Bioinsecticide against the pest that affects tomato and green beans
2005/11/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria
A group of researchers from the Public University of Navarra is developing a new bioinsecticide. In fact, the worm frequently touches tomato and green beans. It is a dangerous pest, more if you consider that it is resistant to the latest chemical insecticides.
Helicoverpa armigera site is dispersed in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Oceania. This lepidopter order sits is also called "tomato drill". In Spain, it has so far affected the cotton plant and corn, but in the last decade it is becoming a plague for other horticultural crops.
There are insecticides against the pest, but there are still no specific products for horticultural crops.
This is the objective of the research team of the Public University of Navarre, to develop a bioinsecticide that serves as a control measure. The first phase will consist of the biochemical and biological characterization of several strains of H. armigera. Next, the strains with the biological characteristics most suitable for use as bioinsecticides will be selected.
The first phase will last for two years and the bioinsecticide is expected to be available in two others.