Production Of Biopesticides Research Articles

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Spirulina platensis on Suppressing Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Infecting Banana Plants under Greenhouse Conditions

Banana production is severely hindered by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) worldwide. Chemical nematicide, oxamyl is a systematic compound widely applied for the control of PPNs. Because of increase pests' problems, harmful effects on human and environment caused by chemical pesticides and also increased consumer requirements for safe crops have encouraged research on bio-pesticides production. So, the effect of different stress of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and blue green algae (cyanobacteria), Spirulina platensis were examined on banana plants infected with root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita. All tested treatments were effective methods to manage M. incognita in soil samples and banana roots. Notably, the usage of S. cerevisiae and S. platensis in combination treatment revealed the greater antagonistic action on M. incognita in potted banana. In addition it has an avail advantage over artificial nematicides by having several means to attack the RKN and mainly enhanced plant growth compared to any other treatments. Yet, the previous treatment had increased catalase (CAT) enzyme activity and reduced pectin methyl esterase (PME) activity in banana plant that leads to inhibit the count of the RKN. Generally, our results supply a novel knowledge to understand of PPNs management as a new approach for applying bio-fertilizer and bio-control of the parasitic nematodes.

Shelf life improvement of the biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA-1 by suitable package and storage conditions

Agrochemical companies are increasing their interest in the production of biopesticides based on biocontrol agents (BCAs), mainly due to the need to reduce the synthetic fungicide application and the consequent benefits for the environment and for human health. The efficacy of the BCA Candida sake CPA-1 has been demonstrated against the main postharvest diseases on pome fruit, and B. cinerea and sour rot in grapes control on field. Recently, two effective fluidised-bed spray-dried formulations based on C. sake CPA-1 and biodegradable compounds were described as an effective biocontrol product. However, the maintenance of the effectiveness and survival of these formulations during a long shelf life is a crucial aspect to the success of its marketing. For this reason, the aim of this study was to select the best packaging and storage conditions to maintain a long shelf life of two fluidised-bed spray-dried C. sake CPA-1 formulations. Viability and aw (water activity) of CPA-1 formulations stored in different packages (bottles and bags), temperatures (− 20 °C and 4 °C) and atmospheric conditions (vacuum and air) were tested for 22 months. Both formulations maintained their initial viability (around 4 × 109 CFU ml−1) when they were stored at − 20 °C regardless of the packages or atmospheric conditions. In contrast, the viability of CPA-1 formulations stored at 4 °C differed between bags and bottles. Both formulations could be stored for at least 21 months at − 20 °C, and only one formulation could achieve a one-year shelf life stored in bottles at 4 °C. C. sake CPA-1 formulations stored for 12 months at the most suitable conditions significantly reduced B. cinerea on grapes by 25 to 56%.

Valorisation of biowaste digestate through solid state fermentation to produce biopesticides from Bacillus thuringiensis

The main goal of this work is the production of a biopesticide through solid-state fermentation of biowaste digestate inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at pilot scale using different configurations of reactors. Fermentations were carried out using insulated and non-insulated, stirred and non-stirred reactors at different scales (10, 22 and 100 L) in order to assess the influence of the reactor configuration on the biopesticide production process. A maximum temperature of 60 °C was reached in 10-L insulated non-stirred reactors where increments of Bt viable cells and spores with respect to initial values of 1.9 and 171.6 respectively, were attained. In contrast, when temperature was regulated by using 22-L non-insulated stirred reactors the increment of viable cells and spores were 0.8 and 1.9, respectively, at a stable temperature of 27 °C. When the non-insulated stirred reactor was scaled up to 100-L, the increase of viable cells and spore counts were 1.2 and 3.8 respectively, with an average temperature of 28 °C. These results demonstrated that the election of a proper reactor configuration is important when considering the development of a new SSF process, especially when dealing with non-conventional substrates as digestate.

Genetic Identification and Biological Characterization of Baculovirus Isolated from Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae are polyphagous, aggressive, and have been found in many of Brazil's agricultural areas. Biological control with baculoviruses is part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to manage this insect. Three isolates of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) were collected from Brazilian populations of H. armigera, and compared genetically and biologically to Gemstar® (an imported nucleopolyhedrovirus), and to Nucleopolyedrovirus spodoptera (SPNPV) that was passed serially through H. armigera. Genetic sequencing of lef-8 and lef-9 genes revealed that the Brazilian isolates were closely related to nucleopolyhedrovirus species from Australia, South Africa, China, and India. The isolates caused high mortality rates in third instar H. armigera larvae. The mean lethal dose (LD50) and lethal time (LT50) differed between isolates, but was highest for HearNPV-BR2. This is the first report of HearNPV in Brazil, and the insecticidal properties of the BR2 isolate support its potential use in the production of biopesticides to manage H. armigera in Brazil.

