What is a primary benefit of using biopesticides in IPM?

Utilizing biopesticides in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers several advantages, with one of the primary benefits being their reduced harm to non-target organisms and the environment. Biopesticides are derived from natural materials such as plants, bacteria, and minerals, which means they tend to be more species-specific. This specificity ensures that beneficial insects, pollinators, and other non-target organisms are less likely to be adversely affected compared to traditional synthetic pesticides, which may have broad-spectrum effects.

Moreover, biopesticides typically break down more quickly in the environment, leading to decreased long-term ecological impacts. This aligns well with the principles of IPM, which emphasize sustainable pest management practices that minimize risks to human health and the ecosystem. Consequently, their lower environmental toxicity contributes to biodiversity conservation and enhances the safety of the IPM approach.

Other options may suggest benefits like cost-effectiveness, speed of action, and shelf life; however, these factors do not embody the core advantage of biopesticides within the context of IPM, particularly the focus on protecting non-target organisms and maintaining ecological balance.