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| New virus control method for Spodoptera exigua | |
COEXPHAL (Almería Fruit & Vegetable Exporters Association) manages a production area of about 18,000 hectares in Spain, primarily given over to greenhouse vegetables. A research team from the University of Navarre, commissioned by COEXPHAL has discovered a new bioisecticide for use on many important crops such as peppers, tomato, watermelon, melon, marrow, cucumber, beans and aubergine, against the Lepidoptera larvae Spodoptera exigua for which there no commercially available biological agent as a control method. The control of this insect by means of chemical pesticides costs the Association more than € 6 million annually and it does achieve the desired result, also encountering problems of pest resistance. Based on isolated elements of the nucleopolyhedrovirus, more efficient control of S. exigua has been obtained. This virus is safe, efficient and very specific in its action and is ideal for inclusion in IPM (integrated pest managemet ) programs. “Alphagalileo” www.alphagalileo.org For further information contact the researchers: Uhaina Atxotegi, Elhuyar Fundaziona, E-mail: uhaina@elhuyar.com tel 0034 943363040 |
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