Efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin, against larvae of Hellula undalis, under laboratory conditions
Abstract
Aim of study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a native isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin as a biocontrol agent against fourth instar larvae of the cabbage webworm, Hellula undalis (Fabricius, 1781).
Area of study: The research focused on entomopathogenic fungi and particularly examined the impact of different concentrations of M. anisopliae spores on the mortality of H. undalis larvae under controlled conditions.
Material and methods: Fourth instar larvae of H. undalis were exposed to different concentrations of M. anisopliae spores. Mortality rates were monitored over specified time intervals to establish dose- response patterns and determine lethal times.
Main results: The study found a dose-dependent relationship between spore concentration and larval mortality. Lower concentrations initially showed no significant effects, but showed a gradual increase in mortality over time, while higher concentrations resulted in significant mortality rates, reaching 86.88% at 120 h (with a variation of p ≤ 0.05).
Research highlights: Concentration-dependent efficacy of M. anisopliae was observed, showing a decrease in mean lethality time (LT50) and 90% mortality time (LT90) with increasing spore concentration. The results highlight the potential of M. anisopliae as a biological control agent against H. undalis and provide insights for integrated pest control strategies. The study highlights the entomopathogenic properties of M. anisopliae and highlights its role as an environmentally friendly and sustainable pest control solution.
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