Advances in Biopesticides and Their Role in the Protection of Agrarian Production^‡

In agriculture, biotic stresses can be defined as damage caused to plants by other living organisms and can significantly reduce the yield and quality of cultivated products. Among biotic stressors, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, nematodes, viruses, molds, harmful insects, and weeds are the most challenging to fight to maintain crop health and ensure high yields in agriculture. Nowadays, synthetic pesticides are the primary tool used to combat them, but they are also among the major causes of environmental pollution, posing significant risks to human and animal health. In this context, biopesticides offer a safer and more sustainable approach. Their development and use are essential for reducing the environmental impact of farming and for promoting long-term agricultural productivity. This review aims to provide an overview of the new biopesticides discovered in the past decade (2014-2024), describing their natural sources and chemical and biological properties, as well as their role in the protection of agrarian crops.