Which statement best defines biopesticides?

Biopesticides are best defined as pesticides derived from natural materials. This includes organisms such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and minerals, which can be utilized to control pests in agricultural settings. These natural substances often work by targeting specific pests while being less harmful to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, wildlife, and humans. The reliance on biological processes and materials is a key factor that distinguishes biopesticides from conventional synthetic pesticides, which are chemically produced in laboratories.

This definition encompasses a broad range of substances, including microbial biopesticides and natural plant extracts, which can provide effective pest control through various modes of action, such as disruption of pest life cycles, or inducing plant resistance. The natural origin of biopesticides contributes to their appeal in sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management practices, as they tend to be more environmentally friendly.

While other statements highlight certain aspects of pesticides, they do not accurately capture the essence of biopesticides. Pesticides synthesized in laboratories refers to chemical pesticides, which do not have the same environmental or biological characteristics. The notion that biopesticides have no environmental impact is misleading, as any pesticide can have effects depending on how it's used. Finally, the description of conventional pesticides applied in