BioMatNet Item: AIR1-CT92-0386 - Large-Scale Production of Viral Biopesticides in Insect Cell Cultures to Reduce Wide-Spectrum Insecticide Use

AIR1-CT92-0386
Large-Scale Production of Viral Biopesticides in Insect Cell Cultures to Reduce Wide-Spectrum Insecticide Use

Contacts
Further Information

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AIR Cluster X - Inputs for Non-Food Crops : Integrated Crop Protection & Biological Control

	Contract No	AIR1-CT92-0386
	Total Cost	1 491 902
	EC Contribution	990 000
	Start Date	01/01/1993
	Duration	36 months

OBJECTIVE:

The objectives of the proposed project are:

a. to develop on a large laboratory scale, a low-cost system for production of insect viruses (baculoviruses) in bioreactors and
b. to develop and test techniques for formulation and application of baculoviruses to major European crops.

Achieving these objectives that are in accordance with the goals set by the programme will provide the necessary technical framework for exploitation of these insectspecific biological control agents in European agriculture, improving the quality and reducing the cost of agricultural production, while preserving the rural environment.

The proposed project has three major components:

The first component is the selection of viruses and cell lines which are highly productive when grown on low-cost media in small-scale suspension culture.
The second component is the scaleup of baculovirus production to the 50 litre scale in an airlift bioreactor, optimizing oxygen transfer while minimizing shear stress. New cell lines will be used in the later stages of the scaleup process.
The third component is the optimizing and testing of formulation technology for application of baculoviruses. The use of micro-encapsulation, feeding stimulants, photoprotectants and oilbased suspensions will be examined.

The work will be carried out by the consortium of European laboratories with experience and expertise in the areas of baculovirus biology and production technology.

Large scale production of viral pesticides in insect cell cultures to reduce wide spectrum insecticide use

Contacts

Coordinator

Wageningen Agricultural University, Dept of Food Technology & Nutritional Sciences, Food & Bioprocess Engineering Group / NETHERLANDS

EC Scientific Officer

Joaquim AZCON BIETO / European Commission DG XII E-2 SDME 8/27 / BELGIUM

Participant