S14 - Session O1 - Evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana against the management of Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

Authors: Lincy Kirubhadharsini *, Nakkeeran Sevugaperumal, JS Kennedy

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella is considered as a perilous pest throughout the world, sometimes even causing a greater loss of upto 90%. Intensive use of insecticides have developed resistance to DBM, which paved way for biological control. In this study, naturally occurring Beauveria bassiana isolates were collected from different locations and evaluated against DBM in crucifer ecosystem. Two strains BbI8 and BbI3 was found to be effective against DBM under laboratory bioassays. Further, the two isolates were mass multiplied in an optimized novel media and developed into a formulation. The formulated product were evaluated for its efficacy against DBM under both pot culture and field conditions. The evaluation of different formulations of B. bassiana against P. xylostella on cauliflower and cabbage under pot culture experiments revealed that NMBbB at 6 g L -1 recorded the highest cumulative mean population reduction of 74.85 and 69.66 per cent in cabbage and cauliflower, respectively. In field conditions NMBbB at 6 g L -1 was significantly superior and recorded the highest cumulative reduction of 68.65 and 69.91 per cent in cabbage during two seasons respectively. Next to Chlorantriniprole 18.5 SC standard check, the highest per cent reduction of 68.64 and 62.12 in cauliflower was recorded during two seasons by NMBbB at 6 g L -1 .