BioCeres WP compatible with bees

For many years now, pollinating insects have been declining worldwide. One of the main causes of this is the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture. The harmfulness of agricultural insecticides, such as neonicotinoids, has been demonstrated in several major scientific studies.

To reduce the usage of these chemical insecticides, Anatis Bioprotection has developed a bioinsecticide containing Beauveria bassiana (strain ANT-03) - the BioCeres WP, pathogenic fungus for pest insects. This micro-fungus is naturally present in the soil and targets certain groups of pests such as thrips, aphids, whiteflies. In Canada, this organic product is registered in greenhouse crops, tomatoes, fine herbs, cuttings of sweet potatoes, cannabis, as well as for ornamental plants production.Before BioCeres WP could be used in field crops, it was important to know what impact it had on honeybees (Apis mellifera).

BioCeres WP : Field tests in 2018

During the year of 2018, tests have been done by the Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales de Deschambault (CRSAD) with the support of the Programme Passeport Innovation du MESI (MESI) of Quebec.

Twelve 42m2 test tunnels, each with a hive of honeybees, were arranged on a red clover field at CRSAD. A first group of six tunnels was used to expose these pollinators to the maximum dose of BioCeres WP and a second control group of six tunnels was treated with water.

Flying, browsing and drinking behaviors were observed and quantified, dead bees were counted. The brood health at all stages (counted per frame and per cell) of hives as well as pollen and nectar reserves were evaluated and compared between treatments. Statistical analysis has shown that bee behavior including food research, flying and feeding, as well as queen nesting performances have not been affected by being exposed to BioCeres treatments De plus, tout au long de cette étude, aucun cadavre In addition, throughout this study, no cadaver was associated with the active agent of BioCeres, the fungus Beauveria bassiana.

The effects of BioCeres on honeybees

In light of this study, the CRSAD team concluded that BioCeres WP is not harmful to bees even at the maximum recommended dose. It did not provoke subliminal behavioral abnormalities and did not kill bees.

With this excellent news, farmers will soon have a biological alternative to control pests for field crops. If all goes well, we will be able to use the BioCeres WP in certain field crops by 2020. In addition to the crops intended for human consumption, the product could be used for domestic use to treat of grassed areas.

Upcoming field approvals

By 2020, BioCeres WP will be available for field crops:

1Against the potato beetle

• Potato;
• Tomato;
• Eggplant;
• Pepper.

2Against the potato beetle

• Spinach;
• Chinese lettuce;
• Lettuce;
• Celery
• Berries (raspberries, strawberries and blackberries).

3Against chinch bugs and white grubs (European chafer, Japanese beetle)

• Grassed surfaces.

See the informative sheet on BioCeres WP