Isolation and Characterization of Eugenia Aromatica Oil Extract Against Tropical Warehouse Moth Ephestia cautella [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae] In Cocoa Beans

Cocoa bean is a raw material used for the production of chocolate and other confectionaries. Ephestia cautella is the major pest of dried cocoa beans in storage and synthetic insecticide like organochlorides and organophosphates are the major insecticides used to control this pest in storage which further post health hazard to man and his environment. This then necessitate the search for insecticide of plant origins which are bio-degradable and non-toxic to man. This study investigates the contact and fumigant efficacy of the powder and oil extract of Eugenia aromatica on the developmental stages of E. cautella. Powders of E. aromatica were administered at different concentrations (0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g, 2.0g, and 2.5g). The oil from E.aromatica was extracted with ethanol using soxhlet extractor and redistilled using rotary evaporator and tested as fumigant insecticidal against development stages of E. cautellaat 0.5ml, 1.0ml, 1.5ml, 2.0ml, and 2.5ml. Egg hatchability, adult emergence, larvae and adult mortality of E.cautella were used as indices of insecticidal activities at 24hrs, 48hrs, 72hrs, and 96hrs post-treatment. Essential oil obtained from the plant was purified using thin layer chromatography and analysed by Gas Chromatography -Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Result obtained shown that E. aromatica powder and oil completely inhibited egg hatchability and adult emergence both as contact and fumigant. Except the 0.5g of E. aromatica powder that recorded 50.00% larva mortality and 51.67% adult mortality, other treatment concentrations recorded 90-100% larva and adult mortality. At 2.5ml oil extract tested as contact and fumigant larvicides after 96hrs recorded 92.98% and 98.23% mortality respectively. Results from phytochemical analysis of the oil showed that the major components were eugenol (82.044%) and Caryophyllene (11.716%). These findings suggested that E aromatica extract could be a potential source of insecticide which may be used for the production of biopesticide.

Integrated Pest Management Efforts for Eco-friendly Agricultural Production in Nepal: A Perspective

World-wide, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been considered one of the eco-friendly and powerful tools to manage crop pests. In Nepal, it has been adopted for more than two decades with its highest success in various crops. As dissemination and up-scaling tools to this approach, Farmers Field School (FFS) is being launched in numerous farming communities. The basic notion of initiation of this program was to mitigate and combat the negative consequence created by chemical pesticides while controlling insect pests in crops. In Nepal, it started in 1997 through a FAO Technical Cooperation Project (TCP). This article summarizes IPM activities ever since TCP to Second Phase of IPM Program (2008-2013) launched by the Government of Nepal with the support of Norwegian government. Until, 2012/013, altogether 3772 FFSs were conducted by PPD and FAO initiatives and 99751 farmers graduated in IPM Program, while 1175 farmers trained as IPM FFS Facilitators. More than 5000 farmers groups benefited from yearlong IPM FFS. Medium level agricultural technicians, government Officers from different disciplines and 25 participants from Council for Vocational Education and Training Centre (CTEVT) were trained as IPM Master Facilitators. IPM policy and participatory system of IPM product certification system were drafted however; they could not be finalized during the project period. Support for Master Degree studies and Bachelor degree mini-thesis were provided to students of various Agriculture Education Institution. Curricula developed for yearlong IPM FFS in different crops were adopted by CTEVT and other Institute in their academic programs. In the the later phase of project, emphasis was towards the institutionalization of the outcomes into regular program of the Government with a modified approach of bio pesticide production, plant clinics and networking. The program ignited and stressed largely on the socio-technical empowerment to the farmers and technicians. Initiation on the marketing of IPM products was also one of the outputs. This should be linked with increasing use of bio pesticides to the healthy food production so that environmentally damaging chemical pesticides may be reduced from the country.

