Evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi for biological control of wheat aphid (Sitobion avenae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

A major wheat pest that causes enormous financial losses worldwide is the wheat aphid (Sitobin avenae). Aphid populations has traditionally been controlled with chemical pesticides, but because of their negative effects on the environment and human health, sustainable alternatives must be investigated. In the present study, a comparative evaluation of four fungal biocontrol agents namely Beauveria bassiana, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma viride and Metarhizium anisopliae, demonstrated their efficacy against wheat aphids across varying spore concentrations (1 × 10⁴ to 1 × 10¹² cfu/ml) and treatment durations (2–10 days). Aphids mortality was consistently increased with increase in biocontrol’s spore concentration and exposure time. For B. bassiana, maximum mortality (80%) was observed at 1 × 10¹² cfu/ml after 10 days. Similarly, A. flavus showed the highest mortality (77%) at the same concentration and time duration. T. viride and M. anisopliae also caused significant mortality of aphids (60% and 67% respectively) under the same conditions. Lower spore concentrations and time duration exhibited proved less efficient. In conclusion, B. bassiana exhibited the highest aphid mortality, highlighting its potential as an effective biocontrol agent.