Innovations in Biopesticides: The Role of Plant-Based Biopesticides in Sustainable Agriculture

The intensifying demand foreco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides has propelled the advancementof plant-based biopesticides as a sustainable solution in modern agriculture.Derived from botanical sources, these biopesticides including essential oils,plant extracts, and secondary metabolites offer multi-target pest control withminimal environmental impact, improved food safety, and enhanced compatibilitywith integrated pest management (IPM) systems. This review comprehensivelyexplores the historical context, chemical diversity, and biological efficacy ofplant-based biopesticides, while highlighting innovations in extraction andformulation technologies such as nanoencapsulation, microencapsulation, andcontrolled-release systems that enhance their stability, bioavailability, andfield performance. Furthermore, it discusses recent regulatory frameworks,market challenges, and the integration of multi-omics, synthetic biology, RNAinterference (RNAi), and CRISPR-based approaches for the development ofnext-generation biopesticides. While plant-based solutions face adoption barrierssuch as regulatory complexity, variable efficacy, and higher production costs,advancements in biotechnology and interdisciplinary collaboration offerpromising avenues for overcoming these challenges. Future research must focuson improving formulation stability, streamlining regulations, expanding pestcontrol spectra, and ensuring scalability for wider adoption. This reviewunderscores the transformative potential of plant-based biopesticides inachieving resilient, environmentally sound, and health-conscious agriculturalsystems.