Microbial insecticides in Iran: History, current status, challenges and perspective

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Microbial Pest Control
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Biological control programs using arthropods in Iran began in the 1930s.
• The development and registration of microbial biopesticides is a more recent initiative.
• Approximately 15 biopesticide products are currently registered or pending for commercial agricultural use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of microbial control of arthropod pests in Iran.
• To analyze the current market status and registration procedures for microbial pesticides.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for advancing microbial control in Iran's agriculture.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of biological control programs in Iran.
• Analysis of registered microbial pesticide products and their applications.
• Examination of regulatory frameworks managed by the Plant Protection Organization (PPO).
• Assessment of the current market landscape and production capabilities.

Main Results:

• Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis are the most utilized microbial agents.
• Registered products include mycoinsecticides (Lecanicillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana) and a mycofungicide (Trichoderma harzianum).
• Two companies currently produce microbial pesticides, with two more approved for future production.
• The Pesticide Supervision Board within the PPO manages the registration process.

Conclusions:

• Iran has a growing market for microbial biopesticides, supported by established regulatory processes.
• Sustainable agricultural practices are being integrated with microbial control strategies.
• Significant opportunities exist for expanding microbial control adoption and production in Iran.