Effectiveness of Two Entomopathogenic Fungi Sources Toward Some Sucking Insects and Their Predators on Okra Crop

Abstract

Background and objective: Mycopathogenic pesticides played a vital role in insect population dynamics making it the earliest insect pests control agents. Use of myco-insecticides in pest management particularly in vegetable production as okra was considered the promising goal to control insects attack plant under field condition. Materials and Methods: The experiments were tested 2 entomopathogenic fungi (namely: Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae) from different sources toward sucking pests which attack okra crop, under laboratory and field conditions. Results: Two tested entomopathogenic fungi with different sources caused relatively the same impact on Aphids gossypii. The high concentration 1×108 caused the best mortality percentage especially after 7 days of treatment for both tested fungi under laboratory conditions. While under field conditions tested materials were elicited different impact on Aphis gossypii (Gloner) and leafhopper Emposca decipiens. M. anisopliae (S1) caused the best impact on population of aphids extend to 10 days. On other view, all the tested materials were recorded the impressive effect on E. decipiens reach to approximately more than 90%. Conclusion: Finally, the population of predators (F/Coccinellidae) decreased after treatment by B. bassiana or M. anisopliae (S1 or S2) due to reduction in prey individuals.