Evaluation of Two Spores Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium Anisopliae and Trichoderma Harzianum on Tetranychidae Species for Sustainable Pest Control.

Document Type : Research and Review Papers

Authors

1 Agricultural Zoology and Nematology Department Faculty of Agriculture Al- Azhar University Assiut branch Egypt

2 Biological and Environmental Sciences Department Faculty of Agriculture (Girls branch) Al-Azhar University Cairo. Egypt

Abstract

The spider mite species of Acari: Tetranychidae are significant economic pests affecting various crops in Egypt and globally. Aligning with Egypt's sustainable development strategy, which focuses on optimal natural resource use, biodiversity preservation, and food security, this study evaluated the effectiveness of two entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Trichoderma harzianum, against three tetranychid mites (Tetranychus urticae, Oligonychus mangiferus, and Eutetranychus orientalis) under laboratory conditions. Three concentrations (1×106, 2×106, and 3×106 spores/ml) were tested. Results indicated that both fungal spores reduced mite populations, with effectiveness increasing at higher concentrations. T. harzianum proved generally more effective than M. anisopliae. Mortality rates for mites treated with T. harzianum were 8.00 ± 0.45, 6.80 ± 0.37, and 5.80 ± 0.37 individuals, corresponding to 80%, 68%, and 58% mortality for T. urticae, E. orientalis, and O. mangiferus, respectively. In comparison, M. anisopliae resulted in mortality rates of 6.20 ± 0.37, 6.20 ± 0.20, and 5.60 ± 0.51 individuals, with mortality percentages of 56%, 62%, and 62%. The LC50 and LC90 values indicated that T. harzianum was the most toxic fungus for the mites under study conditions. These findings suggest that these fungi can be viable components of biological control strategies for managing tetranychid mite populations.

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