# Mass Production Technology of Biopesticides

Ajeet Kumar

► To cite this version:

Ajeet Kumar. Mass Production Technology of Biopesticides. Master. Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers, DR. RAJENDRA PRASAD CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY PUSA, SAMASTIPUR-848125, BIHAR, INDIA, India. 2025, pp.1-4. [hal-05124494](https://hal.science/hal-05124494v1)

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https://hal.science/hal-05124494v1

Submitted on 5 Jul 2025

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

A lecture notes

On

Mass Production Technology of Biopesticides

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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
# Mass Production Technology of Biopesticides

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

## 1. Introduction

Biopesticides are formulations of living organisms or their by-products that are used to manage pests through natural mechanisms. Mass production of biopesticides involves the cultivation of large quantities of entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, or beneficial nematodes under controlled conditions to ensure their viability, virulence, and field effectiveness.

## 2. Steps in Mass Production

### A. Selection of Potent Strain

* High virulence, broad spectrum activity.

* Stable under environmental stress.

* Non-toxic to humans and non-target organisms.

### B. Optimization of Culture Media

* Use of cost-effective substrates like agricultural by-products.

* Formulated for high spore/toxin yield and viability.

### C. Fermentation Process

<table><thead><tr><td>Type</td><td>Description</td><td>Suitable for</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Submerged (SmF)</td><td>Growth in liquid nutrient broth</td><td>Bacteria (Bt), Fungi (toxins)</td></tr><tr><td>Solid State (SSF)</td><td>Growth on solid substrate (e.g., rice, wheat bran)</td><td>Fungi (Metarhizium, Beauveria)</td></tr><tr><td>Surface Culture</td><td>Culture grown on the surface of solid/liquid medium</td><td>Virus production (NPV, GV)</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 3. Mass Production of Different Biopesticide Types

### A. Bacterial Biopesticides (e.g., *Bacillus thuringiensis*)

* Inoculation into nutrient-rich broth (e.g., nutrient yeast extract medium).

<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>
* Incubated at 28-30°C for 48-72 hours under agitation.

* Harvesting by centrifugation or filtration.

* Formulated as wettable powder, suspension concentrate, or granules.

## B. Fungal Biopesticides (e.g., *Metarhizium anisopliae*, *Beauveria bassiana*)

* Grown on solid substrates (e.g., broken rice, sorghum).

* Incubated for 10-15 days in sterile trays at 25-28°C.

* Spores harvested by sieving or scraping.

* Dried and mixed with talc/lignite for formulation.

## C. Viral Biopesticides (e.g., NPV)

* In vivo production using host larvae (e.g., *Helicoverpa armigera*).

* Infected larvae reared under controlled conditions.

* Virus harvested from larval cadavers.

* Purified and formulated as aqueous suspension or powder.

## D. Entomopathogenic Nematodes (e.g., *Steinernema*, *Heterorhabditis*)

* In vivo production in *Galleria mellonella* larvae or in vitro liquid fermentation.

* Harvesting of infective juveniles (IJs).

* Stored in aqueous suspensions or alginate formulations.

## 4. Formulation and Shelf Life

<table><thead><tr><td>Component</td><td>Role</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Carriers</td><td>Talc, peat, lignite, rice bran for ease of handling</td></tr><tr><td>Additives</td><td>Stabilizers, UV protectants, stickers</td></tr><tr><td>Packaging</td><td>Moisture-proof, breathable pouches</td></tr><tr><td>Storage</td><td>Refrigerated or ambient depending on shelf life</td></tr></tbody></table>

* Target shelf life: 6-12 months

* Viability tests: CFU count, spore count, IJ survival

## 5. Quality Control Parameters

<table><thead><tr><td>Parameter</td><td>Standard Requirement</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Viable count (CFU/IJ)</td><td>Minimum 1 × 10<sup>7</sup> per gram/ml</td></tr><tr><td>Contamination</td><td>Must be <0.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Moisture content</td><td><10% in dry formulations</td></tr><tr><td>pH and Toxin Profile</td><td>Within effective bioactive range</td></tr></tbody></table>
**6. Flow Diagram: Fungal Biopesticide Production**

[Mother Culture] → [Inoculum Development] → [Mass Production on Substrate]
→ [Incubation & Sporulation] → [Harvesting] → [Formulation] → [Packaging & Storage]

**7. Challenges in Mass Production**

* Contamination risk during large-scale fermentation.

* Lack of consistent quality carriers.

* Temperature and humidity control during drying and storage.

* Cost-effectiveness for smallholder farmers.

**8. Future Innovations**

* Bioreactors with automated control systems.

* Use of agro-industrial waste as media.

* Nano-formulations for increased shelf life and stability.

* AI-based process optimization for yield enhancement.