| Abstract: | ![]()
The control of Spodoptera frugiperda is basedon synthetic insecticides, so some alternatives are the use ofentomopathogenic fungi (EF) and neem extract. The objective ofthe study was to evaluate in vitro effectiveness of native EF andneem extracts on S. frugiperda larvae. Six EF were identified byDNA sequencing of ITS regions from three EF (Fusarium solani,Metarrhizium robertsii, Nigrospora spherica and Penicilliumcitrinum). They were evaluated in concentrations of 1 × 10⁸ spores/mL. In addition, a second bioassay was carried out evaluatingonly F. solani, M. robertsii and N. sphaerica and the additionof vegetable oil. On the other hand, extraction of secondarymetabolites from neem seed (Azadirachta indica) was carriedout by performing, mass (g) and solvent volume (mL ethanoland water) combinations, which were subjected to microwavesand ultrasound. Subsequently, these extracts were evaluatedin concentrations of 3%, 4% and 5%. A survival analysis wasperformed for each of the bioassays. With respect to the resultsof the first bioassay, F. solani obtained a probability of survival of0.476 on the seventh day, while in the second bioassay, M. robertsiiobtained 0.488 survival probability. This suggests that the expectedpercentage of larvae that stay alive on the sixth day is 48.8%.However, in the evaluation of the neem extract the combination1:12/70% to 4% caused 84% mortality of larvae. The use of nativeHE and neem extracts has potential for the control of S. frugiperda. |
