| Abstract: | The control of Spodoptera frugiperda is based
on synthetic insecticides, so some alternatives are the use of
entomopathogenic fungi (EF) and neem extract. The objective of
the study was to evaluate in vitro effectiveness of native EF and
neem extracts on S. frugiperda larvae. Six EF were identified by
DNA sequencing of ITS regions from three EF (Fusarium solani,
Metarrhizium robertsii, Nigrospora spherica and Penicillium
citrinum). They were evaluated in concentrations of 1 × 10⁸ spores/
mL. In addition, a second bioassay was carried out evaluating
only F. solani, M. robertsii and N. sphaerica and the addition
of vegetable oil. On the other hand, extraction of secondary
metabolites from neem seed (Azadirachta indica) was carried
out by performing, mass (g) and solvent volume (mL ethanol
and water) combinations, which were subjected to microwaves
and ultrasound. Subsequently, these extracts were evaluated
in concentrations of 3%, 4% and 5%. A survival analysis was
performed for each of the bioassays. With respect to the results
of the first bioassay, F. solani obtained a probability of survival of
0.476 on the seventh day, while in the second bioassay, M. robertsii
obtained 0.488 survival probability. This suggests that the expected
percentage of larvae that stay alive on the sixth day is 48.8%.
However, in the evaluation of the neem extract the combination
1:12/70% to 4% caused 84% mortality of larvae. The use of native
HE and neem extracts has potential for the control of S. frugiperda. |
