Challenges in Utilisation of Macrobials and Microbials in Biological Control

Macrobials (predators and parasitoids) and microbials (entomopathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes) are the two agents used for biological control which is an environment-friendly means of reducing pests and their effects. Despite the advantages of biological control, there are some challenges faced during the utilization of macrobials and microbials. One of the major challenges for success in the utilization of macrobials is climate change i.e effect of climate change on plant quality, pest voltinism, CO₂ on plant defense signaling, varied thermal responses of herbivores, and its natural enemy and distribution shifts. It also comprises challenges concerning habitat manipulation, hyperparasitism, recognition and quantification of multiple ecosystem services, mass production, and some commercialization-related challenges for example mass rearing of trichogrammtids, a widely used bioagent, pesticide compatibility, and compatibility between different bioagents. Major challenges in microbial utilization are sensitivity to heat, UV radiation, mass production, development of stable formulation technologies, shelf life, commercialization, and resistance development. Hence, there is an urgent need to establish a strong network for the development, standardization, and efficient mass production technologies so that the natural enemies are available to the farmers at reasonable prices and with this, we can efficiently overcome the challenges faced by macrobials and microbials in biological control.