Bio-Catch

(Verticillium lecanii)

What is Bio-Catch?

Bio-Catch is a biological insecticide based on a selective strain of naturally-occurring entomopathogenic fungus, Verticillium lecanii. The product contains spores and mycelial fragments of V. lecanii and is available in liquid (1x10⁹ CFU's/ml) and powder (1x10⁸ CFU's/gm) formulation.

Mode of Action

V. lecanii spores contained in Bio-Catch when comes in contact with the target insect, attaches to the cuticle (outer skin) and then germinates and grows directly through spiracle into the inner body of the host. By taking nutrients from the insect it further proliferates and colonizes the entire insect and thus drains the insect of nutrients. The infected insects eventually dies.

Method of Application

Foliar Spray (plant hoppers, thrips, aphids and mealy bugs): Mix Bio-Catch @ 3 Litres or 4 kg / hectare in 500 Litres of water (i.e., 6 ml or 8 gm per Litre of water). The product should be sprayed on growing plants using hand, ground or aerial equipment targeting the insects. The spray volume depends upon the crop canopy.

Soil Application (For root mealy bugs): Mix Bio-Catch @ 3 Litres or 4 kg / hectare in 500 Litres of water (i.e., 6 ml or 8 gm per Litre of water). Bio-Catch can be sprinkled around the root-zone and incorporated into the soil either mechanically or through profuse watering of the plant. Alternatively, Bio-Catch at the recommended rate can be mixed with 1000 kgs of organic fertilizer or field soil and can be applied uniformly.

Drip System: Mix Bio-Catch with water @ 6 ml or 8 gm / Litre and incorporate into the soil through drip irrigation systems during the pre or post planting stage.

Apply preferably in the early morning or during the late evening hours. Use the spray solution as a direct spray targeting the pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Preparation of Spray Solution

Suspend Bio-Catch (@ 3 Litre or 4 kg/ha) in a clean dry container and add water (20 Litres). Stir the contents well and make up to the final spray volume (500 Litres) with water or with 1% neem solution as a diluent while preparing the spray fluid.

Compatibility

Bio-Catch is compatible with neem and other biopesticide products. Do not make tank mix Bio-Catch with fungicides.

Features

• Bio-Catch does not create resistance, resurgence and residue problems.
• Bio-Catch does not affect the natural enemies (parasites and predators) of the pest and thus offers a long-lasting pest control.
• Bio-Catch forms a good molecule for use in an IPM programme.

Benefits

• Bio-Catch effectively controls the economically important sucking pests such as aphids, Jassids, whitefly, leaf hoppers and mealy bugs for a wide range of crops.
• Bio-Catch is eco-friendly and it helps to maintain the ecological balance.