Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Business Headlines | Internet | Science | Scientific Ethics | Technology | Search

 

Biological control beats insect resistance

Biological control beats insect resistance


By Peter Kerr for sticK

(sticK - Nov. 10 2010 )
The use of biological control methods using entomopathogens such as fungi is one way around the increasing pesticide resistance being developed by major crop pest insects according to Stephen Ford.

Greentide Ltd.’s managing director says chemical pesticides will always have 1-2% of insects that are tolerant of the spray. Given the rapid lifecycles of many insects, it often only takes a couple of years before an insect population is resistant to a particular concentration of chemical pesticide, forcing an ever upward ratcheting of spray quantities to achieve pest control.

However, given both legislator and public desire for less chemical pesticides, a biological control through entomopathogens is a perfect solution he says.

Comparatively speaking, an entomopathogen is like being hit by a baseball bat to the head from an insect’s point of view.

”rel="canonical" href=" http://sticknz.net/2010/11/10/biological-control-gets-around-insect-resistance-set-to-take-on-the-world/ target="_blank">Click to read the rest of this story
http://sticknz.net/2010/11/10/biological-control-gets-around-insect-resistance-set-to-take-on-the-world/

*************

For sticK – science, technology, innovation & commercialisation KNOWLEDGE - is a new Wellington based news service concentrating on following the money from ideas to income. Contact editor Peter Kerr at peter.kerr055 @ gmail.com

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.