Biopesticide development based on strains of Metarhizium anisopliae for the biological control of white grubs [Phyllophaga sp.]

Abstract

Phyllophaga sp. is a pest that causes various types of damage to crops and economic losses. One control alternative is biological control, such as the use of entomopathogenic fungi that cause infections and death in various insects of economic interest. The objective of this research was to molecularly identify three strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium, select those with the greatest pathogenic capacity against white grubs [Phyllophaga sp.], and with viability for mass reproduction and formulation as a bioinsecticide. The three strains belong to the species M. anisopliae, with strains Ma70 and Ma2 showing greater pathogenicity. They were reproduced in vitro and in rice to determine their commercial potential. Conidia production by both strains [2–3 × 10⁸] was lower than the target production [1 × 10¹⁰]; therefore, future research should focus on increasing conidia production in solid substrates.