Biocontrol of caterpillars by micro wasp Trichogramma pretiosum launched in Brazil

BioIn Biotecnologia has launched a pest biocontrol product on the Brazilian market using the micro wasp Trichogramma pretiosum.

It is a natural predator that parasitizes eggs of caterpillars harmful to several Brazilian cultures, such as fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), soybean (Anticarsia gemmatalis), ear (Helicoverpa zea), and tomato moth (Tuta absoluta).

BioIn's industrial-scale biofactory is at the Biotechnology Center of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. “In our biofactory, we raise insects to obtain unfeasible eggs. These eggs will be used as inputs for the development of micro wasps in the field,” said Fernanda Borges, co-founder of BioIn Biotechnology.

Trichogramma pretiosum are still sold in eggs, either in bulk (applied by using a sprayer) or glued onto cartons (which are hooked onto the plant, as shown in the photo above). Insects are born in the field and start to control the pest.

The micro wasp is less than a millimeter long and, when released into the field, it flies around the field to find moth eggs in which it lays its egg. Thus, it prevents the birth of caterpillars that would feed on the plants, avoiding economic losses for the farmer by interrupting the pest cycle without applying agrochemicals.

The startup, BioIn Biotechnology, currently produces around 600 grams/month, with each gram containing 36,000 eggs destined to become raw material for the bioinsecticide. The company plans to increase it to one kilogram of eggs per month in the short term.

“Already looking to the future, we have the forecast to launch new sustainable solutions to control different species of bed bugs in soybeans and rice, as well as fruit flies in fruit trees,” Fernanda stated. According to the entrepreneur, the cost of biopesticides is lower than managing the application of synthetic pesticides.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)