Microbial and Botanical Active Agents
Bio-insecticides represent biological pest control agents categorized into entomopathogenic bacteria, entomopathogenic fungi, insect viruses, and botanical extracts.
Unlike broad-spectrum synthetic neurotoxins, biological agents operate through selective mechanisms like midgut endotoxin disruption, fungal cuticular penetration, or systemic insect viral polyhedrosis.
- Entomopathogenic Bacteria: *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt) producing Cry protein delta-endotoxins
- Entomopathogenic Fungi: *Beauveria bassiana*, *Metarhizium anisopliae*, and *Verticillium lecanii*
- Insect Viruses: Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) targeting *Helicoverpa* and *Spodoptera* caterpillars
- Botanical Extracts: Azadirachtin formulations extracted from neem seed kernels
Target Pests and Biological Modes of Action
Each bio-insecticide class is adapted to specific insect pest orders, delivering eco-friendly suppression across organic and residue-free integrated crop systems.
Fungal spores adhere to insect cuticles, germinate, and penetrate directly into the hemolymph using chitinases, causing death followed by white or green fungal muscardine sporulation.
- *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt kurstaki): Controls lepidopteran caterpillars by perforating midgut epithelial cells
- *Beauveria bassiana*: Controls whiteflies, thrips, aphids, and stem borers through cuticular infection
- *Metarhizium anisopliae*: Effective against subterranean white grubs, root borers, and termites
- *Verticillium lecanii*: Highly virulent against soft scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids
Application Guidelines, Water Quality, and Storage
Because bio-insecticides contain live biological spores or heat-sensitive proteins, application techniques directly influence field efficacy. Apply during late afternoon or evening hours to avoid solar ultraviolet degradation.
Maintain spray water at neutral pH (6.5 to 7.0) and avoid tank-mixing with chemical fungicides, which destroy beneficial entomopathogenic fungal spores.
- Spraying window: Apply during late afternoon to prevent UV spore deactivation
- Water quality: Use clean, unchlorinated water free from chemical fungicide residues
- Tank compatibility: Never mix entomopathogenic fungi with chemical fungicides
- Storage condition: Store sealed packages in cool, dry areas below 25 degrees Celsius
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
How does Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) kill caterpillars?
When ingested by caterpillars, alkaline gut enzymes dissolve Bt crystal proteins, releasing delta-endotoxins that bind to and perforate midgut membranes, stopping feeding within hours.
Can bio-insecticides be used in certified organic farming?
Yes, certified microbial bio-insecticides and neem azadirachtin are approved for organic agricultural production under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards.
Why shouldn't chemical fungicides be mixed with Beauveria bassiana?
*Beauveria bassiana* is a living beneficial fungus; chemical fungicides in the spray tank will kill the fungal spores and eliminate insecticidal activity.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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