Potential of entomopathogens and neem oil against two emerging insect pests of vegetables

Abstract

Bioefficacy of different entomopathogenic microorganisms, viz Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii, Bacillus subtilis-2 and botanical, i.e. neem oil were tested alone and their 1:1 combination with neem oil against two emerging insect pests of vegetables. Among the entomopathogens, M. anisopliae IIVR strain was most promising against hadda beetle (Epilachna dodecastigmata), followed by M. anisopliae commercial formulation, whereas L. lecanii was highly effective against painted bugs (Bagrada hilaris). However, neem oil was the most effective biopesticides against duo insect pests. The per cent mortality changed in time dependent manner and the lowest median lethal time (LT50) for neem oil against E. dodecastigmata and B. hilaris were 45.09 and 102.03 h, respectively. Combinations of these entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and neem oil (1:1) had lower LT50 values than each of their individual indicating the compatibility among them which was also confirmed through co-toxicity values greater than one in all the cases.