Indian researchers have discovered a fungus that can produce "large quantities" of the popular bioinsecticide spinosyn, according to Dow Agrosciences, which has global rights to spinosyn.
Biochemists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) found that Aspergillus terreusI, a microorganism found in Indian soils, can produce spinosyn, which is used to combat pests in corn, cotton, and wheat.
"This is an alternate organism which can produce spinosyn at a much lower cost and with better efficacy," said Ram Rajsekharan, a professor of biochemistry at IISc who led the research. He added that the bioinsecticide is particularly effective against Helicoverpa armigera, a major cotton pest in India.