Encapsulation of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) in polymeric microparticles by spray-drying technique to control Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranichydae)

• Grant number: 19/22360-5
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2020
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal researcher: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Grantee: Thayla Néspola de Oliveira
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/21004-5 - Agriculture, micro/nanotechnology and environment: from evaluation of the mechanisms of action to studies of transport and toxicity, AP.TEM

Abstract

Biological control has been shown to be an effective alternative in insect management, however, the current model is still largely based on the use of synthetic insecticides. In addition, biological control agents are susceptible to abiotic factors, so the development of new technologies capable of increasing insect control efficiency can add value to agribusiness as well as minimize environmental impacts caused by insecticide use. Microencapsulation is an excellent alternative to protect biological control agents from external factors. In this context, the present proposal intends to develop a system composed by the biological control agent Beauveria bassiana encapsulated in polymeric microparticles aiming at the control of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), an important agricultural pest. As steps, the system containing the microencapsulated biological agent will be prepared/optimized and characterized. In addition, will be performed stability tests of the produced system and alter biological activity. (AU)