Mass Production of Biocontrol Agents of Insect Pests

Abstract

With the increased need and awareness of integrated pest management concept among the farmers, there is increased emphasis on the utilization of biocontrol agents for the management of pests. Though their demand is increasing, yet their availability is far from sufficient. The biocontrol agents, particularly parasitoids and predators, have short life span and they cannot be stored for long. Their transportation also requires certain specific conditions which are difficult and expensive. These are some of the important reasons that private sectors are not much interested in them. Of late, there have been quite a few inventions for the automation in the mass production of biocontrol agents which have removed bottlenecks for their economic and efficient production and have facilitated the mass production of biocontrol agents. Now, the biocontrol agents can be mass produced at a small scale/cottage industries just on the lines of sericulture or apiculture. Simple, low cost and down to earth technology can be used for their mass production. They can be marketed in the region where they are produced. The simple methods suitable for their transportation have been developed. The production of biological control in cottage industries is also likely to increase their acceptabilities in the rural areas.