Canada to approve Andermatt's bioinsecticide Loopex

The Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has proposed the full registration for the sale and use of Andermatt's AcMNPV bioinsecticide Loopex (Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus FV11), to control cabbage looper larvae in greenhouse cucumber, peppers and tomatoes. Loopex is applied as a foliar spray. The agency has opened the public comments until May 3, 2015.

Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus FV11 is a naturally occurring baculovirus within the genus Alphabaculovirus. It has a host range limited to the larvae of several species of Lepidoptera within the family Noctuidae, including the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni. The baculovirus polyhedral inclusion bodies (PIBs) must be ingested by the larvae in order to be effective. Upon ingestion, the virus replication process is initiated. Virus-infected cells produce non-occluded virus, which spreads infection throughout the host. The virus-infected larva eventually disintegrates and releases new occluded virus particles which may infect other larvae upon ingestion.