Ranadev, Praveen, Nagaraju, Kotappa, Vasanth Kumari, Ramadasappa (2025). Exploiting the Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Common Floricultural Pests: A Focus on Aphids (Myzus persicae), Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci B-biotype) and Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). , 27(4), 847-860. doi: 10.22034/JAST.27.4.847
Praveen Ranadev; Kotappa Nagaraju; Ramadasappa Vasanth Kumari. "Exploiting the Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Common Floricultural Pests: A Focus on Aphids (Myzus persicae), Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci B-biotype) and Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)". , 27, 4, 2025, 847-860. doi: 10.22034/JAST.27.4.847
Ranadev, Praveen, Nagaraju, Kotappa, Vasanth Kumari, Ramadasappa (2025). 'Exploiting the Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Common Floricultural Pests: A Focus on Aphids (Myzus persicae), Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci B-biotype) and Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)', , 27(4), pp. 847-860. doi: 10.22034/JAST.27.4.847
Ranadev, Praveen, Nagaraju, Kotappa, Vasanth Kumari, Ramadasappa Exploiting the Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Common Floricultural Pests: A Focus on Aphids (Myzus persicae), Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci B-biotype) and Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). , 2025; 27(4): 847-860. doi: 10.22034/JAST.27.4.847

Exploiting the Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Common Floricultural Pests: A Focus on Aphids (Myzus persicae), Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci B-biotype) and Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)

Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Article 9, Volume 27, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 847-860    PDF (6.44 M)
Document Type: Original Research
DOI: 10.22034/JAST.27.4.847
Authors
Praveen Ranadev* 1; Kotappa Nagaraju1; Ramadasappa Vasanth Kumari2
1Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru - 560065, Karnataka, India.
2Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru - 560065, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) as biocontrol agents against aphids, whiteflies, and western flower thrips. The research employed a leaf disc bioassay with various conidia concentrations to determine Lethal Concentration (LC) and Time (LT) for pest eradication. Additionally, the study assessed the activity of cuticle-degrading enzymes produced by EPF (Chitinase, Protease, and Lipase) to understand their pathogenic mechanisms. Molecular identification using ITS region of 18S rDNA identified virulent isolates. Results indicated that four isolates, namely, ENPF-16, 24, 41, and 60 achieved significant mortality rates (95 to 100%) at a concentration of 1x108 conidia mL-1 after nine days. Akanthomyces sp. (ENPF-41) exhibited the highest enzyme activity, followed by Beauveria sp. (ENPF-60). The virulent fungal isolates were identified as Beauveria bassiana and Akanthomyces lecanii. Among EPF, Akanthomyces lecanii (MT997935) displayed greater virulence against all three test insects with lower LC50 and LT50 values compared to the other EPF. In summary, all fungal isolates induced mortality in the tested pests, but their effectiveness varied. Akanthomyces lecanii (MT997935) emerged as a promising biocontrol candidate due to its broad host range and strong virulence.
Keywords
Beauveria; Biological control; Chitinase; Cuticle degrading enzymes; Lecanicillium; Sucking pests
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