The Importance of Trichogramma in Agriculture
Trichogramma is a natural enemy of pests in agriculture, providing true and natural bio-protection.
In an interview with BTA, Borislav Boychinov, manager and owner of “Organic Invest Bio-Protection” Ltd., stated that the Trichogramma is an essential component in ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest control. The company is located near the village of Doirentsi in Lovech and houses the only national bio-entomological laboratory for mass industrial cultivation of the Trichogramma bio-agent on the Balkan Peninsula. This bio-agent helps farmers effectively manage pests and maintain a healthy ecosystem in their fields.
Beneficial Insects for Plant Protection
Starting this year, the factory has expanded its production and beneficial insects can now reach every home and garden. For smaller farms, they are packaging trichogramma for manual release, suitable for all types of crops.
The Largest Beneficial Insect Laboratory in the European Union
Boychinov pointed out that similar laboratories in Europe are found in France, Germany, Czech Republic, and Switzerland, but his is the largest in the European Union. Every year, it produces 135 billion beneficial insects.
Biocontrol with Trichogramma: A Natural Solution
Trichogramma is a tiny parasitic wasp that targets the eggs of pest insects. By parasitizing the pest’s eggs, Trichogramma kills the embryo inside and lays its own egg instead. When the Trichogramma egg hatches, a beneficial insect is born, providing natural protection in treated areas.
According to Boichinov, there are around 240 species of pests in Bulgaria that Trichogramma can combat. His company currently produces four types of natural biocontrol agents. “We conduct monitoring throughout Bulgaria, and even in Europe. Isn’t nature amazing?”
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Trichogramma for Pest Control
One of the most effective ways to control pests in gardens and fields is by using Trichogramma, a type of parasitic wasp that preys on the eggs of harmful insects. By utilizing different strains of Trichogramma with varying characteristics, we can create a customized mix that is highly efficient in pest control. In fact, the effectiveness of this method can reach over 90%, providing significant relief for farmers and gardeners,” said Boris Boychinov.
The Unique Approach of European Laboratories
What sets Boychinov’s laboratory apart from others in Europe is their comprehensive approach to Trichogramma production. They not only breed these wasps but also carry out the entire process, from capturing them in nature using special baits in various agricultural crops, to classifying the species, extracting them in industrial quantities for reproduction, packaging them in special containers, and distributing them to farmers. This holistic approach ensures the quality and effectiveness of the Trichogramma used for pest control.
Revolutionizing Agriculture with Drone Technology
One company in Bulgaria is taking agriculture to the next level with their innovative use of drones. By patenting a new model of drones and technology for crop treatment, they are able to achieve high yields in fields like never before. The key to their success lies in the advancements they have made in drone batteries, trichograms, and various mixtures used for treatment. All of these innovations are backed by research, science, and years of experience.
Clientele and Impact
Organic Invest BioProtection Ltd. has gained a loyal customer base of farmers from all over Bulgaria. Last year, they successfully treated the entire seed production of the country’s largest seed producer. This has not only increased yields for the farmers but has also contributed to the overall improvement of agriculture in Bulgaria. The use of drone technology has proven to be a game-changer in the industry, and more farmers are turning to this company for their crop treatment needs.
The Importance of Trihogramma in Agriculture
In the world of agriculture, the company “Corteva” in Romania is making strides with their partnership that continues to this day.
“In addition to industrial treatments, it is very important for us to enter every home with our trihogramma, as it is created for people and their health. This is why we started preparing mixtures of different types of trihogramma according to the specific pests,” stated Boychinov.
In the Village
Aside from industrial colonization with drones and capsules, this year we have different products designed for smaller farms and especially for domestic or industrial greenhouses.
Providing Quality and Clean Food for the Community
Our goal is to help people eat high-quality and clean food, as in every village, grandparents feed their children and grandchildren with fruits and vegetables,” stated Ivanov.
Collaboration with Scientists and Experts
We also work and collaborate with scholars, experts, and university professors from Ukraine, China, Romania, Bulgaria, and Italy. “We are engaged in science. We have a large scientific council, consisting of two academicians and five professors. We not only determine the type of trichogramma, but also conduct genetic analyses to see how pure it is because if different types are crossed, the effectiveness will be compromised,” explained Ivanov.
The Trichogramma: A Natural Bioagent
Trichogramma has been around for millions of years, with its introduction in Bulgaria dating back to the 1960s. Our country has been one of the largest producers of bioagents, with several laboratories operating until 1990.
“Bulgaria is home to 19 species of trichogramma. This bioagent will be extremely necessary in the future. The European Union and the European Commission have set parameters in the so-called Green Deal that all plant protection products from the first professional group should be banned.”
Using Beneficial Insects for Agriculture: A Sustainable Solution
Boris, a young farmer, believes that using beneficial insects is the only solution for sustainable agriculture until 2030. He is facing challenges in his work, such as the illegal import of insects from Ukraine.
According to Pavlin, another farmer, the main problem they encounter is the severe drought this year. The lack of investment in irrigation systems by both the government and private investors has led to a decrease in corn production in their regions due to climate change. This has affected the demand for beneficial insects in agriculture.
The Challenges of Biocontrol Agents in Agriculture
According to Ivanov, one of the main challenges faced by farmers using biocontrol agents in agriculture is the difficulty in marketing their products. The European Commission and the state compensate farmers, making our production difficult to sell. This poses a significant obstacle for farmers who rely on biocontrol agents to protect their crops.
Another problem highlighted by Ivanov is the increasing number of companies copying biocontrol agents and illegally importing them from unknown sources. When a farmer is misled by the price of a biocontrol agent from an unknown supplier, the whole concept of biocontrol through biocontrol agents is undermined. Ivanov also pointed out that there is a significant amount of illegal imports from Ukraine, and Bulgaria lacks an organization to monitor the quality of these products.
The Challenge of State Policy towards Biological Plant Protection Infrastructure
One of the main issues facing the agricultural sector is the lack of state policy towards building infrastructure for biological plant protection.
“We are the only ones who provide two certificates – one for quality, coming from the laboratory, and one for the treatment with trichogramma,” said Boris Boichinov.