Mosquiticidal and repellent potential of formulations containing wood residue extracts of a Neotropical plant, Tabebuia heptaphylla

The use of wood residues and their extracts as sources for bioactive molecules not only helps to reduce the environmental impacts of the wastage produced by timber industry but also provide innumerous biotechnological application opportunities, including the development of novel insecticide products. Here, the insecticidal and repellent (in gel and cream formulations) potential of wood extracts of the Neotropical plant “purple ipê”, Tabebuia heptaphylla (Bignoniaceae) against the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti are investigated. Firstly, the chemical composition of the chloroform and hexane extracts obtained from T. heptaphylla residues is analyzed and their insecticidal activities are assessed against A. aegypti larvae. Furthermore, the repellence and oviposition deterrence actions of these extracts were evaluated against adult mosquito females. Computational docking analysis was also conducted to predict the physical interactions between the major constituents of the T. heptaphylla residue extracts and the odorant binding receptor of A. aegypti. Despite the fact that the 2,6-di-tert-butylnaphthalene was the major constituent (53.3%) in the T. heptaphylla hexanoic extract, the presence of lapachol, 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1,4-naphthalenedione, as major constituent in both wood extracts combined with the computational docking analysis, strongly suggest the lapachol as the major factor of the insecticidal/repellent effects of T. heptaphylla wood extracts. The computational docking analysis predicted significant binding of lapachol with the internal active pocket of the mosquito odorant binding receptor, which helps to explain the up to 3 h protection against bites of A. aegypti females provided by gel and cream formulations containing the T. heptaphylla residue extracts. Collectively, the findings demonstrated relevant biotechnological and environmentally-friend opportunities (i.e., production of biopesticides) for the wood residues produced by timber activities during the extraction and processing of T. heptaphylla trees.

Economic production and biocontrol efficiency of lipopeptide biosurfactants from Bacillus mojavenis A21.

In the wake of an increased attention on the eco-friendly biopesticidal products and the rising market requirements for organic agents, lipopeptides compounds have been described as biological control agents which improve the overall health growth and development of plants. Nevertheless, their high production cost constitue the major flaw in their wide use to control plant diseases. The present article aims to formulatean economic media for lipopeptides productionby Bacillus mojavensis A21 for application as natural fungicides for plant disease treatment. We herein demonstrated the suitability of the potato waste, as low cost substrate, for lipopeptides production. Moreover, sea water was found to be a good mineral salts sources. In the second part of this study, we investigate the inhibitory activity of A21 lipopeptides against the phtopathogenic Fusarium sp. The in vitro test showed a minimal inhibitory concentration of about 0.3mg/ml. The microscopic examination, of the treated Fusarium revealed an excessive lysis of the mycelia ultrastructure with destructed spores. The invivoantagonist activity wasconfirmedtowardsthe infectedpotato tubers. A21 lipopeptides are effective in decreasing by about 78.26% and 60.68% when applied as preventive and curative treatments, respectively, as compared to the untreated tubers.

Assessment of training needs on crop production for farmers in some selected areas of Bangladesh

The study attempts to determine the training needs of the farmers emphasizing nine selected major thematic areas. Under each major component, specific and relevant training needs item were collected and systematically incorporated into an interview schedule and administered in terms of frequency of training imparted. Four districts were purposively selected for the study and a total of eighty farmers were randomly selected from four districts. Primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that more male was involved in farming and 45% farmers were middle age category (30-39 years). Majority of the farmers completed primary level of education compared to other categories and family size of more than half (60 %) of the respondents was three. Majority number of respondents (57%) had more than 10 years farming experience. A small number of farmers (8.75%) had owned agricultural land and 45% had land between 0.50- 1 hectare. More than 75% of annual gross income of 57.50% farmers came from agricultural activities. More than half (55%) of the respondents collected information on crop and its varieties by own attempt while about 34% was informed from seed seller or dealer. Farmers in Chattogram district had first priority to get training on integrated pest and diseases management, production of bio control agents and bio pesticides, marketing and transportation. Water management, integrated pest and disease management, vermi-compost production, marketing and transportation ranked first in Khagrachori district. The areas of priority for training in Rajshahi district were production and management technology, processing and value addition, marketing and transportation, integrated pest and disease management, water management and vermi-compost production. Training on integrated pest and disease management, bio-control of pests and diseases, production of bio control agents and bio pesticides, production of off-season vegetables, vermi-compost production, marketing and transportation were most emphasized by the respondents in Rangpur district. Respondents defined identification of adulterated fertilizer, insecticide and pesticide application, disease and insects of mango varieties and fruit bagging system of mango as very good type of training. The study concluded that there is an urgent need to design regular training programs in identified thematic areas to fulfill the knowledge gap among the farmers of Bangladesh.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(4): 669-690, December 2018

