Biocontrol Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi Nomuraea Rileyi (f.) Samson Against Major Groundnut Defoliator Spodoptera litura (fab.) Lepidoptera; Noctuidae

Abstract

Biopesticides based on bacteria viruses entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes are often considerable scope as plant protection agents against several insects Use of entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents for insect species has increased the global attention during the last few decades in the present study biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic fungi Nomuraea Rileyi F Samson against groundnut defoliator Spodoptera litura Fab lepidoptera Noctuidae was investigated Nomuraea Rileyi SSK isolate was isolated from local groundnut field soil adopting soil dilution method and the isolate was identified based on the cultural and morphological characteristics Effect of N rileyi on the cumulative larval mortality lethal concentration LC lethal time LT total larval and pupal period pupal adult emergence and adult longevity were studied All the life stages of S litura were susceptible to N rileyi In general the concentration duration and life stage dependent mortality could be observed The LC and LT values were increased as the larvae grew older As the instars advanced a decrease in mortality and an increase in time for the mortality were recorded Distinct effect on the development revealed short larval and pupal period Adult emergence and adult longevity was highly influenced