Embrapa and Efense develop industrial bioinsecticide production

Researchers from Embrapa, in partnership with Efense, have developed a new process for the industrial production of bioinsecticides based on pathogenic fungi. This technology addresses two major hurdles in biological pest control: large-scale manufacturing and the low stability of blastospores during storage.

The process utilizes liquid fermentation to produce over one billion blastospores per milliliter in just two days. This method is faster, more uniform, and easier to automate than traditional solid fermentation. Testing has shown the products are effective against pests such as whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda).

In the broader context of Brazilian agriculture, managing sucking insects like whiteflies, aphids, and leafhoppers is increasingly complex due to crop rotation systems involving soy, corn, and cotton. These insects can migrate between different crops, creating a ‘green bridge’ that facilitates the spread of viruses and fungal diseases. Integrated pest management is becoming essential to break these cycles and protect diverse agricultural landscapes.