AgroPages-Koppert launches bioinsecticide Boveril for control of coffee borer in Brazil-Agricultural news

Koppert has launched Boveril in Brazil, a bioinsecticide with the conidia fungus active ingredient Beauveria bassiana, which can control coffee borer beetle (Hypothenemus hampei).

As a wettable powder formulation, the product can be also used to control whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and gum tree evil (Gonipterus scutellatus).

“It is a high-efficiency bioinsecticide, when used preventively, and can effectively control more than 80% of the pest, besides selectively destroying natural enemies; that is, it does not cause problems to the environment, animals or human health. It is also an excellent option for the concept of integrated plague management,” explained Diego Ramos Bicudo, supervisor of Koppert in Brazil.

The fungus Beauveria bassiana forms on the surface of the plague-insect and penetrates into its integument, colonizing the coffee borer. The liberation of toxins in the interior of this insect reduces its mobility until death. The entire procedure occurs in some 12 days after the application (through aerial or terrestrial spraying), depending on the climate conditions.

Since the ban on insecticide endosulfan in Brazil in July 2013, national coffee growers have been complaining about the lack of efficient alternatives for the control of coffee borer.

“The problem was resolved with chemical control through endosulfan. However, since the product was banned, we noticed the occurrence of several damages. Because of their doubtful effectiveness, I chose not to use any other product,” said Sérgio Roberto Reis, a coffee grower in the region of Coromandel, Minas Gerais.