Insect diseases: resources for biopesticide development

The over dependence on chemical pesticides for pest control has led to negative effects on environment and health, and to pest resistance and resurgence. These problems may be solved through Integrated Pest Management (1PM), which usually involves reduction in chemical pesticide use and its replacement by a range of control methods that are environmentally accepted and economically feasible. One such component is the use of microbial insecticides, or biopesticides. Biopesticides have been strongly proposed for use in IPM systems because they can reduce pesticide risks. In general, they are less harmful than chemicals, highly selective for a very narrow range of target pests, and often effective in small quantities. The potential for growth for the biopesticide market looks positive against the backdrop of recent developments with regards to the following: the need for environment-friendly pest control technologies, rising costs of chemical pesticides, and the need to exploit local biodiversity towards the generation of new sources of economic activity and income generation. Biopesticides are expected to be a substantial component in pest management programs in Malaysia in future. With regard to research and developmental activities, our laboratory is undertaking both fundamental and applied research, in the areas of isolation, identification and bioefficacy of microorganisms. Among the microorganisms that have been isolated and screened are baculoviruses, nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and granulovirus (GV), and entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria, Metarhizium and Paecilomyces. They all have the potential to be developed for biopesticides. Spodoptera litura NPV (SpltNPV), in particular, is very effective for controlling armyworms in cruciferous vegetables thus it will have an important role in IPM programs in the near future.

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