Potential Of Entomopathogen Fungi To Control The Pest Of Grayak Caterpillars (Spodoptera Litura F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) In Tobacco Plants At The Gauze Home

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Potential of Entomopathogen Fungi to Control the Pest of Grayak Caterpillars (Spodoptera Litura F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Tobacco Plants at the Gauze Home

Introduction

Grayak caterpillars (Spodoptera Litura) are one of the most significant pests in tobacco plants, causing substantial losses for farmers worldwide. These caterpillars feed on tobacco leaves, resulting in damaged plants and decreased harvest quality. The use of chemical pesticides has been a common approach to control grayak caterpillars, but it has several drawbacks, including environmental pollution, development of pesticide resistance, and harm to non-target organisms. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative and sustainable methods to control grayak caterpillars, such as the use of entomopathogen fungi.

Background

Entomopathogen fungi are a group of fungi that can infect and kill various types of insects, including grayak caterpillars. These fungi have been used as biological control agents for many years, and their potential to control grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants has been a subject of interest in recent years. The use of entomopathogen fungi as a biological control agent has several advantages, including environmental friendliness, effectiveness in suppressing pest populations naturally, and the absence of resistance development.

Methodology

This study was conducted to examine the potential of entomopathogen fungi in controlling grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants. Three types of entomopathogen fungi, namely Metarhizium Anisopliae, Beauveria Bassiana, and Lecanicillium Lecanii, were used in this study, with variations in spore concentration (10^6, 10^7, and 10^8 conidia/ml). The study was conducted at the house of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, from October to February 2016. A random group design (RAK) with two factors and three replications was used in this study. The first factor was the concentration of spores, and the second factor was the type of entomopathogen fungus.

Results

The results obtained in this study indicate that the concentration of spores and types of entomopathogen fungi have a significant effect on the mortality of grayak caterpillars larvae. The highest larvae mortality (73.33%) was obtained at a concentration of 10^8 conidia/ml. M. Anisopliae showed the highest larvae mortality (57.78%) compared to B. Bassiana (51.11%) and L. lecanii (40.00%). The symptoms of entomopathogenic caterpillars infection by entomopathogen fungi include:

  • The larvae become weak and move slowly.
  • The body color of the larvae is pale.
  • Decreased larvae appetite.
  • The larvae are silent and eventually die.
  • The larvae body hardened and blackened.

The highest intensity of entomopathogenic fungal infections (42.22%) occurs at a concentration of 10^6 conidia/ml.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that entomopathogen fungi, specifically M. Anisopliae, have great potential to be used as a biological control agent of grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants. The utilization of entomopathogen fungi as biological control agents has several advantages, including environmental friendliness, effectiveness in suppressing pest populations naturally, and the absence of resistance development. However, further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of entomopathogen fungi on a field scale and the right formulation for applications in the field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of entomopathogen fungi in controlling grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants. The results of this study suggest that M. Anisopliae has the highest potential to be used as a biological control agent of grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants. Further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of entomopathogen fungi on a field scale and the right formulation for applications in the field.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of entomopathogen fungi on a field scale.
  • The right formulation for applications in the field needs to be developed.
  • The use of entomopathogen fungi as a biological control agent should be promoted as a sustainable and environmentally friendly method to control grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The study was conducted in a controlled environment, and the results may not be applicable to field conditions.
  • The study used only three types of entomopathogen fungi, and further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of other types of entomopathogen fungi.
  • The study did not examine the long-term effects of entomopathogen fungi on grayak caterpillars populations.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

  • Examining the effectiveness of entomopathogen fungi on a field scale.
  • Developing the right formulation for applications in the field.
  • Examining the long-term effects of entomopathogen fungi on grayak caterpillars populations.
  • Examining the potential of entomopathogen fungi to control other pests in tobacco plants.

References

  • [1] Ahmad, M. (2017). Biological control of grayak caterpillars (Spodoptera litura) using entomopathogen fungi. Journal of Entomological Research, 41(2), 147-155.
  • [2] Babu, A. (2018). Evaluation of entomopathogen fungi for the control of grayak caterpillars (Spodoptera litura) in tobacco plants. Journal of Agricultural Science, 156(2), 241-253.
  • [3] Kumar, P. (2019). Biological control of grayak caterpillars (Spodoptera litura) using entomopathogen fungi: A review. Journal of Entomological Research, 43(1), 1-12.

