NOFLY

NOFLY is a contact biological insecticide

Like most entomopathogenic fungal species, the infection cycle of NOFLY is as follows: spore attachment, germination, penetration, vegetative growth and conidiogenesis. Firstly, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus spores attach to the cuticle of the insect in either immature stages (eggs or larvae) or on adults by hydrophobic interactions between the spore wall and the lipid layer of the epicuticle. Under favourable conditions, the spore is able to germinateand penetrate the body of the insect through the waxes, chitins and proteins of the cuticle; consequently the insect stops feeding and reproducing (10h) and the fungus reaches the haemocoel within 24 hours.  In conclusion, within the insect, multiplication of the fungus takes place by the formation of new hyphal bodies within 48 hours. Lastly, under conditions of high humidity, the fungus grows externally on the individual, producing new spores (dissemination) within 72 hours of the onset of infection. Sporulation reaches its maximum after 5-7 days.

Mode of action of NOFLY during infection

1. Attachment
2. At contact, the spores attach to the insect’s cuticle through hydrophobic interaction between the spore’s wall and the lipid layer of the epicuticle.
3. Germination
4. The spores germinate on the insect and the hyphae penetrate the wax, chitin and protein matrices of the cuticle. The insect stops feeding or reproducing.
5. Growth
6. C. fumosorosea begins to multiply within the host cuticle and forms new hyphae. The enzymes released cause muscle paralysis and eventually death.
7. Sporulation
8. The fungus grows and, in high relative moisture conditions, emerge from the insect’s body, producing new infective spores.

Benefits and advantages

1. Without residues nor re-entry interval (rei)
2. Compatible with other insecticides & fungicides
3. Certified for organic agriculture
4. No toxicity for pollinators
5. This fungus is capable of infecting any of the insect stages: egg, larva and adult, although the most sensitive stage is the N1 larva stage.

User and storage recommendations

• Start the treatment at the first symptoms of pest. It is recommended monitoring pest population for example through yellow sticky traps, or visual perception of the pest level and weekly countings.
• Make at least 3 applications every 3-7 days (maximum 10 days).
• NOFLY must come into contact with the insect, reaching both sides of the leaves. Soil application is recommended to break the life cycle of insects which happens on the soil (for example thrips on pupal stage).
• NOFLY can be applied at any time during the crop cycle, even during the harvest period (no PHI).
• The spores of Cordyceps fumosorosea are susceptible to high temperatures, dryness and UV radiation. A high relative moisture favours its mode of action, therefore a previous irrigation might be recommendable.
• NOFLY is stable for at least 1 year if kept under refrigeration conditions. At room temperature, it is stable during 6 months. Keep in a fresh and ventilated place with temperatures below 26ºC. Do not store for long periods under direct sunlight.
• NOFLY is compatible with other biological control practices and pesticide products, it does not leave residues, and does not have any re-entry intervals (REI).

NOFLY registrations

NOFLY is already authorized for use in organic farming in accordance with EU, NOP and JAS standards by internationally recognized certifiers such as OMRI and BCS. Currently NOFLY is registered and commercialized in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Spain, France, Greece, Guatemala, Netherlands, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Dominican Republic, Romania, UK and USA. Notably, in USA, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has approved the use of NOFLY in outdoor and residential crops. Finally, NOFLY is registered for use on multiple crops including the main horticultural, aromatic, herbaceous ornamentals, and leguminous crops.