BIONIX is the first domestic bioinsecticide containing the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. During the sporulation process, the bacterium produces a protein – protoxin in the form of crystals, which is the active substance of the preparation. By feeding protoxin into the midgut of young larvae of harmful insects, its activation occurs in the form of the insecticidal delta-endotoxin.
The activation of protoxin occurs due to the high pH value of the midgut environment (above 8.5) and the presence of specific enzymes – proteases, which enables high selectivity of the preparation towards non-target organisms. Immediately after the activation of delta-endotoxin, there is a paralysis of the larva’s intestinal tract and the cessation of feeding, which prevents further damage to cultivated plants. General paralysis and disruption of the intestinal epithelium with septicemia occur within 48–72 hours, leading to a fatal outcome.
Safety for beneficial organisms
BIONIX exhibits high selectivity towards bees and other pollinators, which is why it is recommended for use within the integral protection of plants, as well as in organic agriculture. It shows high toxicity towards the young larval stages of harmful insects from the orders of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera.
Registered application
BIONIX is registered to combat:
- larvae of the apple borer (Cydia pomonella) in apple orchards
- larvae of the gray grape moth (Lobesia botrana) in grapevine plantations
Optimum application time
The preparation is applied immediately before sawing and during sawing of larvae of the L1 stage of the apple weevil, when it is most effective. Monitoring the flight of butterflies using pheromone traps and local weather data allows precise determination of larval moulting time.
For sawing the larvae of the apple curler, it is necessary to accumulate:
- about 140 degree-days (DDo) after the start of the flight of the first generation butterfly (biofix), or
- 230–250 degree-days (DDo) accumulated since January 1st.
On the territory of Serbia, depending on the region, egg-laying and the beginning of the first generation of larvae are currently taking place in apple orchards, which represents the optimal moment for the application of BIONIX.
Method of administration and dosage
The recommended application concentration is 1–1.5%, i.e. 10 liters/ha. Depending on weather conditions, the treatment should be repeated after 7-10 days. It is recommended to use a humidifier in order to ensure an even and optimal distribution of the preparation on the plant.
BIONIX is compatible with all registered plant protection products.
Additional efficiency
During tests on different plant species, BIONIX showed excellent results in controlling aphids (Aphididae spp.) in the initial stages of shoot colonization.
