BioWorks Inc launches new bioinsecticide PRINCIPLE WP across US grower markets

USA – BioWorks Inc. has officially launched PRINCIPLE WP, a broad-spectrum bioinsecticide developed from the company’s proprietary Beauveria bassiana strain BW149.

This launch marks a major step for growers seeking practical, low-residue alternatives to chemical pest control.

Carlos E. Bográn, Director of Technical Services at BioWorks Inc., says the company’s hands-on approach with growers helped shape the product.

“The work we have done directly with growers over the years has really directed our efforts and inspired our creativity to develop this product,” he explains.

Unlike many older biological options, PRINCIPLE WP stands out for its ease of use and flexibility.

It dissolves well in water, works in both indoor and outdoor systems, and supports a range of crops from ornamentals to food crops like vegetables and fruits. More importantly, it fits easily into current pest management programs.

“It can be tank-mixed or rotated with synthetic and other biological products,” says Carlos. “It has great crop safety and compatibility with other reduced-risk products and biological control agents, including parasitoids and predators.”

This makes the product especially useful for growers who are already applying integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. It avoids harming beneficial insects such as pollinators and predators that play a key role in crop protection.

PRINCIPLE WP uses millions of tiny fungal spores called conidia. These are sprayed on plants 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,” Carlos says.

This approach is already showing results. A recent study by Dr. Luis Cañas at The Ohio State University showed that PRINCIPLE WP reduced western flower thrips on greenhouse zinnia by more than 70 percent after four weekly applications – outperforming a leading competitor.

Growers have also welcomed the product’s usability. Its oil-free, dry formulation makes it suitable for low-volume spray equipment, and its high solubility helps avoid clogs that sometimes occur with other dry products.

Growing demand for bioinsecticides

Carlos emphasizes the growing shift toward safer, natural options. “It’s a completely natural product based on a beneficial organism,” he notes. “It helps customers grow more sustainably by providing a more natural alternative to insect pest management in high-value crops.”

Compared to many chemical pesticides, PRINCIPLE WP breaks down easily in the environment and leaves no harmful residues. It supports a cleaner approach without compromising effectiveness.

PRINCIPLE WP joins a larger trend in agriculture. The biopesticides market reached US$7.72 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$15.66 billion by 2029.

Bioinsecticides are among the fastest-growing categories, with increasing adoption in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

BioWorks developed PRINCIPLE WP to meet rising demand from both regulators and farmers for tools that are safe, reliable, and efficient. “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 Carlos.

“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.”

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