Technology details:
Insect pests significantly contribute to low cotton productivity, with farmers traditionally relying on conventional insecticides for pest management. However, indiscriminate use of insecticides has led to pest resistance, environmental pollution, soil contamination, and adverse effects on beneficial natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids. To address these challenges, ICAR-CICR developed the ICAR-CICR-BVBI formulation, an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to enhance the population of beneficial insects in cotton fields. Extensive multi-location evaluations demonstrated its ability to boost beneficial insect populations, reduce chemical pesticide usage, and support biological pest control. Additionally, ICAR-CICR-BVBI exhibits biostimulatory effects on cotton plant growth, induces stress tolerance through enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and preserves soil health and nutrient dynamics, making it a sustainable and commercially viable agricultural innovation