The use of Beauveria bassiana for the control of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus, in stored maize: Semi-field trials in Ghana
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Date
2023
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Fungal Biology xxx
Abstract
Laboratory research in Ghana demonstrated the effectiveness of an isolate of Beauveria bassiana (IMI
389521) from the United Kingdom against the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Cole optera: Bostrichidae), a major pest of stored maize. The minimum effective concentration, following
artificial infestation trials on maize, was between 109 and 1010 cfu/kg maize. Before moving out to village level control, a major requirement was to determine if the product could effect control in artificially
infested maize held under real environmental conditions in several locations in Ghana. Therefore, this
study investigated the efficacy of formulated conidia of B. bassiana, IMI 389521, at two concentrations
(1 109 and 3.16 109 cfu/kg maize) to control P. truncatus on stored maize kernels under semi-field
conditions in Ghana. Maize (‘Obatanpa’ cultivar) kernels were treated with the formulated B. bassiana
product and stored in polypropylene woven bags in cribs in Southern Ghana. After 24 h, one hundred
adults of P. truncatus were placed into each bag containing the treated maize. Mortality and the percent
of weight loss of kernels were assessed every two weeks for three months. The semi-field trials revealed
the possibility of successfully controlling adult P. truncatus on maize kernels treated with B. bassiana at
3.16 109 cfu/kg maize. However, due to the minimal protection of kernels after four weeks, re-treating
maize kernels after this period is recommended to ensure maximum protection during prolonged
storage.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Beauveria bassiana, Prostephanus truncatus, maize, Ghana