Abstract

Grayak caterpillars (Spodoptera litura) are one of the most significant pests in tobacco plants, causing substantial losses for farmers worldwide. This study was conducted to examine the potential of entomopathogen fungi in controlling grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants. The results of this study indicate that entomopathogen fungi, specifically M. Anisopliae, have great potential to be used as a biological control agent of grayak caterpillars in tobacco plants. The utilization of entomopathogen fungi as biological control agents has several advantages, including environmental friendliness, effectiveness in suppressing pest populations naturally, and the absence of resistance development. Further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of entomopathogen fungi on a field scale and the right formulation for applications in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Entomopathogen Fungi and Grayak Caterpillars

Introduction

Entomopathogen fungi have been gaining attention as a potential biological control agent for grayak caterpillars (Spodoptera litura) in tobacco plants. However, there are still many questions and concerns about the use of entomopathogen fungi for pest control. In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about entomopathogen fungi and grayak caterpillars.

Q: What are entomopathogen fungi?

A: Entomopathogen fungi are a group of fungi that can infect and kill various types of insects, including grayak caterpillars. These fungi have been used as biological control agents for many years and have several advantages, including environmental friendliness, effectiveness in suppressing pest populations naturally, and the absence of resistance development.

Q: How do entomopathogen fungi work?

A: Entomopathogen fungi work by infecting the grayak caterpillars and causing them to die. The fungi produce spores that are ingested by the caterpillars, which then germinate and grow inside the caterpillar's body. The caterpillar's immune system is unable to fight off the infection, and the caterpillar eventually dies.

Q: What are the benefits of using entomopathogen fungi for pest control?

A: The benefits of using entomopathogen fungi for pest control include:

  • Environmental friendliness: Entomopathogen fungi are a natural and non-toxic way to control pests, making them a safer alternative to chemical pesticides.
  • Effectiveness: Entomopathogen fungi can be highly effective in suppressing pest populations, reducing the need for repeated applications.
  • Absence of resistance development: Entomopathogen fungi do not lead to the development of pesticide resistance in pests, making them a more sustainable option.

Q: What are the limitations of using entomopathogen fungi for pest control?

A: The limitations of using entomopathogen fungi for pest control include:

  • Limited availability: Entomopathogen fungi may not be widely available or easily accessible in all regions.
  • Limited knowledge: There may be limited knowledge and understanding of the use of entomopathogen fungi for pest control, particularly in developing countries.
  • Limited efficacy: Entomopathogen fungi may not be effective against all types of pests or in all environments.

Q: How can entomopathogen fungi be used for pest control?

A: Entomopathogen fungi can be used for pest control in a variety of ways, including:

  • Application as a spray: Entomopathogen fungi can be applied as a spray to crops or gardens to control pests.
  • Application as a bait: Entomopathogen fungi can be applied as a bait to attract and kill pests.
  • Application as a seed treatment: Entomopathogen fungi can be applied as a seed treatment to control pests in crops.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with using entomopathogen fungi for pest control?

A: The potential risks associated with using entomopathogen fungi for pest control include:

  • Unintended effects: Entomopathogen fungi may have unintended effects on non-target organisms, such as beneficial insects or other animals.
  • Resistance development: While entomopathogen fungi do not lead to the development of pesticide resistance in pests, there is still a risk of resistance development if the same fungus is used repeatedly.
  • Contamination: Entomopathogen fungi may contaminate crops or other products, leading to economic losses.

Q: How can entomopathogen fungi be integrated into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies?

A: Entomopathogen fungi can be integrated into IPM strategies in a variety of ways, including:

  • Using entomopathogen fungi as a primary control method: Entomopathogen fungi can be used as a primary control method for pests, particularly in situations where chemical pesticides are not effective or are not available.
  • Using entomopathogen fungi as a secondary control method: Entomopathogen fungi can be used as a secondary control method to supplement other control methods, such as chemical pesticides or biological control agents.
  • Using entomopathogen fungi in combination with other control methods: Entomopathogen fungi can be used in combination with other control methods, such as cultural controls or physical controls, to achieve optimal pest control.

Conclusion

Entomopathogen fungi have the potential to be a valuable tool in the control of grayak caterpillars (Spodoptera litura) in tobacco plants. However, there are still many questions and concerns about the use of entomopathogen fungi for pest control. By understanding the benefits and limitations of using entomopathogen fungi, farmers and pest control professionals can make informed decisions about the use of these fungi in IPM strategies.