Microsclerotia-based biopesticides for soil-dwelling potato pests
AGROSAVIA proposes inducing artificial microsclerotia production in entomopathogenic fungi to develop biopesticides targeting soil-dwelling pests of potato crops, including Tecia solanivora, Premnotrypes vorax, and white grubs. These resistant fungal structures offer improved field persistence and cost-effective production compared to conventional conidia-based biopesticides.
Overview
This research initiative from AGROSAVIA focuses on developing microsclerotia-based biopesticides using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) to control soil-dwelling insect pests in potato cultivation. Microsclerotia are alternative resistant fungal structures that can be artificially induced in submerged culture, offering significant advantages over traditional conidia-based formulations. These structures provide enhanced persistence in field conditions and the ability to release large quantities of infective conidia into the environment, addressing two major limitations of current biopesticide approaches: low field persistence and high production costs.
The research targets three key Colombian potato pests: the Guatemalan potato tuber moth (Tecia solanivora), the Andean potato weevil (Premnotrypes vorax), and white grub species. AGROSAVIA has previously demonstrated that native strains of Beauveria bassiana can achieve over 70% effectiveness against P. vorax, establishing strong baseline evidence for this approach.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Standardization of submerged culture conditions for microsclerotia formation in fungal strains with proven biopesticide potential
- Identification and characterization of metabolites produced during microsclerotia formation with biopesticide applications
- Laboratory evaluation of insecticidal activity of microsclerotia and their associated metabolites against edaphic insect pests
Key advantages of microsclerotia-based formulations:
- Enhanced persistence: Recent studies show microsclerotia of Beauveria maintain 100% germination after 2 years of storage
- Cost-effective production: Submerged culture methods reduce manufacturing expenses compared to solid-state conidia production
- Improved field performance: Resistant structures survive adverse soil conditions better than conventional formulations
- Dual-action delivery: Microsclerotia release infective conidia directly into the pest environment upon germination
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early-to-mid development stage (TRL 3-4). AGROSAVIA has established foundational validation through prior field trials demonstrating B. bassiana efficacy against P. vorax and prototype biopesticide characterization for white grub control. The proposed work will advance the technology by standardizing microsclerotia production protocols, characterizing bioactive metabolites, and conducting laboratory bioassays against target pests. Future development will require greenhouse and field validation trials to confirm efficacy under production conditions before commercial deployment.
About Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria
AGROSAVIA is a Colombian decentralized public entity of mixed non-profit participation dedicated to agricultural science, technology, and innovation. The organization focuses on generating scientific knowledge and developing agricultural technology through research, technological adaptation, and the dissemination of technical expertise. Its operations are organized into specialized innovation networks, including cacao, fruits, vegetables, livestock, permanent crops, and roots and tubers. By bridging the gap between advanced research and practical application, AGROSAVIA develops improved crop varieties, such as biofortified beans and sugarcane, and establishes integrated management protocols to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
These efforts are vital for Colombian agricultural producers, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve competitiveness, ensure sustainable natural resource management, and raise their quality of life. Through initiatives like field schools and the provision of technical assistance, the corporation facilitates the transfer of technology and information to small-scale farmers. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, AGROSAVIA acts as a key driver for technical change in the national agricultural sector, helping producers modernize their practices and address challenges related to climate resilience and food security.
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