In vitro efficacy of biopesticide (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Bacillus thuringiensis) against mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

Brassica crop is ranked 2^nd most important oil seed crop in Pakistan and rich source of oil and protein. The lowest level of erucic acid and glucosinolates are the preferred characters of Brassica oil crop. In addition, its meal has 38-40% protein content which has complete profile of amino acid like lysin, methonin and cystin. Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. (Homoptera: Aphididae) is the limiting factor of qualitative and quantitative losses by attacking and hurting the leaves and pods in growing area of Pakistan and also develop resistance to some synthetic insecticides. Biopesticides are target specific, retard insect growth, metabolic process and has no adverse toxicity to mammals. Present study was planned for comparative efficacy of three biopesticides (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Bacillus thuringiensis) in vitro with five concentrations and three replications of each insecticide. The complete randomize design was used. All biopesticides were use at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% concentration. The percent mortality at highest concentration of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and B. thuringiensis was 78%, 83% and 73%, respectively after three days of application. Among the biopesticides M. anisopliae was found most effective against mustard aphid followed by B. bassiana and B. thuringiensis. M. anisopliae could be used as potential candidate for integrated pest management against mustard aphid after field efficacy.