Emerging role of nanotechnology in the protection of BT biopesticide from UV radiations

The production and supply of quality food to the ever-growing global population is becoming a foremost challenge due to ever-increasing losses in crops yield. The yield losses in crops are majorly due to various biotic factors, such as: microbial plant pathogens, insect pests, weeds, etc. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop modern agricultural practices that can effectively minimize losses and enhance agricultural production and yield. To achieve this target several synthetic agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, etc., are being extensively used in the current agricultural practices. However, it is well-known that uncontrolled and excessive usage of synthetic agrochemicals directly or indirectly affects the ecosystem and causes numerous undesirable effects. Therefore, to overcome these problems, the application of biopesticides is recommended as one of the eco-friendly and sustainable approaches. In this context, the application of biopesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in agriculture is increasing day by day. However, despite better pesticidal efficacy, widespread use of Bt-based biopesticides is limited because of their degradation after exposure to UV radiation. Hence, the development of Bt biopesticides resistant to UV radiation is extremely necessary. In this review, we discuss the role of Bt biopesticides in the management of plant insect pests. Moreover, various limitations in the use of conventional UV protectants in Bt are also highlighted. Similarly, the emerging role of nanotechnology in protecting Bt biopesticide from UV radiation is discussed in depth.