Sep. 12, 2008
Scientists at Xiamen University, China, have developed a biopesticide from the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus. The biopesticide, Shaxian No 1, is for use against nematodes on vegetables, fruit and other cash crops. The biopesticide is about 60-70% as efficient as chemical nematicides and can reduce nematode populations by 70-80%, according to the researchers. Shaxian No 1 has successfully completed laboratory testing and is undergoing field tests. The College of Life Sciences at Xiamen University has made a pesticide registration application to the Ministry of Agriculture. The Chinese national newspaper, the China Chemical Industry News, reports that the Chinese agricultural industry suffers losses of some Yuan 23,300 million ($3,400 million) a year due to nematodes.
View More