Lalguard M52 - A broad spectrum bioinsecticide for sustainable pest management

Recently Lallemand Plant Care expanded their biological crop protection portfolio with two new biopesticides. In 2022, the company acquired the intellectual property assets related to MET52^® bioinsecticide from Novozymes, and it joined the biological portfolio from Lallemand Plant Care under the two commercial trade names Lalguard M52 OD (Oil Dispersible) and Lalguard M52 GR (Granular). The Granular formulation is already available in many European countries as well as in the UK, and the Oil Disperisble formulation will be trialed extensively this Spring in already registered European countries and will be available on the market from the end of 2023. "With these formulations, there is now a clear segmentation for which pests it can be used, targeting new growers and markets," says Matthieu Noel, EMEA Marketing Manager.

Benefits and advantages

Lalguard M52 is a bioinsecticide based on the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum strain MA43, which is already recognized for its proven efficacy on the market to fight effectively against a wide range of economically damaging pests for protected and open field edible and non-edible crops, he explains. So what are the benefits and advantages of Lalguard M52? "On top of providing effective control against a broad spectrum of pests, there is no known risk of resistance for this product, it is compatible with IPM programs, without toxicological classification, and last but not least, it is usable for organic farming."

Mode of action

And how does it work? "After the application, as soon the fungus spores reach the surface of the plant, they adhere to the insect body producing a germinative tube. It produces a wide variety of enzymes to break the insect cuticle defenses and allows it to penetrate and reach the interior of the insect. A massive number of new single cells called blastospores are produced and spread all along the insect body, followed by a massive growth of fungus, turning the insect brown as a result of the necrosis of its body and death in a matter of 3 to 7 days."

Formulation and registration

The oil dispersion formulation, Lalguard M52 OD is specifically formulated for aerial pest management to fight against thrips, whiteflies, and mites. "This formulation gives a long shelf-life and excellent efficacy in a broad range of crops under open field and greenhouse conditions." And the granular formulation, Lalguard M52 GR, is specifically adapted for soil and growing media incorporation to fight against the black vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus. "A soil-dwelling larvae that causes major damages on ornamentals, flowers, trees, shrubs, and soft fruits."

Distribution

Lalguard M52 GR is already available on the market through ICL Speciality Fertilizers in France, Austria, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and Poland and through Bayer Agro Nederland under the BIO1020 brand in the Netherlands. "Growers are already using it and were happy that it was reintroduced in the market after we acquired it from Novozymes."

This spring Lallemand Plant Care is conducting a large number of trials on Lalguard M52 OD for the control of thrips, whiteflies, and mites in European countries where the product is already registered. The targeted crops are: fruiting vegetables, onions, leeks, strawberries, and ornamentals in protected and open field conditions. Lalguard M52 OD will be available on the market from the end of 2023 through their partner distributors. "It is a challenging product to produce, and as we expect a high demand, we want to have enough product in stock to meet the demand."

Lallemand

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Lallemand has been an expert in yeast and bacteria manufacturing. "The family-owned company is now a global leader in the development, production, and marketing of microorganisms for various agri-food industries. Using sound science and know-how, Lallemand Plant Care works closely with clients to deliver the right technology, in the right formulation, for the right application. Lallemand Plant Care is committed to solving grower challenges, significantly improving yield and crop vitality."