Selection of fungal isolates for virulence against three aphid pest species of crucifers and okra

Abstract

Aphids are the most important pests of vegetable crops worldwide, and 2 species cause 100% loss in crucifers if uncontrolled. Vegetable growers in sub-Saharan Africa use synthetic insecticides to control aphids. This study assessed the virulence of 5 isolates of insect-pathogenic fungi against 3 aphid species, as well as their ability to withstand hot conditions and conidial production as a prerequisite for strain selection. The fungus-based biopesticide Metarhizium anisopliae isolate ICIPE62 outperformed the other isolates and is a potential alternative to chemical insecticides for control of the target aphid pests. This work is an output of the ‘Enhancing Horticultural Productivity, Incomes and Livelihoods through Integrated Management of Aphid Pests on Vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa’. It was partly funded by the UK Department for International Development, a core donor of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology