PRODUCTION AND APPLICATION OF Metarhizium anisopliae AGAINST BLACK BUG (Scotinophara coarctata)

Rael C. Tejada, Dr. Josefina C. Managuit, Sheryll C. De Leon

Abstract

Rice Black Bug (RBB) is one of the serious insect pests in Bulacan. Chemical control is the common mode of controlling pest due to its quick effect and easy application but is has negative impact to the environment and can result to pest resurgence.

As support to the DA’s campaign in the promotion and dispersal of bio-control agents, the Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC) established the Bio-control laboratory to conduct mass production of the well-known entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae. The said fungus attacks RBB with its green toxin-producing spores that paralyze the pest then kill them.

The implementation of the project started by conducting a seminar and hands-on training. Produce and distribute Metarhizium anisopliae within the Bulacan areas. Training on selected Agricultural Extension Workers within Bulacan, Institute of Agriculture students and faculty is already conducted.

Research component of the project also provide good result as Metarhizium anisopliae also control different insect pests like on cucumber production. The experiment area laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) for one factor with four treatments and three replications. The treatments were as follows: T1-Control (no application of Metarhizium), T2- 6ml/L of water, T3- 11ml/L of water, T4-16 ml/L of water. Results of the study showed that plants in Treatment 4 minimized the occurrence of leafminer of 29.39 followed by Treatment 2, 1, and 3 with the means of 30, 30, 35.45 and 36.97 respectively.

The laboratory able to mass produce about 2,000 bags whithin its 1 year operation and mass production is stil on – going.

Key words: pest resurgence, bio-control agents, enthomopathogenic fungi, green-toxin- producing spons