Technical Guide to Biopesticides

This guide serves as a foundational roadmap for transitioning from chemical-heavy practices to sustainable, biological pest management. It bridges the gap between scientific theory and real-world field application.

Key Modules & Learning Objectives:

• Foundations of Organic Farming: Understand the core principles of health, ecology, fairness, and care, alongside the EU regulatory framework (Regulation 2018/848) and IFOAM standards.

• The Science of Biopesticides: A deep dive into microbial agents (bacteria like Bt, fungi, and viruses), biochemical substances (pheromones), and botanical extracts (neem oil).

• Practical Field Application: Detailed protocols for various application methods including foliar spraying, soil drenching, seed treatment, and innovative drone-based aerial applications.

• Safety and Maintenance: Essential guidelines for using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintaining specialized spraying equipment to ensure efficacy and worker safety.

• Economics & Market Trends: Analysis of the global biopesticide landscape, projected to exceed USD 10 billion by 2030, and the economic opportunities for farmers to achieve premium pricing through organic certification.

Who Is This For?

• VET Educators: For use as a structured curriculum for agricultural training.

• Farmers: As a reference for day-to-day pest management decisions and economic planning.