Biopesticides show similar efficacy as agrochemicals against Spodoptera frugiperda

Micro and macrobiological biopesticides have already achieved levels of efficacy similar to chemical insecticides in controlling Spodoptera frugiperda, said researcher Edmar Tulher from Promip.

According to related studies, the association between chemical products and integrated pest management (IPM) could also increase caterpillar control rates and productivity.

Tulher claims the fall armyworm has already affected at least 180 crops in Brazil, including corn, soybeans and cotton, adding, “It feeds voraciously on leaves, reducing the stand of plants during the initial phase of the crop. We estimate an average annual cost of around US$600 million in the field to adopt measures to control this caterpillar using chemical insecticides. If not controlled, fall armyworm can decimate around 60% of a crop.”

Agronomist and entomologist Marcelo Poletti, CEO of Promip, said one of the best alternatives is the entomopathogenic virus, Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV), which is the basis of the microbiological, bioinsecticide Baculomip SF. The product is supplied to Promip by Embrapa Milho e Sorgo (the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation).

Poletti added the research highlighted the good performance of the SfMNPV virus with the macrobiological, Trichomip, which is derived from the wasp, Trichogramma pretiosum, and prevents the hatching of Spodoptera frugiperda eggs through its ovicidal action.

In synergy, “bio-inputs enhance the effectiveness of pest control. We studied, in depth, resistance management for fall armyworm involving biopesticides and chemical insecticides in 23 municipalities in the country. No field registered the development of pest resistance to biological agents. In a specific comparison to certain chemical insecticides, the combined application of Baculomip SF and Trichomip delivered four more sacks of corn, in addition to an average control pattern in the order of 50% of the pest population,” he added.

Also according to Poletti, the alternating application of the two biologicals and a group of premium chemical insecticides less exposed to fall armyworm resistance, within a so-called integrated pest management (IPM) regime, also significantly increased the mean control indicators of the pest in specific fields to close to 80% of the caterpillar population.

“The integrated solution of micro and microbiological will pave the way for the delivery of better results to the production chain. Cotton, corn and soy will become more sustainable items in the export basket. Producers that promote biological control and integrated pest management will help create a positive image of the country as a leading exporter of safer and healthier agricultural commodities,” Poletti said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)