Question 17.
Answer the following.
Explain the importance of biopesticides in organic farming.
Answer:
i. Some microbes-containing inoculants are produced by process of fermentation. These inoculants are sprayed on seeds before sowing and some of the inoculants are released into plants.
ii. Solution containing Azotobacter and artificial nitrogenase is used in organic farming.
iii. Soil pollution occurring due to chemical fertilizers is prevented due to use of these solutions.
iv. Pesticides in the soil can be destroyed with the help of microbes.
v. Bacterial and fungal toxins which can destroy pests and pathogens can be directly integrated into plants with the help of biotechnology. Similar to bacteria, some species of fungi and viruses are useful as pesticides. Spinosad, a byproduct of fermentation is a biopesticide.
