Bio-Power

(Beauveria bassiana)

What is Bio-Power?

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

Mode of Action

The spore of the fungus when comes in contact with the cuticle (skin) of the target pest insect it germinates and grows directly through the spiracle in the cuticle into the inner body of the host. The fungus by taking nutrients from the insect proliferates and colonizes the entire insect and thus drains the insect of nutrients and the infected insects eventually dies.

Method of Application

Foliar spray (Borer & cutworm): Mix Bio-Power @ 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 grubs): Mix Bio-Power @ 3 Litres or 4 kg / hectare in 500 Litres of water (i.e., 6 ml or 8 gm per Litre of water). Bio-power can be sprinkled around the root-zone and incorporated into the soil either mechanically or through profuse watering of the plant roots. Alternatively, Bio-Power at the recommended rate can be mixed with 1000 kgs of organic fertilizer or field soil and can be applied uniformly.

Drip System: Bio-Power can be mixed @ 6 ml or 8 gm / Litre of water. After filtering it can be incorporated into the soil through the drip irrigation system 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-Power (@ 3 Litres 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-Power is compatible with neem and other bio-pesticide products. Do not make tank mix of Bio-Power with fungicides.

Features

• Bio-Power does not create resistance, resurgence nor residue problems.
• It is safe to natural enemies of pest such as beneficial parasites and beneficial predators and thus offers a long-lasting pest control.
• Forms a good molecule for use in an IPM programme and thereby helps to reduce the pesticide load in the atmosphere.

Benefits

• Bio-Power effectively controls most of the economically important pests such as Borers, Cutworms, Root grubs, Leafhoppers. Whitefly, Aphids, Thrips and Mealybug.
• Bio-Power helps to increase productivity by improving the crop health through containing the pests.
• Bio-Power is eco-friendly and helps to maintain the ecological balance.