Resources: Biocontrol agents

Biocontrol agents are organisms, or material derived from nature, which are used to manage pest problems.

Learn about the diversity of microbial biopesticides, their applications, their modes of action, and more in this beginner’s guide.

Macrobials in biocontrol can parasitize and feed on pests. Find out about their many forms and how to apply them properly.

Explore semiochemicals with this guide: understand pheromones, allelochemicals, and strategic application.

Explore the power of natural substance biopesticides: learn all about plant extracts, botanical and mineral oils and how to use them.

The predatory mite is one of the most successful commercial natural enemies in covered crops.

Nematodes are used globally to control major insect pests. Learn more here.

Trichoderma is one of the most commonly used biopesticides, with nearly 200 commercial products.

Learn how Bacillus thuringiensis targets pests like spruce budworm and gypsy moth while offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

Sterile insect technique (SIT) is a sustainable pest management solution for some agricultural pests. Here we discuss its use for onion maggot fly, how it can mitigate the use of harmful chemicals, and various costs and benefits.

Explore different pest control methods, their mode of action, and the challenges and limitations.

Aflatoxins, usually present in crops like maize, are harmful to humans. Thankfully, they can be managed with fungal biopesticides.

Outbreaks of the desert locust, one of the world’s most serious pests, are expected to increase with climate change. An environmentally friendly biopesticide can be used to prevent and control the destructive pest effectively.

Learn how to reduce the infestation of citrus fruits by one of South Africa’s most problematic pests – the false codling moth.