Entomopathogenic Fungus and Enhanced Diatomaceous Earth: The Sustainable Lethal Combination against Tribolium castaneum

This study determined the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) alone or combined with diatomaceous earth DEA (a mixture DE + abamectin) against adults and larvae Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). was evaluated at 50 ppm while fungi 1.6 × 105, 106, 107 conidia/kg wheat). Mortalities were assessed after 7 14 days exposure, progeny reduction in 30, 60, 90, 120 days. The radial fungus growth significantly affected by dose DEA. higher treatments compared to application B. for both adults. Larvae more susceptible than all exposure intervals. Insect survival production recorded four months. Significantly fewer noted on wheat treated control. maximum number mycosed cadavers rate sporulation observed lowest alone, followed doses gradually. These findings indicate that combinations can efficiently control T. castaneum, providing long-term protection wheat.