Baculovirus Knowhow

Unique mode of action

• Pest population reduction over time
• Excellent resistance management tool

No residues and non-toxic

• Complies with IPM and organic production
• Maintain benefits of beneficial insects and pollinators in your field
• 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 efficacy in the field
• Broadest product range
• Longstanding distribution partnerships & inhouse R&D

Andermatt Group network

• Global Expertise: With a diverse team of biological experts worldwide, Andermatt offers cutting-edge solutions.
• Knowledge Ecosystem: Knowledge transfer from continent to continent, country to country and from laboratories to the field, lay a solid foundation for biological efficacy.
• Local support: Through subsidiary companies and partners, Andermatt provides localized expertise to support growers in over 60 countries.

• No, baculoviruses are not toxic. They cause a disease and not an intoxication.
• Baculoviruses do not produce metabolites or toxins.
• A baculovirus offers highly specific pest control, targeting one or very few closely related insect species. Therefore, baculoviruses have no adverse effects on beneficial insects, plants, mammals or aquatic organisms (see table below).

Key take out: Baculoviruses are safe for the user, consumer and the environment. They act specific against certain insect species.

1. The virus particles (occlusion body = OB) must be ingested by the host larvae.
2. The protein capsule of the occlusion bodies is dissolved by the high pH of the larvae’s midgut.
3. The infective part of the virus is released (occlusion derived virus, ODV), enabling the primary infection of the midgut cells.
4. Replication takes place in the nuclei of the midgut cells, followed by cell-to-cell infection of the entire larva.
5. Towards the end of the infection cycle, larval host cells produce and release the occlusion bodies, which are infectious for other larvae of the same species.
6. In the occlusion bodies, the virus is able to survive natural environmental conditions.

• Target eggs and first larval instars (L1-L2).
• Mortality of small/young larvae is quicker and results in less crop damage than larger/older larvae.
• Larger larvae incur quicker and more extensive feeding damage on leaves and fruits.
• Some species feed on eggshell during hatching (e.g. Helicoverpa spp. and Spodoptera spp.). In these cases, the application on eggs can be useful to infect hatching larvae. However, the applied baculovirus does not have an effect on the egg itself.
• Temperature affects the development rate of the pest. At higher temperatures, most pests develop more quickly until feeding is stopped if it gets too hot.
• To identify the right moment of application, the pest population should be monitored. Common monitoring methods for insects are in-field scouting and traps (pheromone, sticky, blacklight etc.) and local pest models.

Key take out: Start to apply product with hatching of eggs and cover the whole larval hatching period.

• Baculoviruses need to be ingested by the larvae. There is no systemic or translaminar effect of baculovirus products. Thus, optimal application technique can significantly increase product efficacy.
• Important questions to define which plant parts need to be sprayed:
  • Where are the eggs laid?
  • Where does the pest occur on the plant after hatching?
  • Where and when do the small larvae feed?
• Water volume should be adjusted to crop and spray equipment to allow good coverage, also of underside of leaves, but avoid run-off.

Key take out: The baculovirus product needs to be ingested by the larvae to have an effect. Good spray coverage is essential.

Good spray coverage

For more specific information, please refer to the respective product.

• During storage, temperature is the critical factor affecting the viability of the product (see shelf-life recommendations below)
• Once applied in the field, UV radiation affects the viability of the baculovirus particles more quickly than high temperatures.
• Sprays are recommended when the pest is actively feeding, preferably at times of lower UV radiation (e.g. evening)

• The products should be stored as cool as possible, preferably in the freezer.
• The product remains liquid when frozen and is ready to use without unfreezing.
• Once opened, the bottle can be stored further at low temperatures without loss of quality.
• Temperatures above 40 °C must be avoided. E.g. product should not be left in a parked car.
• At room temperature (25 °C) the products have a shelf-life of 1 to 3 months, depending on the specific product. Consult the respective product information.