Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea against Eublemma amabilis (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera): A predator of lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Isaria and Beauveria on larva and pupa of E. amabilis. Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea are entomopathogenic fungi used as biological control agents for E. amabilis. Both have been used as mycoinsecticides providing a good biological alternatives to conventional methods. The Isaria was found to have a mortality factor of 80% after 3 days of treatment and Beauveria showing 40% mortality factor. Similarly, Isaria was proved to be effective on pupal stages of E. amabilis showing 70% mortality factor followed by Beauveria with the relatively low mortality factor of 30%. More studies would be necessary to help identify interactions between microbes and natural enemies to increase and enhance opportunities and further develop biological pest control programs.