Myco-insecticides against whitefly in tropical crops

Executive Summary

Bioinsecticides were formulated from entomopathogenic fungi isolated from infected white flies. Thirty-four fungal isolates were collected, including the genera Beauveria and Paecilomyces.  A selection of the isolates were compared in whitefly virulence tests with fungal strains from the genebank and differences in the ability to infect and kill B. tabaci were observed. Mortality caused by Paecilomyces was higher than that of other isolates with a lethality of up to 91.7%.  The selection of isolates was based on virulence and production characteristics. Production methods using liquid and solid substrates were tested by evaluating the performance, separation methods and characteristics of conidia as an active ingredient in the formulations. Rice was the best solid substrate for the production of Paecilomyces while soybean gave better results as a semi-solid medium. Pre-fermentation in liquid media prior to rice inoculation gave better yields of conidia per gram of powder produced. The best medium for pre-fermentation was a preparation based on rice flour and molasses. Formulations were evaluated by selecting a solid formulation and an oily base, compatible with isolates of Lecanicillium, Metarhizium, Beauveria and Paecilomyces, to produce an emulsifiable concentrate for foliar application. The formulation maintained its lethality both in the laboratory and in the field. 

The technological solution

The technological solution consists of highly lethal bio-insecticides against whitefly, formulated from fungi that naturally attack this insect that affects the productivity of horticultural crops in the region. Its potential use is in integrated pest and disease control strategies. 

Results

Beneficiaries

The immediate beneficiaries are research bodies and scientists in the region working on pest and disease control in horticultural crops. After initial studies conducted in laboratory and field experiments have been confirmed through validations with farmers, it is expected that the bio-insecticide prototypes will go into commercial production. The final direct beneficiaries will be the farmers in the region who will have better elements of integrated pest management. 

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors