Life Biological Control launches bioinsecticide Destroyer in Brazil

The Brazilian company Life Biological Control has announced the launch of the bioinsecticide Destroyer, exclusively to AgroPages. 

According to the manufacturer, this technology is based on a baculovirus (6-NR) and was the latest weapon in the fight against the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). This is the primary pest affecting corn in Brazil, capable of reducing crop production by more than 50%.

Life Biological Control claimed that this microbiological pesticide contained a virus in its exclusive formulation that targeted only the desired pest without harming human health, the environment, other plants, animals, or microorganisms. Cristiane Tibola, CEO of Life Biological Control, detailed the action of the baculovirus: "Five to seven days after ingesting the baculovirus, the caterpillar dies and naturally reinfects surrounding plants, consequently also feeding other caterpillars."

She also explained that the product was selective only for the caterpillar, without affecting its natural enemies. "This way, predatory insects can survive and assist in the natural control of the pest. It is an interesting cycle and fully aligned with a global sustainability trend," she pointed out.

PARTNERSHIP WITH EMBRAPA

Destroyer’s development was the result of a partnership between the Brazilian company and Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation). Embrapa's team of researchers collected about 14,000 caterpillars from the field for analysis in an unprecedented effort coordinated by Dr. Fernando Hercos Valicente from Embrapa Maize and Sorghum.

"The outcome of this work resulted in about 22 baculovirus isolates. Some of them were handed over to companies to refine and develop exclusive formulations," said Valicente. Specifically, the 6-NR virus isolate, it has a unique characteristic of not causing the tegument to liquefy immediately after the larvae's death, he explained.

"Life Biological Control developed a specific formulation for this isolate, which determined the product's shelf life and maintained the material's efficiency," highlighted the Embrapa researcher. From this point, the company’s baculovirus specialists worked to transform the virus into a powder product.

According to Cristiane Tibola, Destroyer is "highly effective against the fall armyworm and adapted to the realities of Brazilian crops."

"It took four years of extensive research and dedication to arrive at a product that not only controls and protects but also prevents damage from the fall armyworm in the fields," said the specialist, who is also a scientist and holds a PhD in Entomology.

She stated that this biological product contributes "to better sustainability and improved quality of products available to consumers." Cristiane pointed out that the bio-defensive Destroyer's great differential lies in its raw material's origin.

"This isolate virus evolved and adapted to control Spodoptera frugiperda, with the specific characteristics of the caterpillars occurring here in Brazil, which has a tropical climate entirely favorable for their multiplication and propagation," she explained.

She noted that the result, is "greater efficiency and much better field responses. Additionally, the WP (wettable powder) formulation allowed for easy dilution at the time of application and does not need refrigeration, so with a longer shelf life, the farmer can keep it in good condition until use."

PERSPECTIVES

According to Gabriel Nunes, researcher and coordinator of the Biological Product Development area at Life, the global trend towards more sustainable agriculture offered a good outlook for the biological inputs market.

"Brazil is a tropical country that allows for three harvests a year thanks to its characteristics. However, this fact creates a kind of 'green bridge' for pest insects, causing an increase in their incidence in the field and generating populations increasingly resistant to chemical insecticides and GMO technologies," Nunes argued.

"Therefore, the biological inputs market has emerged; the world, agriculture, and the producers themselves are increasingly demanding sustainable products that use nature's power to control agricultural pests, as is the case with baculovirus," he said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)

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