Mustard-based biopesticide with insect-fungicidal properties for plant pest and disease management

Overview

This solution is a biopesticide preparation based on rapeseed-mustard oil with an emulsifier that delivers combined insecticidal and fungicidal activity from a single formulation. Conventional plant-extract pesticides typically act on either insects or fungal pathogens, but pests and diseases frequently appear together on the same plants. The preparation addresses this gap by controlling both groups simultaneously, reducing the number of sprays required and supporting integrated pest management programs.

The product has been evaluated against quarantine and invasive insect species, including fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) and western flower thrips, and against powdery mildew (Erysiphe flexuosa), which are common threats in public gardens, parks, and ornamental landscapes.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Active base derived from white mustard (Sinapis alba) seed oil combined with an emulsifier for stable spray application
• Dual insecticidal and fungicidal mode of action in one preparation
• Technical efficiency at a 2.0% concentration:
  • 78.12% against powdery mildew on azaleas
  • 81.54% against western flower thrips
  • 89.41% against fall webworm
• No observed phytotoxic effect on Rhododendron L., Chrysanthemum indicum L., or Morus alba L. in laboratory testing
• Suitable for ornamental plants in public green spaces, parks, and garden settings

Technology readiness level

The preparation has been validated under laboratory conditions by the developer, demonstrating measurable efficacy against target pests and pathogens at a defined concentration with no phytotoxicity on tested ornamental species. Further validation is planned to assess performance against a broader range of plant pests under field conditions in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Boryspil. The team is seeking a partnership that can provide equipment support and funding for key personnel to advance field trials and scale-up activities.