Abstract

O.E. FAGADE1 , S.A. BALOGUN2 and C.J. LOMER

Microbial control of caged populations of Zonocerus variegatus was carried out using indigenous fungal entomopathogens isolated from the grasshopper’s cadaver. Bioassay response indicated a dose-dependent mortality coupled with drastic reduction in food consumption among spores infected grasshoppers. Lethal time (LT50) of 4.6 days for 103 spores/ml and 3.8 days for 107 spores/ml of oil formulation of Beauveria bassiana were observed. While Metarhizium sp recorded LT 50 of 9.0 days and 2.8 days for 103 and 107 spores/ml, respectively. The results obtained were discussed in relation to use of the isolates in the control Z. variegatus infestation in forest agro-ecosystem of south west, Nigeria