Virin HSK and Helicovex SK – efficacy and safety of baculovirus-based bioinsecticides

Insect pest control is a key mechanism to give humans advantage over insects in competition for food resources. Bioinsecticides are highly virulent in target insects, can control their populations and prevent a sharp increase in their number. The bioinsecticide Virin HSK was created in FBRI SRC VB “Vector”. Helicoverpa zea single nuclear polyhedrosis virus strain HS-18 is the active basis for Virin HSK. Here we studied the effectiveness of Helicovex SK and Virin HSK bioinsecticides as cotton bollworms control agent in comparison with the chemical insecticide Pirinex, CE and determined the safety of these insectisides for the entomophage. The flow rate of the working fluid was 200 l/ha. Helicovex SK and Virin HSK protected soybean during bean ripening and corn in the period from wax ripeness to harvesting. Helicovex SK and Virin HSK had higher efficiency than Pirinex KE.