Research initiatives in the art and science of biopesticide formulations

Recent initiatives by the pesticide regulatory departments of European and North American governments have significantly renewed interest in biopesticide technologies as alternatives for pest management following plans to deregister many chemical pesticides within the next 10 years. The literature is abundant with studies on screening for microorganisms with attributes of biopesticidal activity, however, very few of the authors have considered formulating the microorganisms with commercial applications in mind. A concerted plan in formulation development for biopesticides and bioinoculants by multi-disciplinary teams is required to optimize biopesticide yield, efficacy, storage stability and delivery for this technology to evolve and meet todayʹs agricultural demands.