"The work we have done directly with growers over the years has really directed our efforts and inspired our creativity to develop this product," Carlos E. Bográn, Director of Technical Services at BioWorks Inc. explains. PRINCIPLE WP is not just another Beauveria bassiana-based product. It's a thoughtfully engineered, broad-spectrum bioinsecticide derived from BioWorks' proprietary BW149 strain. "It easily dissolves in water, has indoor or outdoor uses, and it has great crop safety and compatibility with other reduced-risk products and biological control agents, including parasitoids and predators."
This compatibility is critical, especially as integrated pest management (IPM) strategies gain ground across both conventional and organic systems. "PRINCIPLE WP is easily integrated into current pest management programs. It can be tank-mixed or rotated with synthetic and other biological products," he says. Its dry, oil-free formulation ensures it remains non-disruptive to pollinators and beneficial insects, a major advantage over many traditional chemical pesticides.
© BioWorks Inc.How it works: A microbial weapon against pests
PRINCIPLE WP is a formulation of millions of microscopic fungal spores, known as conidia. These are suspended in water and sprayed directly onto plant foliage or applied as a root drench. "When used correctly, the conidia contact the pest cuticle, germinate and penetrate the host, causing infection and death of the target insect."
This method is particularly effective against soft-bodied pests such as thrips, aphids, and whiteflies - common adversaries in high-value crop production. And PRINCIPLE WP has already begun to distinguish itself in this area. "We've had great feedback on western flower thrips." Carlos points to recent studies by Dr. Luis Cañas at The Ohio State University, where greenhouse zinnia treated with PRINCIPLE WP saw a thrips reduction of over 70% compared to a leading competitor after four weekly applications.
Being more sustainable
"It's a completely natural product based on a beneficial organism," he mentions. "It helps customers grow more sustainably by providing a more natural alternative to insect pest management in high-value crops."
Compared to synthetic chemical pesticides, PRINCIPLE WP leaves no harmful residues and breaks down naturally in the environment. "It's made up of fully degradable, natural materials that leave no chemical residues like many conventional products from synthetic sources," Carlos explains.
© BioWorks Inc.
Designed for versatility
Growers working in diverse environments will appreciate the flexibility PRINCIPLE WP offers. It's suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation and across a wide range of crops: from ornamental plants to food crops like fruits and vegetables. "The formulation is suitable for most crops affected by thrips, whiteflies, and aphids. Like with most products, impending weather conditions should be considered in application timing decisions in the field," he advises.
BioWorks has also focused on usability. Early adopters of the product have praised its high solubility which is a significant edge over other dry formulations. "This may be a game changer for users of low-volume application equipment, which may clog with other dry formulations."
© BioWorks Inc.
Part of a bigger picture
PRINCIPLE WP fits seamlessly into BioWorks' broader mission to lead in biological crop protection. "Biopesticides (microbials) are highly compatible with other biological strategies including macrobials like predators and parasitoids, and with pollinators. Sustainable production systems take advantage of the complementary action of both microbials and macrobials in managing pest populations."
The launch of PRINCIPLE WP is also a strategic response to increasing pesticide resistance and tighter regulations on chemical inputs. "It was developed in response to the increased interest in high-quality, novel biological products that are easy to use and perform at conventional levels," says Bográn. "We have the expertise and field experience to deliver practical solutions to manage insecticide resistance and meet or exceed regulatory standards now and in the coming years."
PRINCIPLE WP is currently registered in most U.S. states and is targeting a broad spectrum of growers cultivating high-value crops both indoors and outdoors. Its adaptability, safety profile, and proven effectiveness make it a compelling option for those transitioning to more sustainable and integrated pest management systems.
For more information:
BioWorks
bioworksinc.com