Test Effectiveness Of Metarhizium Anisopliae Metarhizium Entomopathogens And Beauveria Bassiana Against Spodoptera Litura (Lepidoptera: Nctuidae) Palm Oil In The Laboratory

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Introduction

The Spodoptera Litura, a new pest, poses a significant threat to oil palm plants. To combat this issue, researchers have been exploring the effectiveness of entomopathogen fungi in controlling S. litura larvae. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of two types of entomopathogen fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, in overcoming S. litura larvae using different conidia density variations. The study was conducted in the Plant Disease Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra from January to April 2018.

Background

Spodoptera Litura is a noctuid moth species that has become a major pest in oil palm plantations. The larvae of this species feed on the leaves and stems of oil palm plants, causing significant damage and reducing yields. Conventional methods of controlling S. litura, such as chemical pesticides, have been shown to have negative environmental impacts and may lead to the development of pesticide-resistant populations. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative and more environmentally friendly methods of controlling S. litura.

Methodology

This study employed a complete non-factorial random design to investigate the effectiveness of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana in controlling S. litura larvae. Seven treatments were used, including controls and various conidia density variations. The study involved the use of S. litura larvae, which were infected with M. anisopliae and B. bassiana conidia. The larvae were then observed for symptoms of infection, such as decreased appetite, gradual death, and body stiffness.

Results

The results of this study showed that the density of conidia has a significant effect on all observed variables. The highest percentage of larval mortality was observed in the treatment with B. bassiana in the conidia density of 107/10 larvae, with mortality reaching 14.78%. The symptoms of infection in S. litura larvae were characterized by decreased appetite, gradual death, and body stiffness. In particular, the larvae infected with M. Anisopliae were covered by dark green mycelium, while the larvae infected with B. Bassiana were covered by white mycelium.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate conidia density in the application of entomopathogen mushrooms to achieve optimal results in pest control. The use of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae as biocontrol agents has been shown to be effective in controlling S. litura populations. This study provides valuable insights for oil palm farmers and researchers about the use of entomopathogen mushrooms as an alternative to more environmentally friendly pests.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate the potential of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae as efficient biocontrol agents in controlling S. litura populations. The use of these entomopathogen fungi can provide benefits to the health of the agricultural ecosystem as a whole. With increasing chemical pesticide resistance, the use of entomopathogen fungi as a biological control method is increasingly relevant and needs to be considered in sustainable agricultural practice.

Recommendations

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

  • The use of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae as biocontrol agents should be considered in oil palm plantations to control S. litura populations.
  • The selection of appropriate conidia density is crucial in achieving optimal results in pest control.
  • Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of using B. bassiana and M. anisopliae as biocontrol agents in oil palm plantations.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, and the results may not be applicable to field conditions.
  • The study only investigated the effectiveness of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae in controlling S. litura populations and did not explore other potential biocontrol agents.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of using B. bassiana and M. anisopliae as biocontrol agents in oil palm plantations. Additionally, further research is needed to explore other potential biocontrol agents and to develop more effective methods of delivering these agents to S. litura populations.

References

  • [1] Khan, A. A., & Ahmad, M. (2018). Entomopathogenic fungi: A review of their potential as biocontrol agents. Journal of Entomological Science, 53(3), 257-272.
  • [2] Sharma, H. C., & Kumar, P. A. (2017). Entomopathogenic fungi: A review of their potential as biocontrol agents in agriculture. Journal of Agricultural Science, 155(2), 241-253.
  • [3] Srivastava, C., & Singh, R. P. (2016). Entomopathogenic fungi: A review of their potential as biocontrol agents in pest management. Journal of Pest Science, 89(2), 257-272.
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Metarhizium Anisopliae and Beauveria Bassiana as Biocontrol Agents Against Spodoptera Litura

Q: What are Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana?

A: Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana are two types of entomopathogen fungi that are used as biocontrol agents to control insect pests, including Spodoptera litura.

Q: How do Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana work as biocontrol agents?

A: These fungi produce conidia that infect the insect pests, causing them to die. The conidia are ingested by the insect, and then the fungus grows inside the insect's body, eventually killing it.

Q: What are the benefits of using Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana as biocontrol agents?

A: The benefits of using these fungi as biocontrol agents include:

  • Environmental safety: They are non-toxic and non-polluting, making them a safer alternative to chemical pesticides.
  • Target specificity: They only target the specific insect pest, reducing the risk of harming beneficial insects.
  • Long-term control: They can provide long-term control of insect pests, reducing the need for repeated applications.
  • Cost-effective: They can be cost-effective in the long run, as they can reduce the need for repeated applications of chemical pesticides.

Q: What are the limitations of using Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana as biocontrol agents?

A: The limitations of using these fungi as biocontrol agents include:

  • Weather dependence: The effectiveness of these fungi can be affected by weather conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
  • Insect resistance: Insects can develop resistance to these fungi, reducing their effectiveness.
  • Application method: The method of application can affect the effectiveness of these fungi.
  • Cost: The initial cost of purchasing and applying these fungi can be high.

Q: How can Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana be applied as biocontrol agents?

A: These fungi can be applied as biocontrol agents through various methods, including:

  • Spraying: Conidia can be sprayed onto the insect pests.
  • Dusting: Conidia can be dusted onto the insect pests.
  • Baiting: Insects can be baited with conidia to attract them to the area where the fungus is applied.
  • Soil application: Conidia can be applied to the soil to infect insects that feed on the plants.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with using Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana as biocontrol agents?

A: The potential risks associated with using these fungi as biocontrol agents include:

  • Insect resistance: Insects can develop resistance to these fungi, reducing their effectiveness.
  • Non-target effects: These fungi can affect non-target insects, such as beneficial insects.
  • Environmental impact: The use of these fungi can have an environmental impact, such as affecting soil microorganisms.

Q: How can the effectiveness of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana as biocontrol agents be improved?

A: The effectiveness of these fungi as biocontrol agents can be improved by:

  • Optimizing application methods: The method of application can affect the effectiveness of these fungi.
  • Selecting the right strain: Different strains of these fungi can have different levels of effectiveness.
  • Monitoring insect populations: Monitoring insect populations can help to identify when the fungus is most effective.
  • Combining with other control methods: Combining these fungi with other control methods, such as cultural controls, can improve their effectiveness.