The Cabbage Looper pest, which is affecting many vegetable crops, particularly cabbages, in various Mexican regions, causing significant losses, will be tackled with a more powerful bio-insecticide developed through a new technology at Irapuato's Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav).
Jorge Ibarra Rendón, of Cinvestav's Bio-insecticides Laboratory, explained that they are using a method known as bioballistics, which shoots microparticles directly on the insect to develop a reassortant virus.
The project, which is supported by the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt) through the Interministerial Commission on Biosecurity of Genetically Modified Organisms (Cibiogen), aims to obtain a stronger virus than the one currently in use.
"The idea is to launch this bio-insecticide as quickly as possible after it is finished in August 2014," explained Ibarra Rendón.
The Cabbage Looper is an insect which can consume up to three times its own weight, severely affecting vegetable crops, especially cabbages, and causing significant losses.
According to the researcher from the Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, bio-insecticides have become a good option to control the pest, as they only affect the insect directly without any risk for the crop or to human beings, unlike chemical insecticides, which can be highly toxic.
Source: Vanguardia