Mass production of entomopathogens in less industrialized countries

Production of a number of entomopathogenic agents as pesticides, mainly fungal but some viral agents, has been established in a number of countries of Asia, South America and Africa using low technology approaches, often by small scale producers. However while these low technology systems can generate effective products these systems also require the systematic application of appropriate production methodology and rigorous monitoring if the appropriate quality and safety standards are to be reached. The role of LIC governments in creating and maintaining a policy and regulatory environment that promotes local EP production remains important to success. The wider adoption of EP products in LIC may also require a shift in users from the ad hoc reactive application of pesticides to more systematic IPM approach, a shift already underway in the export horticulture sectors in some of these countries