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Biocontrol Biocontrol is the reduction of disease producing activity of a pathogen accomplished by/or through organisms. Biocontrol uses natural or modified organisms, and genes or gene products of selected organisms to reduce the effects of undesirable pests affecting crops. End Next

Bio-control Agents Parasitic Insects Certain insects act as parasites on eggs or larva, and kill the host insects. Epiricania melanoleuca                                                   Trichogramma Wasp                                                     End Previous Next

Bio-control Agents Predatory Insects Predatory insects hunt and feeds on its prey insects. Assassin bug                                                     Robber fly                                                        End Previous Next

Bio-control Agents Pathogens Certain microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and virus, infect insect pests causing their death. Larva killed by NP Virus                                                   Bacillus bacteria                                                     Trichoderma fungus                                                    End Previous Next

Bio-pesticides fall into three major classes. Bio-pesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from natural material such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. Many bio-pesticides are less toxic and pose a lower risk than conventional pesticides which can be quite toxic. Bio-pesticides fall into three major classes. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides 1. Microbial pesticides consist of a microorganism (e.g., a bacterium, fungus, virus or protozoan) as the active ingredient. Microbial pesticides can control many different kinds of pests, although each separate active ingredient is relatively specific for its target pest[s]. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides 2. The most widely used microbial pesticides are subspecies and strains of Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt. Some Bt's control moth larvae found on plants, Each strain of this bacterium produces a different mix of proteins, and specifically kills one or a few related species of insect larvae. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides 3. Plant-Incorporated-Protectants (PIPs) are pesticidal substances that plants produce from genetic material that has been added to the plant. For example, scientists can take the gene for the Bt pesticidal protein, and introduce the gene into the plant's own genetic material. Then the plant, instead of the Bt bacterium, manufactures the substance that destroys the pest End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Advantages Biochemical pesticides are naturally occurring substances that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms. Conventional pesticides, by contrast, are generally synthetic material that directly kill or inactivate the pest. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Advantages Biochemical pesticides include substances, such as insect sex pheromones, that interfere with mating, as well as various scented plant extracts that attract insect pests to traps. Bio-pesticides are usually inherently less toxic than conventional pesticides. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Advantages Bio-pesticides generally affect only the target pest and closely related organisms, in contrast to broad spectrum, conventional pesticides that may affect organisms as different as birds, insects, and mammals. Bio-pesticides often are effective in very small quantities and often decompose quickly, thereby resulting in lower exposures and largely avoiding the pollution problems caused by conventional pesticides. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Advantages When used as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, bio-pesticides can greatly decrease the use of conventional pesticides, while crop yields remain high. To use bio-pesticides effectively, however, users need to know a great deal about managing pests. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Actinovate is a microbial pesticide registered for suppression of botrytis fruit rot and powdery mildew on banana in the field and greenhouse. The active ingredient in Actinovate is spores of Streptomyces lydicus, a naturally occurring bacterium commonly found in soil. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Researchers think that this bacterium helps protect plants by growing over the plant surface, parasitizing fungal pathogens producing antibiotics detrimental to the fungal diseases. Before using this product in banana crop, consider whether suppression will be adequate in a commercial crop. End Previous Next

Applications should begin when conditions favor disease development. Bio-Pesticides Actinovate is a microbial pesticide registered for suppression of botrytis fruit rot and powdery mildew on banana in the field and greenhouse. Applications should begin when conditions favor disease development. End Previous Next

Repeat Actinovate application in 7 to 14 days interval. Bio-Pesticides Repeat Actinovate application in 7 to 14 days interval. Use spray mixture of Actinovate within 4 hours of its preparation. Store Actinovate at room temperature (21-26°C), but should not be frozen or exposed to very high temperatures. End Previous Next

Always leave an untreated plot to evaluate the efficacy of Actinovate. Bio-Pesticides Actinovate contains live bacteria and should not be used with bactericides. Always leave an untreated plot to evaluate the efficacy of Actinovate. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Serenade products (Serenade ASO, Serenade MAX) are registered for the suppression of a variety of diseases on fruit crops. The active ingredient is Bacillus subtilis, which colonizes plant parts and helps prevent disease microorganisms from becoming established. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Serenade products may not provide complete control and should be used as part of an integrated disease suppression program, which includes cultural controls and other tactics. So, consider whether suppression will be adequate in a commercial crop before using these products. End Previous Next

Bio-Pesticides Serenade is most effective when applied during the early stages of disease development. Rotate this product with other fungicides when conditions are conducive to heavy disease pressure. End