Biopesticides include living organisms or products derived from natural sources, like genes and metabolites or natural-identical synthetic sources, that can be used to control pests. They are valuable pest management tools in sustainable agriculture. They protect crops from a wide range of pests and diseases while exhibiting specificity against target organisms and with minimal environmental impact. Incorporation of biopesticides into integrated pest management (IPM) programs provides a more holistic approach for growers to maximize crop yields, reduce overreliance on chemical pesticides, safeguard agroecosystems, and enhance crop yield and quality. This review explores the different classes of biopesticides (including biochemical, microbial, and plant-incorporated protectants), their modes of action, and their potential to enhance IPM strategies. The prospects of integrating emerging biopesticide technologies, such as nano-biopesticides and RNA-based biopesticides, into the existing IPM programs are also discussed.

The African armyworm Spodoptera exempta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a significant pest that affects cereal crops and pasture grasses in sub-Saharan Africa. This migratory pest causes extensive defoliation, which can result in significant yield losses, particularly in maize. This review focuses on the recent outbreaks of the African armyworm and identifies key factors contributing to its success across sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective and sustainable pest management strategies. This review emphasizes the importance of innovative technologies and data-driven approaches in managing pest outbreaks and underscores the need to implement technology-enabled integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to control the African armyworm effectively.