EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT STRAINS OF ENTMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI AS POTENTIAL AGENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM

Abstract

The global economic significance of wheat (Triticum aestivum) is undeniable, as it serves as a primary food source for 40% of the human population. T. castaneum, a notable economic pest, particularly impacts stored wheat grains and flour. In the pursuit of sustainable pest control, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as advanced microorganisms, providing viable alternatives to harmful synthetic chemical insecticides. This study employed four fungal strains—Beauveria bassiana, Isaria cateniannulata, Trichoderma harzianum, and Metarhizium attenuatum—against mixed adult populations of T. castaneum under controlled laboratory conditions. Different concentrations (1×10², 1×10⁴, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁸, 1×10¹⁰ cfu/ml) for each fungus were employed, and mortality data, LC50, and LT50 were recorded at post-exposure intervals of 4, 6, 8, and 10 days. The application method involved using the fungus through a filter paper dip, and red flour beetle adults were introduced to wheat grains. The highest mortality, observed at the concentration of 1×10¹⁰ cfu/ml, was 80% for both M. attenuatum and B. bassiana. Conversely, the lowest mortality, recorded at the concentration of 1×10² cfu/ml, was 64% for I. cateniannulata, while T. harzianum demonstrated 70% mortality at 1×10¹⁰ cfu/ml. The utilization of entomopathogenic fungi for insect control represents an emerging strategy. B. bassiana and M. attenuatum emerge as promising alternatives for managing T. castaneum in stored grains.