Agricultural and Biological Research

Biological-based management of corn fall armyworm using entomopathogens in Zamboanga Peninssula

Mariecel A. Fuentes*, Tamie C. Solpot

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF), particularly Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, in managing FAW population in the Zamboanga peninsula. The study consisted of surveys on the socio-economic profile, knowledge, practices, and perceptions of corn farmers receiving EPF from the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC). The findings revealed that despite challenges such as limited education, low income, and small landholdings, farmers showed a high level of knowledge and practice regarding EPF, farmers showed 100% adoption of EPF. Most of the EPF beneficiaries (77.38%) prefer M. anisopliae, while 22.62% prefer B. bassiana as biocon against FAW. For the assessment of FAW mortality rate in corn field applied with EPF from RCPC, results showed a reduction in FAW populations in both B. bassiana and M. anisopliae treated fields compared to the cornfield without EPF. With a noticeable decrease in pest populations based on morphological characterizations, isolated EPF identified as M. anisopliae caused mortality of 25% compared to B. bassiana with 20%. Pathogenicity test of the isolated EPF yielded positive results and the M. anisopliae had the highest mortality (80%), followed by B. bassiana (70%) and Nomuraea sp. (60%). The study also observed fungi with limited growth in Cladosporium sp. and Aspergillus sp. exhibit limited potential in FAW control. The study recommends further research to assess the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of M. anisopliae, B. bassiana, and Nomuraea sp. in real-field conditions, considering factors like soil health, pest resistance, and seasonal variation.