Integration of Organic Farming and IPM Approaches for Sustainable Crop Protection: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This review aims to demonstrate synergistic methods of pest control and organic farming to achieve residue-free and sustainable crop production. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plays a pivotal role in organic farming by reducing dependence on synthetic chemical pesticides and promoting ecological balance. Natural enemies, including predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, provide sustainable pest suppression and contribute to crop health. Successful examples, such as Trichogramma spp. for controlling lepidopteran pests and entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana highlight the practical applicability of biological control strategies across diverse cropping systems. These approaches enhance long-term soil and plant health. However, challenges such as inconsistent field performance, environmental limitations, and high production costs continue to restrict wider adoption. Recent advances in formulation technologies, mass production, and farmer awareness programs have improved the success of biocontrol agents in organic systems. A deeper understanding of ecological interactions, coupled with policy support and integration with modern tools, is essential for scaling up the effectiveness of biological control within organic IPM frameworks.