Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae in controlling the cucurbit fruit fly Bactrocera cucurbitae under in-vitro conditions. This research aimed to develop sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategies to replace traditional chemical pesticides. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design with five concentrations of M. anisopliae spore solution, replicated four times with 20 fruit flies each. The media for the fungus were prepared and purified, and fruit flies were collected using pheromone traps. The treatments were applied via the spray method, and data on mortality rates, mummification times, and toxicity levels were collected. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and log-probit analysis, were also conducted to determine the lethal concentrations and durations. The results indicate a clear dose response relationship, with higher spore concentrations leading to significantly increased mortality rates and faster mummification. A concentration of 6.0 × 105 CFU/mL was necessary for substantial population reduction, while the projected lethal concentrations for 50% and 99% mortality were approximately 2.65 × 105 CFU/mL and 1.38 × 105 CFU/mL, respectively. These findings suggest that M. anisopliae is a highly effective biocontrol agent against B. cucurbitae, and is a viable alternative to chemical pesticides. Further research is recommended to explore field applications and assess long-term ecological impacts.