Aphids

Aphids (Aphididae) are a significant agricultural pest known for their polyphagous nature, as they attack various types of plants, causing extensive damage to crops. PRIMA Agro Tech has implemented a strategic biocontrol approach utilising microorganisms such as Verticillium lecanii, Isaria fumosorosea, and their specific isolates. This method effectively addresses aphid infestations while minimising environmental impact, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices and providing a comprehensive solution to protect crops from these damaging pests.

About Pest

Aphids (Aphididae) are a significant agricultural pest due to their polyphagous nature, making them capable of attacking various types of plants. These small insects typically reside beneath the leaves of plants, making them difficult to detect and control effectively.

Aphids form large colonies, often numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, as they feed on plant fluids. This extensive infestation severely interferes with the growth and overall health of the host plants. One of the distinctive signs of aphid damage is the shrivelling, curling, and distortion of the plant’s leaves, which may also take on a bowl-like shape. This damage affects the plants’ visual appearance and disrupts their photosynthesising ability, reducing yields and compromising crop quality.

Microbial Consortium

PRIMA Agro Tech’s comprehensive and environmentally sustainable approach combines these biocontrol agents to address existing aphid infestations and create an environment less conducive to their reproduction. This holistic strategy ensures the long-term health and productivity of crops affected by aphids while minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Verticillium lecanii strain SZWL7: This naturally occurring fungus is an entomopathogenic organism that infects and kills aphids by penetrating the protective waxy layer of aphids and colonising their bodies. Inside the aphid, Verticillium lecanii multiplies, disrupting the insect’s internal functions and ultimately causing its death. Its ability to breach the protective wax layer makes it highly effective against aphids.

Isaria fumosorosea strain Isfm-CPF: Isaria fumosorosea is an entomopathogenic fungus that targets aphids by attaching to their bodies and penetrating their exoskeletons. Once inside the aphid, it proliferates, consuming nutrients and releasing toxins that weaken and kill the host. Isaria fumosorosea effectively controls various aphid life stages, from nymphs to adults.

Verticillium lecanii isolate ID05-F0117: This specific isolate of Verticillium lecanii operates similarly to strain SZWL7, infecting aphids and disrupting their vital functions. Its adaptability and potency against various aphid species make it a valuable asset in biocontrol strategies.

Beauveria bassiana isolate B33: Beauveria bassiana B33 is another natural insecticide that targets aphids. It attaches to the aphid’s cuticle and grows inside its body, consuming internal nutrients and releasing toxins, leading to its demise. This isolate is known for its virulent properties and effectiveness in controlling aphid populations.

Solutions & Related Products

BIOKILLIA

BIOKILLIA is a multi-strain microbial insecticide that is highly effective in controlling pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and mites. Its key composition includes Verticillium lecanii and Isaria fumosorosea, both known for their targeted action against these common agricultural pests.

METARIZEP

METARIZEP, a microbial insecticide, is tailored to act as a biocontrol agent against pests like brown planthoppers, rice seed bugs, aphids, and thrips.

NOAPHIDSS

noAPHIDSS, a microbial insecticide, is tailored to act as a biocontrol agent against various types of aphids, whiteflies and leafhopper pests.