What defines a biopesticide?

A biopesticide is defined as a pesticide that is derived from naturally occurring materials. This includes substances like plants, bacteria, and minerals that can be used to control pests. Biopesticides typically have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic pesticides, as they are biodegradable and often target specific pests without harming beneficial organisms.

The focus of biopesticides on naturally occurring substances ensures that they usually operate through biological mechanisms, such as stimulating specific responses in plants or disrupting pest life cycles in a more natural way. This definition underscores the importance of using natural resources and processes to achieve pest control, which is central to sustainable agriculture practices.

In contrast, other definitions provided in the options lean towards synthetic or chemical methodologies, which do not align with the core principle of biopesticides being derived from natural origins.