Agency:

Agricultural Research Service

July 21, 1998

The invention is a way to biologically control the sugarbeet root maggot, which in the larval stage causes severe economic losses in sugarbeet production. The current method to control this insect pest is through the use of chemical insecticides. The invention, however, uses spores from the fungal pathogen, Syngliocladium tetanopsis, for selectively infecting and killing larvae and adult sugarbeet root maggots. The invention replaces current chemical controls that remain active for only 60 days, damage beneficial insect populations, and can cause groundwater contamination. In addition, the sugarbeet root maggot could develop a resistance to chemical controls after prolonged use. S. tetanopsis can be grown and mass produced using conventional fermentation methods. The spores from the fungus can be formulated for use in liquid sprays, wettable powders and controlled-released granules. These formulations can be applied directly to the pest, or to the soil through a pressure sprayer. The invention can also be incorporated into gels, clays or other solid carriers, or as a seed coating. By attacking sugarbeet root maggot larvae, the invention can reduce the number of eggs and pupae in the field. Upon attack by the fungus, a mycosis develops killing the insect pest and allowing dissemination of additional spores.

Chris A. Wozniak

c/o Ann C. Smigocki

USDA-ARS-MPPL

Beltsville, MD 20705-2350

(301) 504-5848 / (301) 504-5320 (fax)

Industry Keywords:

fermentation, insecticides, sugarbeet root maggot, fruits, vegetables, Syngliocladium tetanopsis