Pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae (Pacer) against two stored-grain insect pests under abiotic stress factors
Abstract
Stored grains are attacked by numerous insect pests, among which Rhyzopertha dominica and Trogoderma granarium are the most significant. Extensive use of phosphine has led to the development of resistance in these pests, along with residual effects on stored grain commodities. In this study, a commercially available formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Pacer) was evaluated through bioassays to determine the effects of temperature and relative humidity on its pathogenicity against R. dominica adults and T. granarium larvae. The bioassay results revealed that the efficacy of the fungal formulation was influenced by conidial dose rate, exposure period, temperature, and relative humidity. The highest mortality rates, 68.82% for T. granarium and 60.10% for R. dominica, were recorded at 30°C and 65% relative humidity with a dose rate of 9×10⁸ conidia after a 21-day exposure. Relatively lower mortality values, 50% and 48%, were observed after 14 days of exposure, respectively. The 7-day exposure period combined with 55% relative humidity proved least effective, resulting in the lowest pathogenicity against both test insects. Lower dose rates of 3×10⁸ and 6×10⁸ conidia were also comparatively less effective against both species. These findings suggest that Pacer, an entomopathogenic fungal formulation, exhibits considerable entomocidal potential for managing stored-grain insect pests and could reduce reliance on phosphine and other chemical fumigants. However, the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi in stored grain protection is strongly dependent on prevailing abiotic conditions.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33804/pp.009.03.5574
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