Beauveria bassiana biopesticide for maize pest control

Overview

This solution addresses the growing need for effective biological pest control in maize cultivation, specifically targeting the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis). The product is based on native strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, produced through liquid fermentation and formulated as dispersible granules. By offering a biotechnology-based alternative to conventional chemical pesticides such as acephate, this innovation responds to increasing global demand for sustainable agricultural inputs as regulatory frameworks tighten around hazardous agrochemicals.

The proposed biopesticide leverages the natural pathogenic properties of B. bassiana, which infects and kills lepidopteran and dipteran insects by penetrating their bodies and causing disease, disorientation, and eventual death. This positions the product for integration into integrated pest management programs in maize and potentially other crops affected by similar pest complexes.

Technical specifications

• Active ingredient: Native strains of Beauveria bassiana (HIB-2, HIB-3, HIB-4, HIB-5, and GHA) evaluated for pathogenicity against Ostrinia nubilalis
• Production method: Liquid fermentation using a soybean flour and molasses culture medium, with concentration and stability optimized in a liquid bioreactor
• Formulation: Dispersible granules (dry powder formulated as granules mixed with water for application), designed to reduce inert material content and increase active ingredient concentration
• Performance benchmark: Pathogenic activity comparable to conventional chemical pesticide acephate
• Stability target: One-year shelf stability at room temperature
• Application scope: Designed for maize crops, with potential applicability to other crops affected by similar pest species such as crickets, whiteflies, thrips, and aphids

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at an early-to-mid development stage. Previous literature reports insect mortality rates of 35-96 percent within 14 days at concentrations of 10^7 conidia per milliliter, depending on strain, formulation, and bioassay design. Multiple commercial products based on entomopathogenic fungi already exist in the market, validating the general approach.

The proposed validation plan includes screening five B. bassiana strains against Ostrinia nubilalis with acephate as a chemical control benchmark, optimizing spore production through bioreactor fermentation, developing the dispersible granular formulation, and conducting one-year stability and mortality assessments at room temperature. While native Mexican strains have shown promising results in prior investigations, this work represents the first evaluation of these strains specifically against Ostrinia nubilalis in maize.