Scientists Find Spinosyn-Producing Fungus

Avatar for Matt Hopkins By Scott C. Lucas|3 December 2007

Biochemists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) found that Aspergillus terreusI, a microorganism found in Indian soils, can produce spinosyn, which is used to combat pests in corn, cotton, and wheat.

“This is an alternate organism which can produce spinosyn at a much lower cost and with better efficacy,” said Ram Rajsekharan, a professor of biochemistry at IISc who led the research. He added that the bioinsecticide is particularly effective against Helicoverpa armigera, a major cotton pest in India.