WEEDS: SOURCES OF POTENTIAL BIOPESTICIDE

Biopesticides are termed as naturally or biologically derived substances used to control pests and diseases. For decades the farmers in India have been using chemical pesticides, however overuse of these pesticides have caused enormous harm to the ecosystem, which has led to soil salinity, soil infertility, disturbed soil microflora, etc. This has given rise to the need to introduce biopesticide as an alternative in the Indian farming system. Weeds are the undesirable plants which grow on cultivated land to compete with cultivated plants for nutrients and space. They are proven to possess bioactive compounds that act as a toxin for pests and kill them by acting on their CNS (central nervous system) and gut. There are many pests that attack plants and vegetables, such as aphids, beetles, moths, flies, bees, and termites. There are various weed species that can be used as biopesticides, such as Lantana camara, Ricinus communis, etc. The use of biopesticides will contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and reduce barren land and reduced soil salinity.