Herbicides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. With herbicides, pest control is achieved through the release of natural control organisms like predators, parasites or pathogens which specifically target pest organisms while minimizing harm to other species including humans. Common herbicides include insect pathogens such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), insect-parasitic nematodes, some predaceous mites and insects used to control pest mites and insects, botanical insecticides, etc.

How Do Biopesticides Work?

Unlike chemical pesticides which are toxic to the target pests as well as other organisms, herbicides act in more specific, eco-friendly ways:

Microbial pesticides: Microorganisms like viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease in target pests are used as herbicides. For example, Bt is a bacterium used against caterpillars. When eaten, toxins produced by the bacterium paralyze and kill the caterpillars.

Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs): Plants are genetically engineered to produce compounds that are toxic to pest species but are deemed safe for humans, pets and other non-target organisms. For example, Bt cotton is engineered to produce Bt toxin in its leaves and bolls.

Biochemical pesticides: These are naturally occurring substances that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms. For example, pheromones interfere with mating of insect pests. Biopesticides are highly pest-specific and represent minimal risk to people and the environment.

Advantages of Herbicides

Some key advantages of herbicides over chemical pesticides include:

- Target-specificity: Herbicides target specific pest species and do not harm beneficial/non-target organisms like pollinators. This preserves biodiversity.

- Low toxicity: They are generally non-toxic to humans and domesticated animals. Proper handling and application as per instructions can further minimize risks.

- Low environmental impact: They decompose rapidly in the environment, do not leave behind harmful residues and are less likely to pollute air, water and soil. This preserves environmental quality.

- Support integrated pest management (IPM): Used judiciously along with other IPM practices such as cultural, mechanical and physical controls, they offer strong pest control strategies while avoiding reliance on more hazardous pesticides.

- Sustainability: With less toxin loading, resistant pest populations develop slower. This sustains herbicides' effectiveness for long term pest management.

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