Author
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Behle, Robert |
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Submitted to: USDA Mexico International Workshop on Agricultural Biotechnology
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 10/24/2003 Publication Date: 12/1/2003 Citation: Behle, R.W. 2003. Formulation considerations for spores of beauveria bassiana. In: Galan-Wong, L.J., Elias-Santos, M., Tamez-Guerra, P., Quintero-Ramirez, R., Quintero-Zapata, I. (Editors). Procesos Biotecnologicos. Primera Edicion. Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Chapter 16, p. 196-205. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Formulation development becomes a critical issue when an active agent is discovered and industry wants to make that agent consumer friendly. In the case of pest control, microbes are effective agents for controlling weeds, plant diseases, and insect pests. However, the discovery of a beneficial microbe does not guarantee the development of an effective biological pesticide. Biological efficacy that provides effective pest control is the underlying goal of biopesticide development. In short, the biological activity of the microbe must be maintained from discovery through consumer application of the product. All phases of commercialization must contribute to this ultimate goal of maintaining biological activity of the microbe. There are three key groups that must be recognized when developing a biological pesticide, and each group has basic characteristics that impact the development of the final product formulation. These three groups can be categorized as the microbial agents, the biopesticide industry, and the final consumers. An effective formulation can only be developed if the characteristics important to all three groups are considered and addressed. The microbial agent and final consumer often dictate the critical limiting factors associated with the specific pest control situation. The formulation scientist generally works within the production company to specifically address critical factors that limit the product's ability to provide effective pest control. This presentation will begin with a brief description of the chief characteristic imposed by each of the key groups, followed by some of the techniques used to develop a suitable microbial formulation as an example. The description of the key groups provides a framework for a formulation scientist's work. With the framework established, an example will be presented to illustrate some of the details required to adopt an effective formulation concept from one microbe (a baculovirus, AJMNPV, isolated from the celery looper, Anagrapha falcifera) to another pathogen (a fungus, Beauveria bassiana) and contrast some specific formulation considerations through this process. |
