Assessment of Beauveria bassiana for the biological control of corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, in sweet maize by irrigation application

Abstract Kernels of sweet maize are directly consumed by humans. This high value crop is grown in arid and semi-arid regions western Jilin Province, China where trickle irrigation widely used larvae the corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), can cause significant kernel damage. Low humidity less conducive to efficacy biological control agent, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Simulated conditions greenhouse experiments were conducted comparing B. application on a granule carrier or aqueous suspension maize. Applications adhered granules reduced O. leaf feeding damage, number boreholes tunneling length. Treatments with granular showed most reductions damage when applied once at whorl stage combination second ear. The greatest boring attributed these treatments occurred internodes around Although was following compared applications, latter also provided controls. study demonstrates utility as agent for reduction caused second-generation borer existing equipment could be adapted efficacious growers.