Microbial Biopesticides in Agroecosystems

Microbial biopesticides include several microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, baculoviruses, and nematode-associated bacteria acting against invertebrate pests in agro-ecosystems. The biopesticide sector is experiencing a significant growth and many discoveries are being developed into new biopesticidal products that are fueling a growing global market offer. Following a few decades of successful use of the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and a few other microbial species, recent academic and industrial efforts have led to the discovery of new microbial species and strains, and of their specific toxins and virulence factors. Many of these have, therefore, been developed into commercial products. Bacterial entomopathogens include several Bacillaceae, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Yersinia, Burkholderia, Chromobacterium, Streptomyces, and Saccharopolyspora species, while fungi comprise different strains of Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium, Lecanicillium, Hirsutella, Paecilomyces, and Isaria species. Baculoviruses are species-specific and refer to niche products active against chewing insects, especially Lepidopteran caterpillars. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) mainly include species in the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema associated with mutualistic symbiotic bacteria belonging to the genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus. An updated representation of the current knowledge on microbial biopesticides and of the availability of active substances that can be used in integrated pest management programs in agro-ecosystems is reported here.

Efficacy of three Bio-pesticide products and oxamyl against citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans) and on productivity of Washington navel orange trees

Efficacy of three Bio-pesticide products and oxamyl against citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans) and on productivity of Washington navel orange trees

A structured review of baculovirus infection process: integration of mathematical models and biomolecular information on cell-virus interaction.

The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is an emerging tool for the production of recombinant proteins, vaccines and bio-pesticides. However, a system-level understanding of the complex infection process is important in realizing large-scale production at a lower cost. The entire baculovirus infection process is summarized as a combination of various modules and the existing mathematical models are discussed in light of these modules. This covers a systematic review of the present understanding of virus internalization, viral DNA replication, protein expression, budded virus (BV) and occlusion-derived virus (ODV) formation, few polyhedral (FP) and defective interfering particle (DIP) mutant formation, cell cycle modification and apoptosis during the viral infection process. The corresponding theoretical models are also included. Current knowledge regarding the molecular biology of the baculovirus/insect cell system is integrated with population balance and mass action kinetics models. Furthermore, the key steps for simulating cell and virus densities and their underlying features are discussed. This review may facilitate the further development and refinement of mathematical models, thereby providing the basis for enhanced control and optimization of bioreactor operation.

Genome of Serratia nematodiphila MB307 offers unique insights into its diverse traits.

A pigment-producing species of Serratia was isolated from the rhizosphere of a heavy metal resistant Cannabis sativa plant growing in effluent-affected soil of Hattar Industrial Estate, Haripur, Pakistan. Here, we report the genome sequence of this bacterium, which has been identified as Serratia nematodiphila on the basis of whole genome comparison using the OrthoANI classification scheme. The bacterium exhibited diverse traits, including plant growth promotion, antimicrobial, bioremediation, and pollutant tolerance capabilities including metal tolerance, azo dye degradation, ibuprofen degradation, etc. Plant growth-promoting exoenzyme production as well as phosphate solubilisation properties were observed. Genes for phosphate solubilisation, siderophore production, and chitin destruction were identified in addition to other industrially important enzymes like nitrilase and lipase. Secondary metabolite producing apparatus for high value chemicals in the whole genome was also analysed. The number of antibiotic resistance genes was then profiled in silico, through a match with Antibiotic Resistant Gene and CAR database. This is the first report of a S. nematodiphila genome from a polluted environment. This could significantly contribute to the understanding of pollution tolerance, antibiotic resistance, association with nematodes, production of bio-pesticide, and their role in plant growth promotion.

Terpene based biopesticides as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides for control of aphid pests on protected ornamentals

