Photo courtesy of BioWorks
BioWorks recently launched Principle WP, a bioinsecticide that delivers control on many of the most destructive crop pests.
Its active ingredient is Beauveria bassiana, and it features an optimized formula developed for maximum pest control and low residue. The proprietary formulation is labeled for indoor and outdoor use and is ideal for foliar spray, soil drench, dipping and aerial applications.
“We are on-site with growers and seeing great control with Principle WP along with the benefits of an improved formulation,” said Julie Graesch, technical services manager at BioWorks. “Growers will really appreciate the reduced residue and our technical expertise that is part of the Principle WP package.”
The insecticide can be used on thrips, aphids, whiteflies, beetles, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, planthoppers, flies, mealybugs, plant bugs and psyllids. The mode of action is penetration and infection of the target pest cuticle, effectively reducing the risk of insecticide resistance to zero.
BioWorks has two decades of experience integrating Beauveria bassiana into agricultural and horticultural operations resulting in proven strategies to help conventional and organic growers overcome the technical complexities of IPM.
Principle WP product details
• 4-hour REI, 0-day PHI
• Exempt from residue tolerance
• Labeled for vegetables, nursery crops, ornamentals, fruits, vines, hemp and more
• Complex mode of action provides control without the risk of resistance
• Excellent compatibility with conventional pesticides and other biological products
• OMRI-listed
Trial results
Visit the Principle product page to access the white paper detailing extensive trial results of Principle WP. A few of the data points are summarized here:
Western flower thrips treated with Principle WP:
- The trial was conducted in 2020 at Vineland Research & Innovation Center in Ontario, Canada.
- After a dip application, the 2-pound/100-gallon rate of Principle WP provided 98% mortality of western flower thrips compared to the untreated control.
- Principle WP delivered 4% greater control of thrips than the competitive B. bassiana ES product.
Whiteflies treated with Principle WP:
- The trial conducted in 2019 by Dr. Steve Frank of IPM Research & Consulting in North Carolina.
- Principle WP delivered 9% greater control of whitefly nymphs than the competitive B. bassiana product and 56% greater than the competitive Isaria fumosorosea product.
- The low and high rates of Principle WP provided efficacy statistically similar to the chemical standard spirotetramat.
Product availability and geography
Principle WP is registered for use in the USA and will begin shipping on June 2, 2025. Refer to BioWorks’ website to see the most up-to-date state registration information.