Plant-Incorporated Protectants are pesticidal substances produced by plants and the genetic material necessary for the plant to produce the substance. For example, scientists can take the gene for a specific Bt pesticidal protein, and introduce the gene into the plant’s genetic material.

Plant-incorporated protectants are pesticidal substances produced by plants and the genetic material necessary for the plant to produce the substance. Both the protein and its genetic material are regulated by EPA; the plant itself is not regulated.

Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. For example, canola oil and baking soda have pesticidal applications and are considered biopesticides.

Biopesticides may include natural plant-derived products, which include alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics and other secondary chemicals. Certain vegetable oils such as canola oil are known to have pesticidal properties. Products based on extracts of plants such as garlic have now been registered in the EU and elsewhere.

What are Biopesticides? Biopesticides include naturally occurring substances that control pests (biochemical pesticides), microorganisms that control pests (microbial pesticides), and pesticidal substances produced by plants containing added genetic material (plant-incorporated protectants) or PIPs.

However, users need more knowledge to use biopesticides effectively. This is because they are often most effectively used as part of an Integrated Pest Management approach. Microbes – These are tiny organisms like bacteria and fungi. They tend to be more targeted in their activity than conventional chemicals.

Questions regarding biopesticides and biopesticide registration should be directed to the appropriate biopesticide Regulatory Action Leader found on the Biopesticide Contacts at EPA page or the BPPD ombudsperson by emailing [email protected]

Use the drop down menus on the IR-4 Biopesticides and Organic Support Label Database page to identify your pest, or pest/crop combination of interest. The searchable database will display products to use to treat pests.