Biological management of Bactrocera zonata through an effective delivery system of mycoproteins of Beauveria bassiana integrated with synthetic attractant baits
Abstract
A destructive species of fruit fly known as Bactrocera zonata (Tephritidae: Diptera), seriously harms fruit crops. Mycoproteins found in biological control agents such as the fungus Beauveria bassiana Balsamo, have insecticidal effects against B. zonata. The B. bassiana is found to be the most successful biological control agent against B. zonata through attract and kill technique. The current study was carried out to exam in vitro fatality rate of B. zonata larvae and adults using various concentrations of crude mycoproteins from B. bassiana (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 µL mL-1). The same experiment was conducted again in a mango orchard against adult B. zonata to examine the activity of crude mycoproteins at higher concentrations (6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 µL mL-1), which were mixed with artificial attractant baits to attract adult B. zonata towards the traps hung from mango trees. The maximum mortality of larvae (90%) and adults (89%) was found at a concentration of 15 µL mL-1, while the minimum mortality of larvae (44%) and adults (36%) was found at a concentration of 3 µL mL-1, as compared to control. According to the field study findings, adults of B. zonata had a maximum mortality of 84% when exposed to crude mycoproteins at a concentration of 30 µL mL-1. It is concluded that B. zonata can be successfully managed in mango orchards using mycoproteins at a concentration of 30 uL mL-1 in combination with synthetic attractant baits.
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