BANP - Case Studies

Case Study: Mycoinsecticides

The entomopathogenic fungi M. anisopliae and V. lecanii successfully control a wide range of soil and foliar pests. Destruxins are major metabolites of both species. Large-scale greenhouse trials showed that these metabolites do not enter tomato, cucumber or radish, even when the BCAs are applied at normal and 10 fold higher rates than recommended. Results indicate that the BCAs are safe for consumers and the environment.

The entomogenous fungus B. brongniartii is recommended for the control of Melolontha melolontha(European cockchafer). Field trials using normal and higher application rates showed that this is harmless to potatoes. Oosporein, the major metabolite secreted by this fungus, did not enter potato plants. These results suggest that this BCA as also safe for humans and the environment.

Case Study: Mycoherbicide

Field bindweed and hedge bindweed are considered among the twelve economically most important weeds. S. convolvuli LA39, an effective BCA of both bindweed species produces elsinochrome A as a major metabolite. Data obtained from greenhouse and field trials showed that elsinochrome A (1) is rarely present in the applied product and if so, in amounts which are far too small to pose any risk to the environment or the consumer; (2) is not produced on the crop or the bindweed. These observations suggest that this metabolite does not enter the food chain.