“Biorationals” in integrated pest management strategies

Abstract

Preference of non-chemical methods over chemical methods if they provide satisfactory pest control is one of the rules of integrated pest management, which is obligatory in the European Union since 2014. Professional users of pesticides are encouraged to switch to practices and products with the lowest risk to human health. Products of biological origin that may have positive impact on plant health are very varied with regard to origin, composition and mode of action as well as very inhomogeneous in terms of their legal status and the paths of market placement. The paper explains in what way they may be used in the integrated pest management strategies.