One health perspective of botanical and biological control of plant pests and diseases

Climate change, population growth, and reducing arable land are intensifying the impact of plant pests and diseases on agricultural productivity and food security. Although use of synthetic chemical pesticides is currently the most widely used strategy for control of pests and diseases, their widespread use poses significant health and safety concerns. Synthetic chemical pesticides contribute to environmental contamination, ecosystem imbalance, antimicrobial resistance, and multiple human health disorders. Further, mitigation measures intended to reduce harmful effects of these pesticides have not adequately eliminated the associated risks. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing and adopting safer and more sustainable alternatives. This paper reviews botanical pesticides and biological control agents, collectively referred to as biopesticides, from a One Health perspective. The review emphasizes on the use of pesticides that promote human, animal, and environmental health. Biopesticides exhibit multiple modes of action, lower toxicity to non-target organisms, rapid biodegradation, and reduced persistence in the environment. These features minimize health risks to farmers, consumers, and ecosystems while supporting sustainable food production. By synthesizing recent evidence, this review highlights the potential of biopesticides to reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides. This will enhance the safety of agricultural workers and consumers while promoting resilient agroecosystems. It underscores the importance of integrating biopesticides into plant pest and disease management frameworks in order to advance safer, healthier, and more sustainable agricultural systems.