In 2025, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) and Agria AD will introduce a novel bioinsecticide designed to protect crops from pests. This product is the result of collaborative research between the Institute of Microbiology and the Institute of Chemical Engineering at BAS.
The bioinsecticide is based on a new Bulgarian strain of *Bacillus thuringiensis*, which has demonstrated broad-spectrum effectiveness against key crop pests like caterpillars, Colorado potato beetles, nematodes, and aphids. Genetic analysis of the strain revealed the presence of toxin-coding genes, while microscopic studies confirmed the presence of active spores and crystalline toxins.
Field trials have shown that the bioinsecticide can significantly reduce pest damage, leading to healthier crops. The effectiveness of the Bulgarian preparation is equal or superior to that of existing commercial products. The lyophilized formulation ensures stability during storage and application, and its safety in the environment makes it suitable for both conventional and organic farming.
This innovation represents a significant step forward in the field of biological pesticides, offering sustainable solutions for crop protection in Bulgaria. The technology, developed over four years of collaborative research, is designed to be produced and sold at affordable prices in Bulgaria.
Professor Penka Petrova, Director of the Institute of Microbiology, emphasizes that the preparation will initially be used to combat Colorado potato beetles, which are currently not controlled by any formulations on the market. The preparation can be used in all agricultural crops, with the greatest application in vegetable production, but also in many decorative plants, from roses to tulips, which are attacked by leaf-eating pests.
Agria AD plans to bring this bioinsecticide to market soon, marking a major advancement in the fight against agricultural pests and opening up new possibilities for sustainable agriculture in Bulgaria.