Biopesticides based on plant extracts offer a promising alternative to the use of conventional synthetic pesticides. However, biopesticide products must provide acceptable levels of control. To date, few studies have investigated the efficacy of biopesticide products under conditions that reflect commercial practice. Here we report results from three experiments, one completed under glasshouse conditions in 2014 and two completed under polytunnel conditions, in 2015 and 2016, respectively. These experiments tested the efficacy of three terpene based biopesticides used to control two aphid species, peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae) and melon and cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), on ornamental crops. The three biopesticide products tested were orange oil (60 g active ingredient per litre, formulated as a soluble liquid), the essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides variety nr. ambrosioides (16.75% active ingredient, formulated as an oil dispersion) and neem oil (1% active ingredient, formulated as emulsifiable concentrate). The biopesticides tested were applied as foliar sprays using a water volume of 600 l/Ha and all experiments were done at Harper Adams University, Shropshire, UK.The biopesticide products tested gave statistically similar levels of control of M. persicae populations on pansy plants as the conventional synthetic insecticide flonicamid (500 g/kg active ingredient, formulated as a wettable granule) and spirotetramat (150 g/l active ingredient, formulated as an oil dispersion). All products reduced numbers of aphids by at least 85% during the experimental period. Orange oil also gave a similar speed of kill to flonicamid and was faster acting than spirotetramat, two conventional synthetic insecticides that are widely used to control aphid pests of ornamental crops. Against A. gossypii on Hebe, orange oil gave similar levels of control (90% reduction in aphid numbers) as flonicamid (98% reduction in aphid numbers), when applied with a spray interval of three days (as per label recommendation). The essential oil from Chenopodium ambrosioides variety nr. ambrosioides was not as effective as flonicamid but did significantly reduced (80% reduction in aphid numbers) numbers of A. gossypii on Hebe compared to a water control when applied with a spray interval of five days. Neem oil was not effective against A. gossypii. Importantly, there was little evidence of any phytotoxicity caused by any of the biopesticide products tested. The potential to use these products as part of an Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) programme are discussed.

Comparison of microscopic and molecular enumeration methods for insect viruses: Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus as a case study

Enumeration techniques were compared for quantification of the South African isolate of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA), used as a biopesticide to control false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta), an insect pest of various fruits and nuts, including citrus. The routine enumeration method for CrleGV-SA virus particles in experimentation and production of CrleGV-SA biopesticides is dark field microscopy. This method was compared with spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The purpose was to develop an accurate and reliable routine enumeration method for CrleGV-SA occlusion bodies (OBs) and to validate the use of dark field microscopy. Purified and semi-purified CrleGV-SA viral stocks were used. Spectrophotometry was not a suitable or accurate enumeration method. Dark field microscopy and SEM were accurate and statistically comparable (p = 0.064), validating the use of dark field microscopy as an enumeration method for granulovirus (GV). However, SEM has superior resolution and the advantage of easily distinguishing virus particles from debris in semi-purified viral stock preparations. A quantitative PCR technique has been developed based on use of specific oligonucleotide primers for the granulin gene. This has the advantage of not being affected by contamination with non-biological debris or biological material, which impact on the other methods.

Potential biopesticides for crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) management under dryland canola production in Montana

The crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), is an economically important and dominant pest of canola (Brassica napus L) in the Northern Great Plains of the USA. The current flea beetle management strategy is based on using synthetic chemical treated seeds and if necessary, foliar spray of chemicals at canola seedlings in early spring for targeting adult population. However, there is an increasing demand for development of alternative management strategies for P. cruciferae pertaining to concerns over the development of resistance to synthetic insecticides and non-target effects on pollinators and other beneficial insects. Replicated field trials were conducted to test the efficacy of several commercially available biopesticides including Entrust® (spinosad), entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae + Barricade® (polymer gel 1%), Aza-Direct® (azadirachtin), Pyganic 1.4® EC (pyrethrin), Grandevo® SC (Chromobacterium subtsugae), Venerate® XC (Heat killed Burkholderia sp. strain A396 as seed treatment and foliar application) and Gaucho® (imidacloprid) (chemical check) for the P. cruciferae management at two locations (Conrad and Sweetgrass) of Montana in 2016. Biopesticide products were evaluated based on canola leaf area injury ratings and seed yield levels. Although, there was no clear trend of canola yield increase, selected biopesticide treatments were effective in maintaining low leaf area injury ratings as compared to untreated control. Entrust was able to maintain low leaf area injury ratings (8.5–14.5%) when compared to untreated control (16.0–21.4%) at both the locations. Entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae + Barricade® and Venerate® applied as foliar treatments maintained significantly lower feeding injury pressure at Sweetgrass (11.8%) and Conrad (13.4%) locations respectively, when compared to the untreated control. Our study results suggest that these biopesticide treatment results were comparable in efficacy to the chemical seed treatment Gaucho®. Other two biopesticide products- Aza-Direct® and Pyganic 1.4® EC treatments did not provide effective control of P. cruciferae at both the locations.

