Joint application of entomopatogenic fungi against pests

Abstract

The research presented in the article focused on the combined use of entomopathogenic fungi and insecticides to control plant-sucking pests, specifically targeting greenhouse whitefly and cotton aphid. The insecticide Fufanon was applied at a rate of 2.5 L/ha, and a suspension of the entomopathogenic fungus P.varioti with a titer of 6·107 cfu/ml was added to enhance its effectiveness against these pests. The results indicated that when the P.varioti fungus suspension was used in conjunction with Fufanon, the mortality rate of greenhouse whitefly and cotton aphid reached 96.7% and 93.6%, respectively. These figures represented a significant increase in pest mortality compared to using the fungus suspension alone, where the mortality rates were 54.7% and 50.6% for greenhouse whitefly and cotton aphid, respectively. The combined use of entomopathogenic fungi and insecticides offers a promising approach to pest control in agriculture. By harnessing the natural capabilities of fungi to infect and kill pests, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical insecticides, which can have negative impacts on the environment and human health. Additionally, the use of fungi can help manage resistance issues that may arise with prolonged use of chemical pesticides. The research highlights the potential of integrated pest management strategies that combine biological and chemical control methods to effectively manage plant-sucking pests in agricultural settings.