EFFECTS OF SOME BIOINSECTICIDES AND ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI ON COLORADO POTATO BEETLE (LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA L.)

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Biological Control
• Pest Management

Background:

• The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a significant agricultural pest.
• Developing effective and sustainable pest control methods is crucial for crop protection.
• Entomopathogenic fungi and biopesticides offer potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi and commercial biopesticides against Leptinotarsa decemlineata.
• To compare the biological activity of isolated fungal strains and commercial formulations.
• To evaluate different application methods (spray and leaf dipping) and insect life stages.

Main Methods:

• Tested four entomopathogenic fungal strains and commercial biopesticides (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Verticillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paeciliomyces sp., Azadiractin).
• Applied agents to 2nd-3rd larval instars, 4th larval instars, and adults of L. decemlineata.
• Determined insect mortality at 3, 5, and 7 days post-application under controlled laboratory conditions.

Main Results:

• Entomopathogenic fungi and biopesticides were more effective against larval stages than adults.
• Local Beauveria bassiana isolates achieved 100% mortality in 2nd and 4th larval instars.
• Commercial products like Bio-Magic®, Nibortem®, and Nostalgist® showed high larval mortality (82.1%-96.4%) but lower adult mortality (20%-36.7%).

Conclusions:

• Entomopathogenic fungi, particularly local Beauveria bassiana isolates, show significant potential for controlling the Colorado potato beetle.
• Biological control agents are more effective on younger larval stages.
• Further research into optimizing application strategies for biopesticides can enhance pest management programs.