Pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana in in vitro control of the maize cob borer (Helicoverpa zea)

Abstract

In corn one of the main pests is the corn earworm, and its control is difficult due to the habit of staying within the spike. Microbial control of insects with Beauveria bassiana is a viable strategy to minimize damage by linking to integrated pest management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to control in-vitro corn cob borer (Helicoverpa zea). The experiment was conducted in laboratory arranged in a randomized design, consisting of three treatments, two concentrations 1x10⁸ and 5x10⁶ conidia ml^-1 of B.bassiana and a control (H₂O), with 20 repetitions each treatment. Pathogenicity were evaluated (%) of B. bassiana at different concentrations and the time (in days) for mortality of caterpillars (H. zea). For the control of the corn cob caterpillar treatment consisting of the concentration 1x10⁸ conidia mL^-1 had 100% mortality of insects in four days. We conclude that B. bassiana has been effective in causing mortality in vitro maize cob caterpillar (H. zea).