Brazilian citrus producers may soon have access to their first biological pesticide to fight citrus greening, Fundecitrus reported.

The product derived from entomopathogenic fungi is currently in the testing phase, scheduled to finish in the first half of 2014.

Researchers from Fundecitrus have teamed up with Agricultural College Luiz de Queiroz (Esalq/USP) and Koppert Biological Systems to develop the biopesticide. The product would be the first of its kind from Brazil directed at naturally controlling populations of psyllid Diaphorina citri, the cause of citrus greening.

Industry director of Koppert Brazil, Danilo Pedrazzoli, explained that the goal of the initiative is to find better solutions to control citrus greening.

"A goal of these three institutions is to bring to the field the knowledge obtained in research conducted by Esalq and Fundecitrus. Koppert is developing the final technology so that this product arrives to citrus producers," he said.

"Apart from effectiveness in controlling pests, you can ration the use of insecticides and avoid insect resistance."

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