Makassar, Indonesia, January 10, 2025/BIONE/–Research activities focusing on the development of fungal-based biopesticides were conducted at the Laboratory of Biological Control of Plant Pests and Diseases as part of ongoing efforts to develop environmentally sustainable pest management strategies. The study utilized entomopathogenic fungi and involved several laboratory-based processes, including fungal isolation, purification, and mass production of conidia as the primary active ingredient.
The activity involved three researchers from the TRG BIONE. Through a series of laboratory procedures, the research team evaluated methods for producing high-quality fungal propagules suitable for use in mycoinsecticide development. The mass production and handling of entomopathogenic fungi for mycoinsecticide development involve a series of carefully controlled steps designed to ensure the quality, viability, and effectiveness of the final product. The process begins with the preparation of appropriate culture media, including laboratory-scale media for initial fungal growth and solid substrates such as rice or other grains for large-scale production. These media are formulated to provide essential nutrients that support optimal fungal development. Following preparation, the media are sterilized to eliminate contaminants and maintain the purity of the fungal culture, which is critical for successful propagation.
Once the sterilized media have cooled, they are inoculated with pure cultures of entomopathogenic fungi under aseptic conditions. This step is conducted in a controlled environment to prevent contamination and ensure that only the target fungal species proliferates. The inoculated media are then incubated at optimal temperatures, allowing the fungal mycelium to grow and colonize the substrate effectively. This initial incubation phase is crucial for establishing a strong and uniform fungal culture.
After successful colonization, the process advances to mass production using solid substrates. At this stage, the fungi are allowed to proliferate extensively and produce conidia, which serve as the active component of the mycoinsecticide. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and aeration are carefully monitored and controlled to maximize conidial production and maintain product consistency. Regular observations are also conducted to detect any signs of contamination or suboptimal growth conditions.
This activity highlighted the importance of standardized production techniques in ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and reliability of biopesticide products. It also emphasized the role of technical expertise and laboratory management in supporting the development of sustainable pest control solutions. The experience gained through this activity contributes to the advancement of fungal-based biopesticides as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides.
These efforts are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) by supporting farmers’ livelihoods, Goal 4 (Quality Education) through hands-on technical training, Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by supporting biopesticide production development, Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the promotion of environmentally friendly pest control alternatives, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders. In addition, this activity contributes to Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by supporting sustainable agricultural productivity and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
