Bacterial Entomo-Pathogen Based Bio-Agent
Since white grubs are serious pests of crops and usually managed using insecticides, a viable biological intervention is essential. Exhaustive surveys revealed white grubs are affected by disease-causing organisms in nature. Tapping the potential of these agents for control of the pest is a novel approach. Further studies revealed, Bacillus cereus WGPSB2 bacteria, isolated from diseased grub as potential and thus formulated in talc for field applications along with FYM and found effective in managing the pest. ICAR-VPKAS has developed a bacterial entomopathogen based formulation of biopesticide (Bacillus cereus – WGPSB2) for the management of white grubs. • The formulation was developed using a Himalayan strain of a bacterium, which has shown high efficacy against the grubs. • It is a gram +ive bacteria isolated from diseased white grubs, formulated in talc for field applications. • Bacillus cereus WGPSB-2 caused 93% mortality of 2nd instar larvae of A. dimidiate in the lab and micro plot conditions. • It will be an effective alternative for chemical pesticides which were used for the management of white grubs in the region.