Basis for developing biotechnology for plant protection means in Georgia

Abstract

The results of study on the joint action of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) – Steinernema feltiae (introduced from Israel) and parasitoid E. formosa to the GWF have been established.  The relationship of EPN, S. feltiae to Coccids has studied and there is the prospect   S. feltia using to control the Coccids in closed and open ground farms. S. feltia was tested also to main pest of vine the grape berry moth, Lobesia botrana. There is the preliminary data on biotechnology of nematode formulation on the base of local EPN, S.feltia“Georgian strain”, tentatively called “Geo-nema”. The accumulation of biomass by growing of EPN in vivo on laboratory cultures of Galleria mellanolla and Tenebrio molitor has elaborated.  At present the fall webworm (FWW), Hyphantria cunea is a verydangerous quarantine pest insect, widely spread in urban holdings, where the use of chemical pesticides are prohibited. The formulations on base of entomopathogenic organisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses, EPNs) have examined.  The possibility of using sex pheromones (Russia) for complex control to FWW at first time for Georgian conditions has established. The possibility of using entomopathogenic fungi to the very important pest insect for vegetable and technical cultures - the Colorado potato beetle,  Leptinotarsa decemlineata has elaborated. The action of strain, Beauveria bassiana LRC₁₀₇ (introduced from Canada), enriched KNO₃ (Joint project, Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology) to the different instars pest larvae and imagoes in natural conditions has studied. The average BE was achieved to 70-80%. At present the investigations are carrying out on search the local pathogenic fungi at the O. Cumanapopulations. The high virulence isolate from genus Fusarium strain will serve as the base for mycopesticides production. The above mentioned biological agents are considered as basis for development the formulations, which offer a desired integrated pest management (IPM) - compatible alternative to broad-spectrum unselective chemical insecticides. The non-toxic and environmentally safe means gives possibility obtaining the ecologically pure production, which is a very important social problem.