Biopesticides-Entomopathogenic fungi.pptx

Entomopathogenic fungi

1. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF ) Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are microorganisms that cause fatal diseases of arthropods. The infection process involves several stages that consist of direct contact of the fungus with the surface of the cuticle of the attacked insect. The factors that determine the effectiveness of the infection process include lytic enzymes, secondary metabolites, and adhesins produced by EPF. Because of their high insecticidal effectiveness, these fungi are commonly used as biopesticides in organic farming. 

2. Beauveria bassiana Beauveria bassiana is a fungus that grows naturally in soils throughout the world and acts as a parasite on various arthropod species, causing white muscardine disease. The species is named after the Italian entomologist Agostino Bassi , who discovered it in 1835 in silkworms ( Bombyx mori ). It is used as a biological insecticide to control a number of pests, including termites, thrips , whiteflies, aphids and various beetles. Once the host insect is infected, the fungus rapidly grows inside of the insect, feeding on the nutrients present in the host's body and producing toxins in the process. When the host dies, the Beauveria bassiana covers the carcass in a layer of white mold that produces more infective spores.

3. Benefits of Beauveria Bassiana It is naturally occurring, eco-friendly entomopathogenic fungus. It effectively controls most of the economically important crop pests. It helps to increase productivity by improving crop health through controlling the pests. A major advantage to using Beauveria bassiana is the fact it can be used up until the day of harvest as the residue is not harmful to consumers.

4. Target Crops: Cereals, Pulses, Vegetables, Fruit crops, Cole crops, Orchards, Cotton and Ornamentals in greenhouses, nurseries, lawns & landscapes. Target Insects: Caterpillars– Spodoptera litura , Heliothis armigera  etc. Weevils– Anthonomus grandis , Listroderes costirostris Borers– Orseolia oryzae , Spodoptera Mauritia , Chilo partellus Leaf hoppers– Circulifer tenellus , Cicadulina mbila , Empoasca fabae Whitefly– Bemisia tabaci Aphid– Lipapis erisimi Mealybug – Drosicha mangiferae Fungus gnats- Mites– Tetranychus urticae , Tetranychus evansi May beetle– Phyllophaga  spp .

5. Method of Application & Dosage of Beauveria Bassiana   Foliar spray: Mix 2 kg B. bassiana formulation in 150 lt water, filter with muslin cloth and spray in one acre/ affected area.   Soil application: B. bassiana formulation can be sprinkled around the root-zone and incorporated into the soil either mechanically or through watering the plant. It can also be incorporated into the soil through irrigation systems during the pre or post planting stage. (filter the mixture before using a sprayer).   For greenhouse pest problems, repeat the applications every 15-20 days.   B. bassiana formulation (4 kg) can be mixed with 100-150 kg of FYM/ organic fertilizer or field soil and can be broadcasted in the field uniformly.   For white grubs and termites, it may be used in combination with Metarhizium (1:1 w/w soil drenching ).

6. Metarhizium anisopliae Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52 is a fungus that infects insects, primarily beetle larvae. It has been approved as a microbial pesticide active ingredient for non-food use in greenhouses and nurseries, and at limited outdoor sites not near bodies of water. Metarhizium Anisopliae is a unique bio pesticide which Provides powerful natural pest control over leaf hoppers, root grubs, Japanese beetle, Black vine weevil, Spittlebug white grubs, Borers, cutworms, termites, Root weevils etc and can be used for All plants & Home Gardening. Many strains of Metarhizium anisopliae have been isolated worldwide from insects, nematodes, soil, river sediments, and decomposing organic material.

7. No harm is expected to humans or the environment when pesticide products containing Metarhizium anisopliae strain. The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae strain infects insects that come in contact with it. Once the fungus spores attach to the outer surface of the insect, they germinate and begin to grow. After penetrating the outside skeleton of the insect, they grow rapidly inside the insect, causing the insect to die. Insects that come in contact with infected insects also become infected. Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52 can infect larvae and adults of many insects, but can infect only beetle larvae because the adults have a strong outer skeleton .

8. Target crops Widely used on crops like Tomato , Brinjal , Chilli , Capsicum , Okra , Pea , Cowpea , Coconut , Cotton , Maize , Wheat , Sugarcane , Rice , Potatoes , Sweetpotatoes , Groundnuts , Soybean , Coffee , Cassava , Tea , Cocoa , Rubber , Oil palm & Some fruit trees like ; Mango , Papaya , Citrus other agriculture and plantation crops. Method of Application & Dosage Foliar Spray – 3 ml per Liter water is recommended, Soil Application : 2 Liter Per Acre is used. Target Pests: Various ticks and beetles; root weevils, flies, gnats, thrips . Mode of action: When the bio  Metarhizium  spores of the fungus come into contact with the body of an insect host, they germinate, Penetrates the cuticle and grow inside, killing the insect within a matter of days, a white mold emerges from the cadaver and produces new spores inside the target pests .