| The use of Chemical insecticides to control insect pests proved to be effective and convenient but it soon became apparent that their wide spread use abuse was causing serious environmental and human health problem. We have enough evidence now to show that the popular attitudes in the usage of pesticides for pest management have caused a number of ecological, economical and social problems. Pesticides have brought adverse changes in the biotic balance and lead to the development of resurgence and resistance in the pest. The pest control methods developed must be compatible with the goals of a sustainable, productive, stable and equitable agriculture. |
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| Microbial agents inimical to pests, represent an ideal form of pest control, particularly for use in both short and long term pest suppression. They are ecologically least disruptive and highly safe to man and animals. |
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| Among the different microbial agents developed and tested viruses are considered promising agents to control insect pests. The success of microbial control is based on many interactions between the entomopathogen and host insects. The development and spread of disease within an insect population is dependent on the interaction of the pathogen, the host and the environment. |
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| Keeping the above merits and demerits of chemical and biological insecticides in view Multiplex Bio-tech has developed two liquid formulation of biological insecticides called MULTIPLEX NPV of Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. |
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| MULTIPLEX HELIMAR(NPV of Helicoverpa armigera) controls Helicoverpa armigera attacking cotton, redgram, bengalgram, tomato, okra, sunflower, groundnut, chillies, maize, sorghum etc. |
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| MULTIPLEX SPODOMAR (NPV of spodoptera litura) controls spodoptera litura attacking tobacco, groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, cotton, grapes, flower, ornamentals, cabbage, beet root, cauliflower and other vegetables. |
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| Field Application and dosage |
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| For best results spray liquid concentrates on the pest @ 1 ml per ltr when the larvae are young (1st and 2nd instars), and these bioinsecticides should be sprayed preferably during evening hours, mixed with phago-stimulants (Jaggery or crude sugar 5 to 10 gms/ltr of water) and spreaders/ U.V. Protectants (maxiwet 1ml per liter of water) to enhance the performance of these products. Thorough spray coverage without runoff is essential for good control of pest. If the infestation persists, repeat the application after 10-15 days. |
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| ACTION |
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| When sprayed on the crop, the insect larvae ingest the virus along with the food (host plant) and then the virus starts multiplying in the insect tissues. The activity and feeding capacity of the virus infected larvae gets reduced, and as disease advances the insect cuticle becomes fragile. Depending on the stage of the larvae, death occurs 3 to 7 days after ingestion of virus. The virus infected larvae die hanging upside down or in the form if inverted “V” shape. The disease caused by the NPV is highly insect specific and will not cause any harmful effects to natural control agents like parasites and predators. |
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| COMPATIBILITY AND STORAGE |
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| Both are compatible with most of the pesticides. These should be stored under cool and dark places (preferably under refrigerated conditions) for longer shelf-life of the product. |
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| ADVANTAGES |
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NPV does not infect higher life forms. It is effective where other pesticides have failed. |
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These viruses are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications |
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These have no negative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even on non-target insect. |
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These are especially desirable when beneficial insects are being conserved to aid in an overall IPM program, or when an ecologically sensitive area is being treated. |
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Infection of other insects will only occur if they eat foliage that has been contaminated by virus-killed larvae. |
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