Microbial control of maize army worm, Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by entomopathogenic fungi.

Mythimna separata is a destructive polyphagous insect of almost 33 plant species including maize and wheat. To evaluate the pathogenecity of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea, a bioassay was conducted under laboratory conditions in which fungi were applied at different dose rates on different larval instars of M. separata. The results showed a dose and time dependent response on the mortality. Both fungi were found to be effective at all concentrations, but the uppermost concentration (6×10 8 spores/ml) provided maximum control within short period of time (P<0.001). B. bassiana showed its effectiveness after 4 th day of application, while the 50% mortality of test population treated by I. fumosorosea was recorded between 5-6 days of treatment. Results are evident that entomopathogenic fungi have potential to be used for the management of M. separata.