Current Status and Recent Developments in Biopesticide Use

Biopesticides have attracted attention in pest management in recent decades, and have long been promoted as prospective alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Biopesticides have also attracted great interest in the international research community, with a significant increase in the number of publications devoted to the subject. Recently, new substances, like strains of the fungus Talaromyces flavus SAY-Y-94-01, extracts of the plant Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea), products of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum, products of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis strain Xd3 (Btt-Xd3), the alkaloid compound oxymatrine, fermentation products of the bacterium Lactobacillus casei strain LPT-111, stilbenes accumulated in grape canes, and olive mill wastes, have been reported in the literature as promising compounds for use as biopesticides, but more field research is required to assess the effects on specific pest problems under diverse cropping systems. Nevertheless, biopesticides have not yet reached the desired level of use, whereby they could displace the dominance of chemical pesticides, given that the commercialization of new products in the market is lagging behind. Currently, biopesticides comprise a small share of the total crop protection market globally, with a value of about $3 billion worldwide, accounting for just 5% of the total crop protection market. Fewer biopesticide-active substances are registered in the European Union (EU) than in the United States, India, Brazil, or China, due to long and complex registration processes in the EU, which follow the model for the registration of conventional pesticides. Nanoformulations and microencapsulation technologies can improve the stability and residual action of biopesticide products, and this could increase their field use. Regulations that promote registration of low-risk compounds with the provision of incentives could also facilitate commercialization and availability of biopesticides in the market.

Eco-friendly formulation of wild Bacillus thuringiensis secondary metabolites through molecular characterization against the lepidopteran pest

Continuous applications of Bt in agricultural fields has resulted in the selection of resistant streams of Lepidoptera pests. Hence an attempt is made to find out a wild-type highly virulent strain of Bt from soil samples. The 16S rRNA sequencing was done with Gen Bank accession number (KF543356). Screening for Cry genes was carried out using PCR. Secondary metabolites were partially purified and identified through chromatogram and GC-MS. Further analysis was done to identify the compound structure and molecular formula from the hexane extract of the Bt secondary metabolites. The effective concentration of the Bt metabolites were also determined in this study. Secondary metabolites isolated from the Bt strain showed strong effects on the lepidopteran, Helicoverpa armigera, Hübner. Glutathione-S-transferase activity against secondary metabolites was decrease in third through fifth instars at a concentration of 250 mg/ml. At the lowest concentration there were slight changes in cytochrome activity of H. armigera. The secondary metabolites from new wild strains of Bt may provide effective biopesticide products. Also the Bt isolates could be used in to produce recombinant Bt rice plant in order to develop any resistant against the Bt formulation.

Differences in the progress of the biopesticide revolution between the EU and other major crop-growing regions.

The five-year value in the compound annual growth rate of the biopesticides sector is predicted to be 16% by 2017 and to produce a global market worth $US 10 billion. Despite this, several impediments occur within the EU that negatively affect biopesticide research and innovation. At present, there are fewer biopesticide-active substances registered in the EU compared with the United States, India, Brazil and China. The relatively low level of biopesticide research in the EU (6880 ISI papers) versus the United States (18 839), India (9501) and China (7875) relates to the greater complexity of EU-based biopesticide regulations compared with these other countries. In this light, it is worth noting that tensions may exist between regulators that emphasise the beneficial nature of biopesticides in environmentally friendly crop management and those that adopt a more technologically based approach dependent on a chemical-pesticide-driven model. Compared with the other aforementioned countries, far fewer biopesticide products are available in the EU market, mainly as a direct result of the severe regulatory factors present there. The extent to which this trend will continue depends largely on a range of interacting political and/or regulatory decisions that influence environmentally friendly agricultural industries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pilot-scale biopesticide production by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki using starch industry wastewater as raw material

ABSTRACTPilot-scale Bacillus thuringiensis based biopesticide production (2000 L bioreactor) was conducted using starch industry wastewater (SIW) as a raw material using optimized operational parameters obtained in 15 L and 150 L fermenters. In pilot scale fermentation process the oxygen transfer rate is a major limiting factor for high product yield. Thus, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KLa) remains a tool to determine the oxygen transfer capacity [oxygen utilization rate (OUR) and oxygen transfer rate (OTR)] to obtain better bacterial growth rate and entomotoxicity in new bioreactor process optimization and scale-up. This study results demonstrated that the oxygen transfer rate in 2000 L bioreactor was better than 15 L and 150 L fermenters. The better oxygen transfer in 2000 L bioreactor augmented the bacterial growth [total cell (TC) and viable spore count (SC)] and delta-endotoxin yield. Prepared a stable biopesticide formulation for field use and its entomotoxicity was also evaluated. This study result corroborates the feasibility of industrial scale operation of biopesticide production using starch industry wastewater as raw material.