Insecticidal activity of a spray dried formulation based on a Colombian Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus

Abstract: A Colombian Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV 003) with highpotential for the development of an efficient biopesticide was microencapsulated by top spraydrying with a pH dependent polymer (Eudragit®S100) and its insecticidal activity was evaluatedunder laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Significant differences between LC50 values of themicroencapsulated virus, the dried virus and the virus without any treatment were not detectedunder laboratory conditions, suggesting that microencapsulation by top spray drying did notaffect the virus insecticidal activity. Three different microencapsulated batches showed the sameefficacy under greenhouse conditions and significant differences between formulated andunformulated virus were not detected (p > 0.05). In conclusion, SfMNPV003 insecticidal activitywas not affected by formulation process and developed biopesticide demonstrated its potential forS. frugiperda control and could be included in programs of integrated pest management (IPM).