerns. Mycofumigation is a biocontrol approach that utilizes antimicrobial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by beneficial fungi, including yeasts, offering a promising, eco-friendly alternative. Fungal pathogens can be controlled even without direct contact between the biocontrol agent and the crop, making it suitable and feasible for postharvest applications. The review examines how yeast VOCs exert their antifungal effects at structural and genetic levels, categorizes the major classes of VOCs with demonstrated efficacy, and evaluates their application strategies, including both single-compound and composite formulations. Additionally, practical implementation of yeast-based mycofumigants was discussed, highlighting successful applications against important postharvest pathogens under controlled conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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30 pages, 475 KB

Open AccessReview

Biological Strategies and Innovations in Pest Control and Fruit Storage in Apple Orchards: A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture

by Ewa Szpyrka, Sergio Migdal-Pecharroman and Paulina Książek-Trela

Agronomy 2025, 15(10), 2373; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102373 - 11 Oct 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6372

Abstract

The production of apples plays a crucial role in global agriculture. In 2023, the world production of these fruits amounted to nearly 150 million tonnes, cultivated on 6.6 million ha. Today’s horticulture faces the difficult challenge of maintaining high productivity while simultaneously reducing negative environmental impact. Traditional methods based on chemical pesticides encounter increasing problems, such as biodiversity loss, toxic residues in food, development of pest resistance, and disrupted balance of ecosystems. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) responds to these challenges by combining biological and agrotechnical methods with selective use of chemicals. Biopesticides are a crucial component of IPM, and they include antagonist microorganisms, substances of natural origin, and other biological methods of control, which represent effective alternatives to conventional measures. Their development is driven by consumer requirements concerning food safety, as well as by the need to protect the environment. The aim of this article is to highlight current problems in apple production, describe microorganisms and natural substances used as biopesticides used for the protection of apple orchards, as well as present the characteristics of modern technologies used for biocontrol in apple orchards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

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