Lethal and sub-lethal toxicity of Verticillium lecanii on the biology of Mealybug (Pseudococcidae; Homoptera) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Abstract: The Mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous pest of Citrus, grapevine, coffee and ornamental plants. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii and Isaria fumosorosea are very effective and commonly used as a biopesticide against various insect pests of different crops. The present study was conducted to check the lethal and sub-lethal effects of V. lecanii on mortality and life period of adult mealybug. Firstly LC50 value for nymph and adult was calculated by applying four different concentrations 1×105 , 1×106 , 1×107 and 1×108 CFU/ml. For nymphs, the median lethal concentration was 5.57×106 CFU/ ml, and for adults, 2.66×107 CFU/ml. After this, two lethal, 3.99×107 and 2.66×107 CFU/ml, and two sub-lethal concentrations, 1.33×107 and 6.65×106 CFU/ml, was prepared and tested against adult mealybug. Dose-dependent mortality was observed, and the highest mortality was due to the highest concentration of V. lecanii. The percentage mortality was 72.23, 52.78, 27.78 and 19.45% due to 3.99×107 , 2.66×107 , 1.33×107 and 6.65×106 CFU/ml, respectively, after 10 days of application. The weight of adult females was highest in the control treatment while lowest in high concentration, and it was gradually decreased after every day in the first three concentrations. The fecundity of mealybug also had an inverse relation with concentrations of V. lecanii, and the numbers of eggs were more in the control treatment than the other four treatments. The fecundity in lethal concentrations was reduced after the 8 th day of application. The life duration was most extended due to control treatment, 27 days, while the lowest period was due to the highest concentration, 13 days. Keywords: Verticillium lecanii, mealybug, mortality, weight, fecundity, life duration