Brazil's National Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) has developed a new microbial pesticide using Metarhizium anisopliae extracted from soil in the Amazon region. According to the researchers, this bioinsecticide can be used to control a variety of fruit flies, such as Bactrocera carambolae.
Since it is obtained from the Amazon environment, this fungus is ideal for controlling fruit flies that occur in tropical environments. The technology has also proven effective in controlling Anastrepha fraterculus, Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera dorsalis, all pests that can cause huge economic losses to fruit.
According to the National Agricultural Research Institute of Brazil, this bioinsecticide is the first product made from Metarhizium anisopliae and used to control carambola fruit flies. It eliminates fruit flies by applying directly to the soil. The results showed that under field conditions, the control rate of this technology was as high as 87%. The product kills fruit fly larvae, pupae and adults in the soil without leaving harmful residues on crops and without risk to the environment. A large proportion of adults in treated soil will be infected and die before laying eggs, so no offspring will be produced.
The company is waiting for partners interested in producing and selling the product. Brazil's National Agricultural Research Corporation offers the opportunity for further research to extend the shelf life of the product and conduct additional testing against other harmful pests. Adilson Lopes Lima, a researcher at the company, said: "It is feasible to use this microbial preparation to control American fruit flies. The product has significant control effects and is easy to be commercialized."
The product has also been expanded to include insects similar to the target pests. Lima pointed out: "The peach fruit fly is a species of Oriental fruit fly, and there are 85 species of fruit flies in this group that are very close genetically."
Since the Oriental fruit fly is one of the most destructive agricultural pests in the world and a major factor limiting international trade in fresh fruits, this technology from Brazil's National Agricultural Research Corporation has the potential to contribute economic, social and environmental benefits.
Source: AgroPages
