VERTILEEK (Verticillium lecanii)
- A formulation containing Verticillium lecanii 1.15% W.P. (Bio-Pesticide)
- Spore count (CFU): 1 x 108 /g minimum
KEY BENEFITS:
- Effectively controls insects like:
- Mealybugs,
- Whiteflies,
- Aphids and
- Thrips.
DOSAGE: For soil application:1kg/acre, for seed treatment: 20-25 g/kg of seed.
VERTILEEK: It is an ecofriendly biological insecticide based on Entomopathogenic fungi containing spores of Verticillium lecanii which effectively controls mealybugs insect of Citrus (Acid Lime) plants. It causes mycosis in a number of insects of orders Homoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. V. lecanii attacks a wide range of insects and has been found effective against whiteflies, aphids, thrips and mealybugs in citrus plants, many other fruits, vegetables, greenhouses and nurseries.
Verticillium lecanii:
V. lecanii is an opportunistic and widely distributed ascomycete fungi commonly called the “white holo” which causes mycosis in a number of insects of orders Homoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Also, it attacks a wide range of insects and is grouped into the extremely diverse aggregate species.
V. lecanii pathogenesis involves production and diffusion of toxins with insecticidal properties. The process of aphid colonization involves (i) spore attachment to the host cuticle through a mucilaginous matrix, (ii) spore germination and colonization of the cuticle surface, (iii) cuticle penetration by germ tubes, (iv) active multiplication of blastospores and invasion of host tissues and (v) release of the fungus from aphid cadavers through the production of conidiospores. Typically, the fungi’s extracellular enzymes are involved in the degradation of the host insects’ proteins, lipids and chitin.
Recommended crops: Citrus plants, many other fruits, vegetables, greenhouses and nurseries.