Evaluation of Philippine-sourced clay particles as coating agents of cacao pods and carrier of entomopathogen against cacao pest, Helopeltis bakeri Poppius

Evaluation of the efficacy clay particles as a coating agent cacao pods and carrier entomopathogen, Metarhizium anisopliae Sorokin, was conducted for control mirid bug (CMB), Helopeltis bakeri Poppius. Choice no-choice tests were performed to evaluate Philippine-sourced deter CMB feeding, in comparison with commercially available particle film (US kaolin Surround ® ). To determine most efficient local protecting from six (6) treatments evaluated namely, (PH kaolin), zeolite zeolite), bentonite bentonite), US kaolin, water (negative control), commercial synthetic insecticide thiamethoxam (Actara ) (positive control). All subjected choice tests. Among Philippine tested both tests, PH showed significant deterred feeding. Since Kaolin feeding deterrent effects on CMB, these carriers entomopathogenic fungi, M. , including control) thiamethoxam. Results that is good spores its started 24 hours after exposure. This confirmed by positive extraction dead through potato dextrose agar (PDA) plating.