Application of entomopatogenic fungus against pests in greenhouses

Abstract

The effectiveness of controlling polysis aphids and greenhouse orthoptera using a suspension of P.varioti's strain EMR-57 and insecticide Fufanon was evaluated in a tomato-planted greenhouse. The study found that the mortality rate of polysis aphids reached 57.8% within 3 days and 67.6% within 14 days when the P.varioti's strain EMR-57 suspension with a titer of 6·107 cfu/ml was applied. In the case of greenhouse orthoptera, the mortality rate was 60.0% and 78.8% within the same respective time frames. Contrastingly, in the water-sprinkled version, the mortality rate was significantly lower, with only 2.6% mortality within 3 days and 4.3% and 3.3% in 1 and 7 days, respectively. This indicates that the P.varioti's strain EMR-57 suspension is more effective when directly applied to the target pests compared to a general water-sprinkled application. In greenhouse conditions, the most optimal rates for controlling both pests were found to be the combination of 2.5 L/ha of Fufanon insecticide, 6·107 cfu/ml titer of P.varioti strain EMR-57, and 0.04% concentration of "Selver" adhesive active substance. This combination showed effective control of both polysis aphids and greenhouse orthoptera, highlighting its potential for integrated pest management strategies in greenhouse agriculture.