What Does Biochemical Pesticide Mean?
A biochemical pesticide, one of three major classes of biopesticides, is a natural pesticide that utilizes naturally occurring substances instead of chemicals to control pests.
Biochemical pesticides are made from naturally occurring substances such as baking soda, diatomaceous earth (DE), canola oil, neem oil, tea tree oil, cayenne pepper, and other compounds to kills pests. Biochemical pesticides either smother pests (oils), or otherwise create a hostile environment for them to inhabit (cayenne pepper and DE).
Biochemical pesticides are non-toxic and natural mechanisms that can be used to inactivate or kill the pests, often by interfering with mating. The are one form of biopesticides, meaning they are natural (non-synthetic).
Maximum Yield Explains Biochemical Pesticide
Gardeners have a wide array of choices when it comes to biochemical pesticides. There are currently 1,400 products that are registered as biopesticides. They contain up to 299 natural active ingredients.
Biopesticides are categorized into three distinct classifications: PIPs (Plant Incorporated Protectants), microbial pesticides, and biochemical pesticides. Typically, biochemical pesticides are considered safer and better for the environment than their chemical pesticide alternatives.
Biopesticides, including biochemical pesticides, work in a variety of ways. In addition to biochemical pesticides, which simply smother the bugs, for example, PIPS have been made from a plant’s own genetic material. Genes derived from outside sources are spliced into the plant to encourage it to manufacture substances that target pests and diseases. This form of biopesticide enhances the plant’s natural pest-fighting abilities.
Microbial pesticides, on the other hand, which are also naturally sourced, utilize bacteria, viruses, and protozoans to naturally battle target pests. By only targeting a specific pest, beneficial insects are not inadvertently killed when microbial pesticides are used.
Pesticides that are derived solely from other plants are also considered biochemical pesticides. For example, pyrethrum.
