Biopesticide

Subject: Science and tech

Context:

Researchers have foundfungi Ophicordycepsnutans for the first time in central India and show how it infects a stink bug and trying to explore the potential of using this fungus as biopesticide and medicine.

Concept:

• Animals or plants used wilfully to destroy pests are called Biopesticides.
• These are pest management tools that are based on beneficial microorganisms (bacteria,viruses, fungi and protozoa), beneficial nematodes or other safe, biologically based active ingredients.
• Mechanism : Infecting the insect/pests when alive and killing them.