The Potential of Adjuvants Used with Microbiological Control of Insect Pests with Emphasis on Organic Farming

Abstract

Biological plant protection is a crucial component of integrated pest management strategies. It is considered a safer alternative to chemical plant protection, with reduced risks to human health and the environment. The significance of biological plant protection has been on the rise, driven by the European Union’s mandate to decrease the reliance on chemical pesticides, the discontinuation of certain chemical active substances, and their limited availability. Microbiological plant protection products find application in organic farming systems. Among these, mycoinsecticides are prominent examples, utilizing insecticidal fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps fumosoroseus, C. farinosa, and Metarhizium anisopliae complex. Due to the high sensitivity of these organisms to unfavorable weather and environmental conditions, their use in the protection of field crops may not bring the desired effect. The enhancement of their efficacy may be accomplished through the use of adjuvants. Adjuvants are substances incorporated into plant protection products, including microbial insecticides, or used alone to enhance their effectiveness. They can play a pivotal role in improving the performance of mycoinsecticides by ensuring better coverage on plant surfaces and increasing the likelihood of successful pest control, thereby contributing to the overall success of biological methods of pest control. Consequently, it becomes imperative to investigate the impact of various adjuvants on the survival and effectiveness of microorganisms. Furthermore, there is no officially approved list of adjuvants for use in organic farming, the use of inadequate adjuvant may result in failure to obtain an organic certificate. The origin of adjuvants determines their classification, which significantly impacts for employment in organic farming practices. Included tables provide a list of adjuvants and additives known to enhance the efficacy of pest and disease control.