What are microbial pesticides?

• A. Naturally occurring disease organisms that have been commercially formulated to control pests.
• B. Synthetic chemical compounds designed to kill insects.
• C. Beneficial insects released to boost pollination.
• D. Plant-derived essential oils used as repellents.

Answer: (A)

Microbial pesticides are biological control products that use living microorganisms to infect, parasitize, or produce toxins that kill pests. They are typically naturally occurring disease organisms that have been isolated and commercially formulated to target specific pests. These products can include bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis, fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, viruses that attack insects, and certain nematodes. Because they rely on living organisms or their toxins, microbial pesticides are usually highly specific to their targets, often causing less impact on non-target organisms and beneficial insects, and they fit well into integrated pest management. This is why the correct description is naturally occurring disease organisms that have been commercially formulated to control pests. The other options describe synthetic chemicals, beneficial insects for pollination, or plant-based repellents, which aren’t microbial pesticides.