Sep 8, 2020California registers biopesticide for codling moth, oriental fruit moth larvae
BioTEPP Inc., a Canadian biotech company, recently received registration from the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) for its Virosoft CP4, a biopesticide used to control codling moth (cydia pomonella) and oriental fruit moth (grapholita molesta).
Virosoft CP4 can be used on apple, peach, pear, plum, nectarine or apricot trees, as well as on nut trees (almonds, cashews or walnuts). Virosoft CP4 is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute as allowed, with restrictions, by the U.S. National Organic Program.
Used in Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania and New York states for the last 10 years as well as in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, Virosoft CP4 is a short- and long-term response to the spread of the codling moth in the main fruit-producing regions of North America, according to a news release from the company. The biopesticide makes it possible to carry out a biological fight against codling moth and oriental fruit moth by infecting the larvae with a granulovirus, Cydia pomonella granulosis (CpGVCP4). Once ingested, the virus kills the larvae before they can enter the fruit according to a news release from the company. Used in organic and conventional production it allows all other beneficial insects to perform their tasks, thus protecting the crops and ensuring better yields.
“California fruit and nut growers can now count on the effectiveness of Virosoft CP4 in their fight against the codling moth and the oriental fruit moth,” Sylvie Richard, BioTEPP CEO said in the news release. “We’re obviously pleased to have obtained this registration from the CalEPA, which will allow our company to strengthen its presence in the North American market of biopesticides.”
Above: An Nguyen, researcher at BioTEPP, examines codling moth eggs at BioTEPP’s lab in Lévis (Quebec) Photos: BioTEPP
