Title Formulations of Biopesticides: Techniques, Applications, Challenges and Future Prospects

Biopesticides are made from organic components or biological microorganisms and can usually be categorised into bioinsecticides, biofungicides, bionematicides and bioherbicides. It involves an active agent, formulation and packaging components. The main objectives of formulations are to ensure that the product remains stable, to develop a user-friendly solution, to safeguard the product after application and to minimise the risks of exposure for the applicator. The review explores the various formulation techniques important for increasing biopesticides stability, effectiveness and ease of application. Techniques such as active ingredient selection, carrier material choice and stabilisation strategies are explored to develop novel viable products. The article also discusses the different application methods that primarily focus on foliar application, soil treatment and seed coating techniques. The current regulatory considerations are also appraised, covering the registration and safety assessments that the biopesticides must undergo before market approval. Furthermore, the article addresses the challenges faced by biopesticides production including efficacy issues, public perception and research gaps that limit their application.