AN ALTERNATIVE BIOINSECTICIDE FORMULATION TO ENCAPSULATE BACILLUS-THURINGIENSIS DELTA-TOXIN AND EXTRACTS OF AGAVE-LECHEGUILLA TORR. FOR THECONTROL OF SPODOPTERA-FRUGIPERDA SMITH

This study developed a bioinsecticide formulation based on Bacillus th uringiensis serovariety aizawai (GM-10 strain) and extracts of ''guish e'' (a subproduct of the Agave lecheguilla processing) for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda Smith. We analyzed crude, pregelatinized and nixtamalinized corn flour as encapsulating material. The latter was b est because it polymerized in the cold and formed an adequate matrix n et. Of the protective agents tried against solar radiation, Malachite Green, Congo Red and charcoal, the first was the best in laboratory tr ials. The particulated formulation exhibited good characteristics for use.