BIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGUS, Beauveria Bassiana (BALSAMO) VUILLEMIN ON THE POTATO TUBER MOTH, Phthorimaea Operculella (SELLER)

This study has been carried to evaluate the effect of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana on the various developmental stages of Phthorimaea operculella. Both first and second instars larvae were more susceptible than the third and fourth instars. The infected prepupae and pupae resulted in marked decreases in the emergence and longevity of moths, deposited eggs and egg hatchability. An obvious increase in the pupal duration was observed and malformed adults were also recorded. The latent was markedly obvious, especially in high doses of B. bassiana.