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Microbial control of caged population of <i>Zonocerus variegatus</i> using <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> and <i>Metarhizium</i> sp.


OE Fagade
SA Balogun
CJ Lomer

Abstract

Microbial control of caged populations of Zonocerus variegatus was carried out using indigenous fungal entomopathogens isolated from the grasshopper's cadaver. Bioassay response indicated a dose-dependent mortality coupled with drastic reduction in food consumption among spores infected grasshoppers. Lethal time (LT50) of 4.6 days for 103 spores/ml and 3.8 days for 107 spores/ml of oil formulation of Beauveria bassiana were observed. While Metarhizium sp recorded LT50 of 9.0 days and 2.8 days for 103 and 107 spores/ml, respectively. The results obtained were discussed in relation to use of the isolates in the control Z. variegates infestation in forest agro-ecosystem of south west, Nigeria.

Key Words: Microbial control, entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Zonoccrus variegatus, Metarhizium sp.

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.4(1) 2005:113-116

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eISSN: 1684-5315