In the cultivation of medicinal herbs, pests and diseases cause an annual production loss ranging from 10% to 30%, with severe cases reaching up to 50%. In addition, the quality and appearance of the herbs are significantly affected. Due to their minimal side effects and high environmental compatibility, biopesticides have become a growing trend in global pesticide development. Currently, over 80 types of pesticides are registered in China, including plant-based, microbial, antibiotic, and biochemical biopesticides. These biological agents effectively manage pests and diseases without harming natural predators or causing resistance. They are non-toxic to humans and animals, support sustainable development, and help produce green herbal medicines that can smoothly enter international markets.
**1. Bio-pesticides**
**1.1 Bt Emulsion (Bacillus thuringiensis)**
This bacterial insecticide is primarily stomach toxic and safe for humans, animals, and beneficial insects. It does not harm medicinal plants and causes death through sepsis after ingestion. Available in wettable powder form (10 billion spores/g), it is diluted 500–1000 times for use against pests like moths, leafhoppers, and caterpillars on medicinal crops.
**1.2 Abamectin**
A broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic, abamectin is effective against insects, mites, and nematodes. It has contact and stomach toxicity but no systemic absorption. At 0.5g per acre, it is highly safe for humans and livestock. Common formulations include 1.8% and 1.0% emulsifiable concentrates, used at 2000–5000 times dilution to control aphids, leaf miners, and other pests on herbs like alfalfa and bergamot.
**1.3 Beauveria bassiana**
An entomopathogenic fungus, it infects pests by penetrating their bodies, leading to death. Available as powders with 10 billion or 100 billion live spores per gram, it controls pests such as pod moths, leaf rollers, and cockroaches.
**1.4 Insect Virus Preparations**
These are highly specific and do not disrupt ecological balance. Examples include nuclear polyhedrosis and granulosis viruses, which are stable and safe for plants, humans, and aquatic life. They are used to control pests on medicinal plants with good environmental benefits.
**1.5 Diflubenzuron**
An insect growth regulator, it inhibits chitin synthesis in larvae, causing them to die. It is mainly stomach toxic and safe for humans, livestock, and natural enemies. Used at 1500–2000 times dilution, it targets lepidopteran and dipteran larvae.
**1.6 Imidacloprid**
A neonicotinoid insecticide, it blocks nerve conduction in pests, causing paralysis. It is a contact and systemic insecticide, available in 2.5% and 10% wettable powders, used at 2000–6000 times dilution to control aphids and leafhoppers.
**1.7 Nicotine**
Derived from tobacco, it acts as a contact and fumigant insecticide, affecting the nervous system of pests. It is 40% nicotine sulfate aqueous solution, diluted 800–1000 times, and used to control aphids, leafhoppers, and borerworms.
**1.8 Other Biological Insecticides**
Includes Liuyangmycin, Huaguangmycin, Pentazol, cypermethrin, matrine, and more.
**2. Biocides**
**2.1 Agricultural Antagonist 120**
Low toxicity, safe for plants, animals, and the environment, it stimulates plant growth. Sprayed at 200 times dilution, it controls powdery mildew and blight.
**2.2 Polyoxine**
Effective against fungal diseases, it is safe for humans, livestock, and plants. Used at 500–1000 times dilution to control gray mold and downy mildew.
**2.3 Wuyimycin BO-10**
A broad-spectrum bactericide with strong systemic absorption, it controls fungal and bacterial diseases on medicinal plants.
**2.4 Agricultural Streptomycin**
Effective against bacterial diseases, it is low in toxicity to humans and livestock but harmful to fish. Used at 500–2000 times dilution to prevent soft rot and bacterial infections.
**2.5 Other Biocides**
Includes Jinggangmycin, Kasugamycin, Trichoderma, and oxytetracycline.
**3. Application Methods**
**3.1 Concentrated Application**
Bacterial insecticides should be applied at 2200–2500 g/ha with 10 billion spores/g. The interval depends on pest population and life cycle.
**3.2 Uniform Spraying**
Ensure even coverage for maximum effectiveness. Mix properly, add surfactants like saponin or tea seed powder to improve adhesion.
**3.3 Proper Formulation**
Mix biopesticides carefully, avoiding alkaline and organophosphorus products. Use them immediately after mixing.
**4. Usage Precautions**
Biopesticides are environmentally friendly and non-toxic, but their efficacy depends on temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
**4.1 Temperature Control**
Spray when temperatures are above 20°C. Lower temperatures reduce spore activity and effectiveness.
**4.2 Humidity Requirements**
High humidity improves the performance of powdered biopesticides, as spores thrive in moist conditions.
**4.3 Avoid Direct Sunlight**
UV rays kill spores quickly. Apply in the late afternoon or on cloudy days for better results.
**4.4 Rain Avoidance**
Heavy rain washes away biopesticides. Monitor weather forecasts and apply before rain if possible. Light rain may even aid spore germination.
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