Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana Against Spodoptera frugiperda in Zea mays Crops

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 112–116

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120803

Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana Against Spodoptera frugiperda in Zea mays Crops

Names of Authors: Ojiambo, R. M.¹, Kamau, P. N.¹, and Tesfaye, A.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya. ²Department of Microbial Pest Management, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Melkassa, Ethiopia.

Abstract: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) poses a severe risk to food security frameworks across sub-Saharan Africa due to its destructive feeding habits on maize foliage. Over-reliance on synthetic chemistry accelerates localized target site resistance development. This field trial assessed the biological pest management efficacy of three distinct oil-formulated concentrations of native Beauveria bassiana isolates (10⁶, 10⁷, and 10⁸ spores/mL) sprayed at vegetative stages. Larval mortality records were compiled at 3, 7, and 14 days post-application. The highest concentration (10⁸ spores/mL) produced an 82.4% larval mortality rate within 7 days, outperforming standard botanical emulsions. Field evaluation scores showed a significant reduction in leaf damage indices, dropping from 4.8 in untreated blocks to 1.2 in biological protection sectors. Microscopic examinations confirmed extensive mycelial growth over larval cuticles, resulting in system failures within host targets. Total harvestable grain yields in B. bassiana protected sectors averaged 5.42 tons/ha, matching chemical standard controls while preserving non-target predatory insect populations.

Keywords: Biological pest control; Mycoinsecticides; Fall armyworm; Integrated pest management; Spore formulation; Agro-ecological health.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 20, 2026; Revised June 15, 2026; Accepted July 24, 2026; Published August 16, 2026.

Citation: Ojiambo, R. M., Kamau, P. N., and Tesfaye, A. (2026). Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana Against Spodoptera frugiperda in Zea mays Crops. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 112–116.

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