ISSN 2375-1096
International Journal of Agroforestry and Silviculture ISSN: 2375-1096 Vol. 12 (1), pp. 001-004, January, 2024. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Biocontrol of Zonocerus variegatus population using Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium sp.
O.E. Fagade1, S.A. Balogun2 and C.J. Lomer3
1Environmental and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
2Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria.
3International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Biological Control and Functional Biodiversity Centre, BP 08-0932 Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Accepted 13 October, 2023
Abstract
Microbial control of caged populations of Zonocerus variegatus was carried out using indigenous fungal entomopathogens isolated from the grasshopper’s cadaver. Bioassay response indicated a dose-dependent mortality coupled with drastic reduction in food consumption among spores infected grasshoppers. Lethal time (LT50) of 4.6 days for 103 spores/ml and 3.8 days for 107 spores/ml of oil formulation of Beauveria bassiana were observed. While Metarhizium sp recorded LT 50 of 9.0 days and 2.8 days for 103 and 107 spores/ml, respectively. The results obtained were discussed in relation to use of the isolates in the control Z. variegatus infestation in forest agro-ecosystem of south west, Nigeria.
Key words: Microbial control, entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Zonoccrus variegatus, Metarhizium sp.