inhabitant microbiota; being affected by the environmental condition; and inferior
quality (Moosavi and Zare 2015). Incompatibility of biopesticides application
methods with routine delivery systems is another obstacle to farmers’ acceptance
(Moosavi 2020). Since biopesticides are relatively new for Iranian farmers, there is
an essential need to improve their knowledge by experienced trainers. Updating and
compatibility of farmers’ knowledge and technology is a prerequisite to
biopesticides adoption by farmers (Rezaei-Moghaddam and Samiee 2019).
Biological control measures especially those dealing with microbial biocontrol
agents cannot be considered as a simple interaction between pests and their antagonists. It is important to contemplate the biological control as a phenomenon which
happens in a complicated, incongruous and dynamic environment. Both biotic and
abiotic parameters are important effecters in determining the efficacy level of a
microbial biocontrol product. That is the key reason why a product shows different
efficiency in different times or locations. Deeper studies about the impact of environment and ecological condition on the biocontrol agent-pest-host plant interactions are required to increase the knowledge of how chemical, physical and
biological factors affect the relationship between biocontrol agents, their host pest
and their host plant (Stirling 2014). This information is necessary for establishing
and maintaining of successful and persistent biocontrol systems. Such improvements
could help farmers to overcome their uncertainty about biopesticides
implementation.
Well-formulated, competitive and high-quality commercial biocontrol agents
against plant diseases, insect pests and weeds may reconstruct the trust of growers.
However, the farmers should be trained in the processes that microbial pesticides act.
According to their mental background, the growers expect that the microbial pesticides act as quickly as chemical ones do. They must be trained during IPM/FFS
programs for the principles of biocontrol as well as being informed of adverse effects
of chemicals on human life and environment. They should understand that biocontrol agents operate more slowly but with greater longevity. Tolerance of microbial
biocontrol agents to chemicals is a desired trait which allows their mixed application.
Chemicals provide rapid protection while biocontrol agents supply long-term protection (Desai et al. 2002).
Mixing ability of microbial products with customary agricultural inputs is usually
limited which can be considered as a restriction factor for adoption of microbial
biocontrol agents. Application of microbial biopesticides sometimes needs special
equipment different from essential and current farm machinery (Khan and Anwer
2011). Difficulties and expense of preparing these facilities are deterrent to growers
(Bailey et al. 2010).
14.5 Challenges for Producers
In spite of many types of research done in Iranian universities or research institutes,
the number of commercialized products is not satisfactory. The major problem is a
lack of affiliation between researchers and mass producers of biopesticides. The
14 Microbial Biopecticides: Opportunities and Challenges
543
quality (Moosavi and Zare 2015). Incompatibility of biopesticides application
methods with routine delivery systems is another obstacle to farmers’ acceptance
(Moosavi 2020). Since biopesticides are relatively new for Iranian farmers, there is
an essential need to improve their knowledge by experienced trainers. Updating and
compatibility of farmers’ knowledge and technology is a prerequisite to
biopesticides adoption by farmers (Rezaei-Moghaddam and Samiee 2019).
Biological control measures especially those dealing with microbial biocontrol
agents cannot be considered as a simple interaction between pests and their antagonists. It is important to contemplate the biological control as a phenomenon which
happens in a complicated, incongruous and dynamic environment. Both biotic and
abiotic parameters are important effecters in determining the efficacy level of a
microbial biocontrol product. That is the key reason why a product shows different
efficiency in different times or locations. Deeper studies about the impact of environment and ecological condition on the biocontrol agent-pest-host plant interactions are required to increase the knowledge of how chemical, physical and
biological factors affect the relationship between biocontrol agents, their host pest
and their host plant (Stirling 2014). This information is necessary for establishing
and maintaining of successful and persistent biocontrol systems. Such improvements
could help farmers to overcome their uncertainty about biopesticides
implementation.
Well-formulated, competitive and high-quality commercial biocontrol agents
against plant diseases, insect pests and weeds may reconstruct the trust of growers.
However, the farmers should be trained in the processes that microbial pesticides act.
According to their mental background, the growers expect that the microbial pesticides act as quickly as chemical ones do. They must be trained during IPM/FFS
programs for the principles of biocontrol as well as being informed of adverse effects
of chemicals on human life and environment. They should understand that biocontrol agents operate more slowly but with greater longevity. Tolerance of microbial
biocontrol agents to chemicals is a desired trait which allows their mixed application.
Chemicals provide rapid protection while biocontrol agents supply long-term protection (Desai et al. 2002).
Mixing ability of microbial products with customary agricultural inputs is usually
limited which can be considered as a restriction factor for adoption of microbial
biocontrol agents. Application of microbial biopesticides sometimes needs special
equipment different from essential and current farm machinery (Khan and Anwer
2011). Difficulties and expense of preparing these facilities are deterrent to growers
(Bailey et al. 2010).
14.5 Challenges for Producers
In spite of many types of research done in Iranian universities or research institutes,
the number of commercialized products is not satisfactory. The major problem is a
lack of affiliation between researchers and mass producers of biopesticides. The
14 Microbial Biopecticides: Opportunities and Challenges
543