Mode of Action

Conidial penetration: The microscopic conidial spores of the fungus on coming in contact withthebody of the insect host start germinating and penetrate the cuticle and grow inside the insect bodythereby killing the insect within a few days.

Enzyme production: Beauveria bassiana secretes enzymes which attack and dissolve thecuticle, penetrate the skin and grow into the insect body. Beauveria bassiana present in Beauveriabassianaproduces a toxin called beauvericin that weakens the host's immune system. After the insect dies, anantibiotic -oosporein, is produced that enables the fungus to outcompete intestinal bacteria. Beauveria bassiana mycelia also produce an octacyclodepsipeptide toxin called bassianolidethatconsists of of fourmolecules each of Dhydroxyisovaleric acid and L-Nmethylleucine whichhaveinsecticidal properties.

Growth: Once inside, Beauveria bassiana replicates and consumes the insects' internal organsandblood-like fluid, the hemolymph. .Beauveria bassiana has the ability to live in the vascular tissueofcertain corn cultivars as an endophyte. Beauveria bassiana infects the insect on contact anddoesnotneed to be consumed by the host to cause infection. A white mold emerges fromthe insects’ deadbody after a few days and produces new spores.

Environment factors: The rate at which Beauveria bassiana kills the host is dependent ontemperature and humidity. High humidity is essential for conidial germination and infectionestablishes between 24 and 48 hours. The infected insect may live for three to five days after hyphalpenetration and, after death of host insect pest, the conidiophores bearing conidia are producedoncadaver.

Target Pests

Rice leaf folder, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Loopers, Bunch caterpillars, Leaf-eating caterpillars, Mealy bugs, Coffee Berry Borers, Fruit borer of Brinjal, Tomato, Chilly, and Vegetables, Cotton boll worm, Root grubs, surface-living larvae, and nymphs.

Crops

Beauveria bassiana is suitable for application on cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, sugar crops, forage crops, plantation crops, vegetables, fruits, spices, flowers, medicinal crops, aromatic crops, orchards, and ornamentals.

Shelf Life & Packaging

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature

• Shelf Life: 24 months from the date of manufacture at room temperature

• Packaging: 1 kg pouch