Biopesticides and Biofertilizers

This chapter looks at the various types of biopesticides and biofertilizers, their general production methods, mechanism of action and utilization in agriculture and benefits. The major companies that produce commercial amounts of various biopesticides are: Bayer Crop, Science AG, BASF SE, Certis LLC, Agraquest, Koppert Biological systems, Marrone Bio-innovations, and Valent Biosciences. There are four major types of biopesticide based on its use and target pest. These different types of biopesticides, namely: bioinsecticides, biofungicides, bioherbicides, and bionematicides are described. A common carrier for the dry form of biofertilizer is lignite, a material with high organic matter and a water-holding capacity of more than 200% with respect to its dry weight. The major companies that produce commercial amounts of various biofertilizers are: CBF China Bio Fertilizers A.G., Labiofam S.A., and Novozymes A.S. The major types of biofertilizers are nitrogen fixing, phosphorus solubilization, potassium solubilization, zinc solubilization, and iron sequestration biofertilizers.