Status and potential of bioprotection products for crop protection

Biopesticides, also called biocontrol or more recently bioprotection products, have been used in agriculture and public health for several decades, starting with the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis. In recent years, bioprotection products are experiencing rapid growth as consumers demand transparency and sustainability of their food supply, leading to more restrictions on synthetic chemical pesticides. Also, bioprotection products have increased in efficacy, benefitting from modern tools of genomics, molecular biology, bioprocess development, and novel formulations. The growth of bioprotection solutions is projected to continue at compounded annual growth rates of between 15% and 20% compared to low single digits for synthetic chemical pesticides. When integrated into crop production and pest-management programs, bioprotection products can offer higher yields and quality, with additional benefits of exemption from residue requirements for easier export, delay in the development of pest resistance to chemicals, shorter field reentry, biodegradability, lower carbon footprint, and low risk to nontarget organisms, including pollinators. Challenges to faster adoption of bioprotection products is lack of awareness and education in how to deploy their unique modes of action in integrated programs and misperceptions of cost and efficacy.