PATHOGENICITY OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI Beauveria bassiana ON ARMYWORM LARVAE (Spodoptera litura)

Abstract

Introduction : Spodoptera litura is a polyphagous pest that attacks various types of plants, especially in the Brassicaceae family. Intensive use of synthetic chemical pesticides has a negative impact on the environment, pest resistance, and resurgence in non-target organisms. Control techniques that are more environmentally friendly are an alternative in pest control such as the use of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration level of Beauveria bassiana fungus that is effective on Spodoptera litura mortality. Methods : The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Production, Faculty of Animal and Agriculture, Diponegoro University, using a monofactor experiment with a 4x5 completely randomized design (CRD). Application of Beauveria bassiana fungus by dipping Spodoptera litura larvae in suspensions according to concentration levels (control, 10⁴, 10⁶, and 10⁸ conidia/ml). Results : The results showed that the highest larval mortality reached 7%, the highest larval feeding inhibition reached 22,85%, the fastest incubation period of Beauveria bassiana was 117.5 hours, the LC₅₀ value was 10¹² conidia/ml and the LT₅₀ was 18,5 days. Conclusion : The use of the entomopathogenic fungus Beuveria bassiana with a concentration of 10⁸ conidia/ml can produce mortality of 6%.

Keywords : beauveria bassiana, spodoptera litura, mortality