New bioinsecticide with high efficiency to control fall armyworm launched in Brazil

Farmers now have a new bioinsecticide based on a virus capable of showing high efficiency in controlling the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).

Called BaculoMip SF, the new bio-input results from a public-private partnership between Embrapa and Promip. It can be used against all cultures attacked by this insect. The fall armyworm is one of the leading corn pests and affects other vital crops, such as soybeans. It attacks more than 100 species, including cereals, vegetables and fruits.

Fernando Hercos Valicente, a researcher at Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (MG), says that BaculoMip SF is a microbiological insecticide composed of the baculovirus Spodoptera frugiperda Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV).

“This baculovirus achieves the high efficiency in controlling the fall armyworm when the product is positioned correctly with the appearance of this pest,” emphasized the scientist who led the development of BaculoMip at Embrapa. “Therefore, the application of the product should be done preferably early in the morning or after 4 pm. And the farmer must always use an adhesive spreader to have a uniform application and reach the target,” Valicente advised.

Fernando stressed that the producer should never treat a biological product like he handles a chemical pesticide. “The baculovirus acts after the caterpillar ingests it when sprayed on the leaves. The insect has to scrape the plant to become infected, and when this occurs, the caterpillar reduces its food intake by up to 93%,” explained the researcher. He added that after ingesting the baculovirus, the caterpillar takes around five days to die. However, after 48 hours, she decreases her diet. An essential innovation of the new product is that the baculovirus breaks the tegument of the caterpillar, making the dead insect spread the virus to other Spodoptera frugiperda present in the crop.

According to Promip, BaculoMip SF is a highly effective product in controlling the fall armyworm, not affecting other natural predatory insects present in the crop while contributing to its control. As is natural, it does not leave residues in the crop, does not cause damage to the environment and the applicator, and contributes to reducing the application of chemical pesticides.

BaculoMip SF is also approved for use in organic agriculture or can be used alternately with chemical insecticides to manage the resistance of the fall armyworm.