Pathogenicity of entomogenous fungi (Hyphomycetes) to larvae of the stem borers, Chilo partellus Swinhoe and Busseola fusca Fuller

Abstract

Several strains of Hyphomycetes fungi were assayed in the laboratory to determine their pathogenicity against second instar Chilo partellus Swinhoe larvae and fifth-sixth instar Busseola fusca Fuller larvae. Pathogenic activity to both stem borers was demonstrated with Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin. B. bassiana isolates caused mortality of 3–100% of mortality in C. partellus larvae, and 30-84% in B.fusca. Strains of M.anisopliae showed a high level of virulence for both insect pests, causing mortality levels of 65–100%. Development of fungal infection appeared to take longer in B. fusca larvae (LT50 of 6.2–13.2 days) than in C. partellus (LT50 of 1.9–5.4 days). B. bassiana isolate ICIPE 4, and M. anisopliae isolates ICIPE 18 and 30, which were effective against both stem borers, outperformed the other pathogens tested. They appear to have potential for use asmicrobial agents in the control of C. partellus and B. fusca.