Entomopathogenic Fungi against the Red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier

Samia, A. Yassin, Naglaa, F. Reyad and Abdel-Raheem, M. A.

Abstract

The red palm weevil, known as Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (RPW) ranks as the primary pest affecting multiple species of palm trees.   In light of environmental and regulatory issues, the quest for ecologically sound alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides has become imperative in the quest to control this elusive insect species.   Entomopathogenic fungi offer promising potential in combatting this pest.   Enhancements in the management and efficacy of controlling the red palm weevil can be achieved through the direct application or horizontal spread of entomopathogenic fungal strains.   The study conducted in the laboratory focused on examining the impact of the entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae Var. acridum (Metchinkoff) Soroken and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill, on Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.   Two types of entomopathogenic fungi were tested across three different concentrations: 2 x 10 ⁴, 2 x 10 ⁵, and 2 x 10 ⁶ spores / ml (C₁, C₂ & C₃). Mortality rates were monitored on a daily basis.   It was found that M. anisopliae exhibited greater virulence towards the larvae, pupae, and adult stages of R. ferrugineus compared to B. bassiana.   These results suggest that both M. anisopliae and B. bassiana show promise as effective agents in pest management, thereby potentially reducing environmental pollution, especially when pest populations are below the economic threshold.