Novel Biopesticides by Rhodes Researchers Take Flight

Chemical pesticides have been in use since the late 1800s to protect crops, but their harmful effects on the environment and human health have led scientists to search for alternatives. In South Africa, two PhD students from Rhodes University have had a breakthrough. Ground-breaking research by Tamryn Marsberg and Michael Jukes has led to the development of two viral-based biopesticides, MultiMax and CodlMax, as alternatives to the conventional use of chemical pesticides on citrus, apples, and litchi. Biopesticides are biological pesticides like viruses, fungi, bacteria and nematodes that are natural predators of insects. In an interview with Biznews, Dr. Jukes said that, working with the university’s research partner Citrus Research International and an industry partner River Bioscience, a global patent has been completed and the products have been launched for commercial use in Africa and Europe. He said they are hoping that their products will soon be able to enter the Indian market and North American markets, where the codling moth is a major pest for apples.