Technical Beauveria bassiana

Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occurring, soil-borne entomopathogenic fungus widely recognized for its exceptional efficacy as a biological insecticide. It offers broad-spectrum control against numerous economically important insect pests across agricultural, horticultural, and plantation crops while maintaining environmental and ecological safety.

This fungus acts through a contact mode of action, eliminating the need for ingestion by the target pest. Upon application, viable spores (conidia) adhere to the insect’s cuticle, where they germinate under favorable humidity and temperature conditions. The germ tube penetrates the insect integument through a combination of mechanical pressure and enzymatic activity (proteases, chitinases, and lipases). Once inside the hemocoel, the fungus proliferates rapidly, disrupting the insect’s internal physiology, causing paralysis, nutrient depletion, and eventual death within a few days.

After host mortality, Beauveria bassiana often sporulates on the insect cadaver, producing a characteristic white mycelial growth. This secondary sporulation enables horizontal transmission, allowing the pathogen to spread naturally within pest populations and providing sustained pest suppression in the field.

 Target Pests

Beauveria bassiana is effective against:

• Whiteflies
• Aphids
• Jassids
• Thrips
• Mealybugs
• Shoot borers
• Stem borers
• Fruit borers
• Leafhoppers
• Armyworms
• Caterpillars
• Mosquito larvae
• Soil insects (moderate effect)

Excellent for foliar insect management and greenhouse pests.

Mode of Action

• Spores land on insect surface.
• Attach and penetrate the insect cuticle.
• Fungus spreads inside insect blood (hemolymph).
• Produces toxins that kill the insect.
• After death, the insect appears white & cottony, covered with fungal mycelium.

This gives effective contact action + long-lasting infection cycle in the field.

Benefits

• Controls a broad range of insect pests.
• Highly effective on whiteflies, thrips, aphids, mealybugs, etc.
• Safe for plants, humans, animals, and beneficial insects.
• No chemical residue; ideal for organic farming.
• No resistance issues.
• Can be used repeatedly without harming soil or environment.
• Supports IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
• Reduces dependency on harmful chemical insecticides.
• Works well under high humidity conditions.

Recommended Crops

• Cotton
• Vegetables (tomato, chili, brinjal, okra)
• Fruits (pomegranate, grapes, banana, papaya)
• Pulses
• Floriculture crops
• Greenhouse crops
• Plantation crops

Suitable for all crops affected by sucking and chewing insects.

Dosage & Application

(Adjust as per your product’s CFU level)

Liquid Formulation

• 1–2 litres per acre for foliar spraying.
• Use good-quality spreader/sticker for better leaf coverage.

Wettable Powder Form

• 1–2 kg per acre with recommended water.

Spray Instructions

• Prepare solution and spray early morning or evening.
• Ensure good coverage on both sides of leaves.
• Maintain high humidity for 6–8 hours after spray.

Application Tips

• Avoid mixing with chemical fungicides for 7–10 days.
• Repeat application after 10–12 days if pest pressure is high.
• For greenhouse: spray regularly as part of IPM.

Product Stability

• Store in cool, ventilated place.
• Avoid direct heat or sunlight.
• Use within expiry for best CFU activity.