Naturalis^®L is an insect biocontrol product formulated as a conidial suspension of Beauveria bassiana (ATCC 74040). It was evaluated for control of cotton insects both alone and as a component in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. The effect on target and beneficial insects was monitored. Target insects included boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis), fleahopper (Pseudatomoscelis seriatus), sweetpotato (silverleaf) whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), and tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris). Where conditions permitted proper application timing, best spray coverage approaches were used, and weather was not inclement, Naturalis^® biorationals provided effective control of cotton insects either alone or in combination with conventional insecticides in an IPM approach. Where yields were taken, Naturalis^® L treatments and IPM programs containing Naturalis^® L provided cotton yield protection that did not differ significantly from that provided with the standard insecticide program. Yields tended to be highest where Naturalis^® L was used in an IPM program.

It was likely that beneficial insects spared by Naturalis^® L were also responsible for control of insects not known to be impacted by Beauveria bassiana. In EPA-mandated studies, it has been established that Naturalis^® L Beauveria bassiana is innocuous to beneficial insects, fish, honeybees, and mammals. It is a natural organism found worldwide, and it does not accumulate in the environment or represent a hazard to applicators. Accordingly, Naturalis^® L should prove ideal for use in environmentally-sensitive areas.

Fermone Corporation anticipates leadership in the field of biorational insect control. While the effects of Naturalis^® biorationals on other insects continue to be studied, formulation variations for specific insects and crops and new benign insect-specific control organisms and products are currently under development. Naturalis^® L is only the first of a series of Fermone biocontrol products to be commercialized.