Study on efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bb 112) formulations and validation of delivery equipments against Aphis gossypii on tomato

Bioefficacy of three different formulations of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Bb 112 isolate were assessed against aphid, Aphis gossypii (Aphididae: Hemiptera) in tomato. Based on the experimental results, effective formulation of B. bassiana (Bb 112) was selected and its bioefficacy was tested against aphids under field condition using different delivery equipments. Two sprays at 14 days interval were given and the cumulative reduction in aphid population was taken into account. The microplot study revealed that the oil formulation of B. bassiana (Bb 112) recorded maximum control of aphids with highest population reduction of 45.50 % when compared to talc and crude formulations. Under field condition also, oil formulation of B. bassiana (Bb 112) sprayed with Controlled Droplet Applicator (CDA) recorded highest population reduction of aphid (41.02 and 46.31 %). Hence, the present study entails that the improved formulations applied using improved delivery systems can thereby reform the biopesticide utility.