# Methods of Application of Biopesticides

Ajeet Kumar

► To cite this version:

Ajeet Kumar. Methods of Application of Biopesticides. Master. Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers, DR. RAJENDRA PRASAD CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY PUSA, SAMASTIPUR-848125, BIHAR, INDIA, India. 2025, pp.1-3. [hal-05124496](https://hal.science/hal-05124496v1)

HAL Id: hal-05124496

https://hal.science/hal-05124496v1

Submitted on 5 Jul 2025

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access
archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci-
entific research documents, whether they are pub-
lished or not. The documents may come from
teaching and research institutions in France or
abroad, or from public or private research centers.

L'archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est
destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents
scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non,
émanant des établissements d'enseignement et de
recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires
publics ou privés.

<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>

Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Pusa (Samastipur) - 848125, Bihar

A lecture notes

On

Methods of Application of Biopesticides

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

COURSE TITLE: Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers

*(Elective course)

COURSE NO.: ASS-307; CREDIT HOUR: 3 (2+1)

YEAR/SEMESTER: 3rd YEAR /6th SEMESTER

Dr. AJEET KUMAR

Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist (Soil Science)

Department of Microbiology

Collage of Basic Sciences and Humanities (CBS&H)

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)

June 2025
# Methods of Application of Biopesticides

Dr. AJEET KUMAR<fnref n="1" />

**1. Introduction**

Biopesticides are biological formulations containing living organisms or their derivatives used for pest management. Their success depends not only on the formulation and viability but also on **proper application techniques** to reach the target pest in the most effective manner.

**2. Criteria for Choosing Application Method**

* Target pest and life stage

* Site of infection (foliar, soil, stored grain)

* Nature of biopesticide (fungal, bacterial, viral, or nematode-based)

* Formulation type (liquid, powder, granule, etc.)

* Environmental factors (UV exposure, humidity, rainfall)

**3. Major Application Methods**

**A. Foliar Application (Spraying)**

* **Target:** Leaf-feeding insects and pathogens (e.g., *Bt*, fungal spores)

* **Formulation:** Liquid suspensions or wettable powders

* **Equipment:** Hand sprayer, mist blower, drone-based sprayer

* **Advantages:** Direct contact with insect; easy to apply

* **Limitations:** Sensitivity to UV and wash-off by rain

**B. Soil Application**

* **Target:** Soil-dwelling larvae, termites, root grubs

* **Organisms:** Fungi (*Metarhizium*, *Beauveria*), nematodes (*Steinernema*, *Heterorhabditis*)

* **Formulation:** Granules, talc-based powders, IJs in aqueous suspension

* **Method:** Mixing with compost/FYM or irrigation water

* **Advantages:** Long-lasting effect; safe from UV exposure

**C. Seed Treatment**

* **Target:** Seed and seedling-borne pests

* **Agents:** *Pseudomonas fluorescens*, *Trichoderma*, *Bt*

* **Method:** Coating seeds with slurry before sowing

* **Formulation:** Wettable powder or liquid formulations

* **Benefits:** Early-stage protection; low dose requirement

<footnote n="1">¹Assistant Professor-cum-Scientist (Soil Science-Soil Microbiology, Soil fertility, Soil Chemistry), Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities (CBS&H), RPCAU, Pusa-848125, Bihar. E-mail: ajeet.sri@rpcau.ac.in</footnote>
## D. Trunk Injection / Wound Dressing

* **Target:** Borers and wood-infesting pests

* **Organisms:** Fungal or bacterial formulations

* **Method:** Injecting suspension into tree trunk or wound dressing

* **Use:** Orchards, plantations

## E. Bait Application

* **Target:** Fruit flies, cockroaches, ants, termites

* **Organisms:** *Metarhizium*, *Beauveria*, or bacterial toxins

* **Method:** Mixing biopesticide with attractants and bait substrate

* **Application:** Field edges, bait stations

## F. Drip Irrigation / Drenching

* **Target:** Nematodes, soil-borne insects, and pathogens

* **Method:** Injecting liquid formulation into irrigation lines

* **Suitable For:** High-value crops under drip systems

## 4. Formulation Types and Compatibility

<table><thead><tr><td>Method</td><td>Common Formulations</td><td>Compatible Biopesticides</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Foliar spray</td><td>WP, SC, SL</td><td>Bt, Beauveria, Metarhizium</td></tr><tr><td>Soil drenching</td><td>Granules, suspension</td><td>Trichoderma, nematodes</td></tr><tr><td>Seed treatment</td><td>WP, DS, LS</td><td>Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Trichoderma</td></tr><tr><td>Bait</td><td>Granules, paste</td><td>Metarhizium, Bt toxin</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 5. Diagram: Matching Method to Pest Type

[Seed Treatment] → Seed-borne pests

[Foliar Spray] → Caterpillars, aphids

[Soil Application] → Root grubs, white grubs

[Drip Irrigation] → Nematodes

[Bait] → Fruit flies, termites

## 6. Considerations for Effective Use

* Apply during **early pest stage** for best results

* Avoid **UV exposure** and apply during **cooler times of day**

* Maintain **adequate moisture** for spore/nematode survival

* Avoid mixing with **incompatible agrochemicals**

## 7. Future Trends

* Drone-assisted precision spraying

* Nano-carriers for foliar delivery

* Encapsulation for slow release

* AI-guided pest detection and smart application