The escalation of global hunger, exacerbated by several crises (insecurity, climate crises, pervasive hunger, etc.) and the forecasted world population increase underscores the imperative for sustainable solutions to ensure food security. The United Nations advocates for sustainable agriculture as a vital component in achieving SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, ensure food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. The Green Revolution in the late 20th century increased food production through the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties, the use of synthetic pesticides, and better management techniques, boosting agricultural productivity, especially for crops like rice and wheat. However, this chemical-centric approach has led to a host of unintended consequences, including environmental pollution, the emergence of pest resistance, food contamination, and increased incidence of human diseases. In response to these issues, there has been a shift towards biopesticides in the agricultural sector.
Biopesticides present an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, targeting pests more precisely and mitigating environmental impact. Nevertheless, challenges such as reduced efficacy and increased costs impede their widespread adoption. Addressing these critical gaps through technological innovation, while leveraging recorded successes, is now a focal point of research within pest management science. Biotechnological innovations are actively exploring ways to enhance the effectiveness of biopesticides. Their utilization promotes environmental health and advances social and economic well-being, thereby contributing to healthier lifestyles and poverty reduction. This holistic approach is indispensable for achieving SDG-2 and intersects with other Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global objectives.
Biopesticides seamlessly integrate into integrated pest management systems, fostering robust crop yields (both qualitatively and quantitatively) that contribute to better nourishment for the global population. Despite these successes, there is a need to enhance biopesticide efficiency. Continued research efforts show promise in improving biopesticides and advancing the goal of a hunger-free world by 2030. Thus, this collection aims to invite cutting-edge research focused on enhancing biopesticides in terms of effectiveness and economic sustainability, especially for small-scale farming.
With this aim, this Research Topic welcomes submissions addressing the following themes, but is not limited to:
• Documentation of endogenous practices/knowledge of biopesticide production
• Biopesticides and their impacts on crop yield and farmer income
• The role of biopesticides in promoting sustainable agriculture and stable food
productivity
• Innovations in biopesticide development, formulation, and application
• Economic barriers to biopesticide adoption in commercial farming
• Factors that promote the use of biopesticides in sustainable agriculture
• Cost-benefit analysis of biopesticides compared to traditional pesticides
• Successful case studies of biopesticide use
• Encouraging broader adoption among smallholder to large-scale farmers
• Policy and regulatory landscape to foster biopesticide adoption

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Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

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