Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium majus (isolate no. CPCRIMKY-1) is a potential bio control agent against the major pest of banana, Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier). Banana is highly vulnerable to a plethora of pests and diseases which are managed by the application of pesticides. Hence, it is imperative that the reactions of these pesticides when used in banana agro-system with M. majus, is studied in detail. A study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, India to evaluate the effect of pesticides used on banana at field doses, on the survival of the entomopathogenic fungus. This study is expected to help in formulating meaningful biotic stress management strategies in banana agro-systems, especially in areas of severe Odoiporus longicollis infestation. It was found that thiamethoxam at 0.01 and 0.03% and cartap hydrochloride 0.05% were safe while all tested fungicides except azoxystrobin 0.1% were toxic to M. majus. Wherever there arises a demand for the application of fungicides in banana, application of M. majus may be adopted after following a proper waiting period. Synergistic effect of thiamethoxam and M. majus can be used for the effective management of O. longicollis.
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