New Bio-Insecticide for efficient control of tomato leaf miner
In response to the need for new biological pesticides for tuta absoluta, Andermatt has developed an effective natural solution to the highly destructive pest that has tormented tomato farmers in Kenya for more than a decade.
Tutavir® SC, a Bio-Insecticide for the efficient control of tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), is a Baculovirus with proven success on tomatoes in Kenya, a case of triumph of biocontrol.
Kenya tomato production is a vital part of East and Central Africa’s agricultural economy, producing an estimated 590,000 tonnes for both the fresh and processing markets.
Tutavir® SC contains a Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus for effective and selective control of the tomato leaf miner. Having won the Bernard Blum award in 2019, Tutavir® SC has been fully registered in Kenya under Reg No:PCPB (CR) 2496
Adoption and trust in Baculoviruses
Despite the low prevalence of organic farming in Kenya, Tutavir® SC is increasingly being used in tomato Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Andermatt Kenya plays a crucial role in educating farmers about baculoviruses, their effectiveness, and their correct application. Kenyan farmers have had very positive experiences with established Andermatt baculovirus products such as Cryptex®SC – PCPB (CR) 1969 for control of false codling moth and Littovir® SC – PCPB (CR) 2500 for control of the fall army worm. Their successful efficacy has made them open to trying Tutavir® SC
Why use baculovirus products by Andermatt?
- Unique mode of action
.Pest population reduction overtime
- Excellent resistance management too
- No residues and non-toxic
- Complies with IPM and organic production
- Safe for producer, consumer and the environment
- Unique formulation
- High compatibility in tankmix with other products
- Good storage stability when cooled
- Good rainfastness
- Science based
- Reliable high-quality product with proven efficacyin the field
• Broadest product range
- Andermatt Group network
Local support through subsidiary companies and partners in over 60 countries. Global expertise of biological experts
Knowledge transfer within network
How do baculoviruses provide population control?
As well as being able to cause a direct effect on larvae when ingested, baculoviruses can also provide population control due to either the horizontal effect, the fitness effect or the vertical effect.
The horizonal effect takes place after an infected larva ingests a lethal dose of the virus and dies and the virus is released back into the field, where other larvae feed on the virus particles that have been released from the dying insect, leading to further insect mortality.
Baculoviruses can also cause a fitness effect.
This is when an insect ingests a sublethal quantity. The insect may not have enough virus to be controlled after ingestion at the larval stage, but this can lead to a reduction in pupation or egg hatching of the next generation.
Finally, baculoviruses can also spread via the vertical effect. Again, this can happen when a sublethal quantity of virus is ingested by the larva. The infected larva may not die from the virus, but the virus can get passed onto the insect’s offspring. The next generation can carry
the virus infection which can cause an outbreak after activation due to stress factors such as heat and disease.
All three of these effects; horizonal, fitness and the vertical effect ultimately provide population control of codling moth.
Timing of baculoviruses
The two main factors determining the time taken for larvae to die after becoming infected by baculoviruses are the dosage of virus ingested
and larval stage of the insect. A higher dose of the baculovirus will ensure that the larvae will ingest a higher viral load, ultimately leading to quicker death. The other factor that will influence mortality rate is the larval stage of the insect. Younger larvae will be controlled more quickly than older larvae as the smaller larvae are more susceptible to the baculovirus. Quicker mortality helps reduce the amount of damage caused by the pest.
What are the benefits of using a baculovirus?
Baculoviruses are naturally occurring insect specific pathogens that can be used for controlling certain types of insect pests. Baculoviruses are usually very specific and often control only one species of insect.
Baculoviruses that are used as biological control agents in Kenya have to be registered as plant protection products by PCPB that puts them under same stringent evaluations to demonstrate their safety and efficacy as the conventional chemical insecticides. Baculoviruses with approval for use can be used in integrated pest management programmes and on organically produced crops. They can be used alongside other forms of biological control, including macro biologicals, microbial products, mating disruption, pheromones and also in programmes with other plant protection products. Baculoviruses have a unique mode of action, belonging to IRAC Group 31, meaning that using them as part of plant protection programme is an excellent way to help prevent resistance developing to plant protection products and active ingredients.
Mode of action of baculoviruses
Baculoviruses contain high concentrations of virus particles, also known as virions. Each virus particle is surrounded by a protein matrix called the occlusion body which helps protect the virus from environmental conditions, such as UV. The occlusion bodies containing the virus particles are sprayed onto the leaves where the virus particles must be ingested by the larvae of the target insect in order to be effective. Baculoviruses have no direct effects on adults, eggs or pupae.
Once ingested, the occlusion bodies that surround the virus particles dissolve due to the highly alkaline environment in the larva’s midgut.
The infective part of the virus called the occlusion derived virus (ODV) is responsible for the primary infection in the midgut cells. Replication takes place in the nuclei of the midgut cells. Following the primary infection, cell to cell transmission occurs by the budded virus (BV). This is how the virus spreads throughout the insect’s body. Towards the end of the infection cycle, larval host cells produce new occlusion bodies to help protect the virus once it gets released back into the environment when the insect dies. Once released from the insect, these occlusion bodies can then be ingested by other larvae which will lead to another virus infection.
For more information , contact Andermatt Kenya through their office number : 0202100880 or info@andermatt.co.ke