---
title: FACT SHEET - BASF Velifer Biological Insecticide
canonical: https://fernland.com.au/documents/758/
dateModified: 2026-07-12 07:55:01
summary: Technical Sheet
type: tech_sheet
---

# FACT SHEET - BASF Velifer Biological Insecticide

> Technical Sheet

# FACT SHEET

# Velifer® Biological Insecticide
## Biological pest control for protected crops

Velifer biological insecticide provides growers with a non-chemical solution to manage a wide range of key pests in protected cropping structures. Velifer complements integrated pest management (IPM) systems and conventional chemistry, adding more versatility to spray programs. Velifer is effective against insect populations that have developed resistance to conventional insecticides and can be used frequently right up to harvest.

*   Provides effective early-stage pest population management to prevent crop damage
*   Effective against all insect life stages, including eggs, larvae/nymphs and adults.
*   Safe to most beneficial species, ideal for IPM systems
*   Multiple sprays can be used to suppress developing pest populations and/or slow their build-up to help beneficial insects control them.
*   No withholding period or risk of residues in harvested crops
*   A non-chemical solution to meet evolving sustainability goals

[Image: A close-up of red tomatoes on the vine in a greenhouse setting]

### Application method
Apply sufficient water to ensure maximum spray coverage, but not past the point of run off.

### Harvest WHPs
None required.

### Crops
All vegetables and ornamentals in protective structures.

### Target pests (suppression only)
*   Chrysanthemum aphids
*   Green peach aphids
*   Rose aphids
*   Two-spotted spider mites
*   Onion thrips
*   Western flower thrips
*   Greenhouse whiteflies
*   Silverleaf whiteflies
*   Sweet potato whiteflies

[Logo: Totally Biological by BASF]

NOTE: The Beauveria bassiana strain PPRI 5339 is not yet approved for use and Velifer Biological Insecticide is not registered, but an application for approval and registration has been lodged with the APVMA.

FACT SHEET REGISTRATION PENDING

***

# Velifer®
## Biological Insecticide

### How Velifer Works
Derived from a beneficial fungus, *Beauveria bassiana* strain PPRI 5339, Velifer affects all of a pest’s life stages, including egg, larvae/nymph and adult. Once applied directly to the pest target, Velifer spores germinate on the insect’s cuticle before puncturing it, allowing moisture to escape and cause the insect to dehydrate. Inside the pest, the fungi proliferate and feed, leading to the insect’s death within 24-48 hours.

[Image: Two close-up photos showing insects covered in white fungal growth]
Multiplying Velifer spores creating a characteristic ‘icing sugar’ effect on the insect body

### How and when to apply Velifer

| Rates | |
| :--- | :--- |
| Thrips and whitefly: | 50 mL/100 L |
| Aphids and mites: | 90 mL/100 L |

Velifer should be applied in 500–2500 L/ha water.
DO NOT apply Velifer in less than 500 L/ha water.

### Method
Velifer is a contact insecticide and it is essential that the spores make contact with all the target pests. Apply sufficient water to ensure maximum coverage using conventional spray equipment, but not past the point of run off. Good coverage is essential as spores need to make contact with the insect pests to provide adequate suppression.

### Timing
Apply when pest populations pass the critical pest threshold in the crop. Use a knockdown spray before Velifer if pests have gone beyond the economic threshold.

Velifer is best used as a maintenance spray to manage developing insect populations. Repeat applications will slow the rate of population build-up and reduce the peak numbers. This allows beneficial insects time to more effectively manage developing pest populations.

Repeat applications should be made as necessary, at least 3 and up to 7 days apart. Use 3 day intervals when insect pressure is higher.

Generally, 3 consecutive weekly applications are required for adequate pest suppression.

Do NOT apply during or just before overhead irrigation. Overhead irrigation within one day of treatment could wash spores off and reduce efficacy.

[Image: A crate of freshly harvested red tomatoes]

For more information on Velifer, visit ****
or contact your local BASF representative on ****

**ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS BEFORE USING ANY PRODUCT IN THIS FACT SHEET.**

This fact sheet is intended as general advice. The information submitted in this publication is based on current BASF knowledge and experience. In view of the many factors that may affect its application, this data does not relieve the user from carrying out their own tests. The data does not imply assurance of certain properties or of suitability for a specific purpose. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that any proprietary rights and existing laws and legislation are observed.

© Copyright BASF 2019 ® Registered trademark of BASF. W234493 07.2019