Pea and bean weevil and bruchid beetle are common pests of legumes in the
UK. Damage caused by these pests affect the quality and value of the
legumes, thus farmaers spray insecticides to the plants. However, growers
have reported that spray applications have become less effective. Thus,
Rothamsted Research and partners are conducting a study to develop a control
system for the beetle pests eliminating the need for massive insecticide
sprays.

In the new biocontrol system, the beetles will be lured to simple devices,
baited with beetle-specific attractive odors, where they will be coated with
spores of an insect fungal disease. The spores and the attractants will be
prepared in a novel formulation that is electrostatically charged and sticks
to the beetle's body. When they leave the device they will spread the
disease to other beetles. This will lead to reduction of pest population
without affecting the environment and other beneficial insects. The insect
fungal disease is naturally occurring in the soil and will not affect other
animals.

The research will run for four years and will be partially funded by the
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Innovate UK, and
private companies.


<[www.rothamsted.ac.uk]
der-way-fight-beetle-pests-pulse-crops-innovative>
[www.rothamsted.ac.uk]