Journal of Environmental Biology

Comparative efficacy of indigenous entomopathogenic fungal isolates against chewing and sucking pests, Helicoverpa armigera and Lipaphis erysimi

V. Padimi¹, S.K. Singh¹*, A.K. Pandey², K.R. Sharma¹ and D. Seepana³     

¹Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya - 224 229, India

²Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya - 224 229, India

³Department of Entomology, Agricultural College Rajamahendravaram, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur - 522 034, India

Received: 22 November 2024                   Revised: 28 January 2025                   Accepted: 23 July 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : drsameerent@nduat.org                     *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3056-8380

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluates the efficacy of indigenous entomopathogenic fungal isolates against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) under laboratory conditions to compare the mortality rates and determine LC50 and LT50 values.

Methodology: Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated using ‘Galleria bait approach’ from soil samples collected from different regions of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The isolated entomopathogenic fungi were identified and characterized using ITS DNA primers, and their sequences were submitted in NCBI. The bio-efficacy in terms of LC₅₀ and LT₅₀ was determined for the pests Helicoverpa armigera and Lipaphis erysimi under laboratory conditions.

Results: The findings revealed significant mortality rates, with Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana showing the highest efficacy against Helicoverpa armigera and Lipaphis erysimi, respectively.

Interpretation: The present study revealed that the indigenous entomopathogenic fungi have high potential as biocontrol agents against Helicoverpa armigera and Lipaphis erysimi. These fungi present a promising complementary approach to chemical control methods, helping to promote more sustainable agricultural practices.

Key words: Entomopathogenic fungi, Helicoverpa armigera, Lipaphis erysimi, Mortality rate

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