Relation between Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera/Noctuidae) mortality and entomopathogenic fungi persistence in soybean leaflets

Abstract ​Background Entomopathogenic fungi have low persistence in the field because of UV light, high temperatures and humidity. Thus, this study's objective was to correlate Beauveria bassiana Metarhizium anisopliae soybean leaf by measuring mortality sub-lethal effects Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera/Noctuidae). In 2017–2018 2019–2020 seasons, experiments were conducted on plots subdivided a completely randomized design. After spraying each plot with fungal, either B. or M. , leaves collected hourly for 8 h after application transferred laboratory. The local air temperature recorded time. For assessment, fungal suspension prepared from disks; thereafter, 150 µl removed poured into plate. 72 inoculation, colony-forming units (CFUs) counted. test, disks placed individually pots offered second instar larvae H. . surviving evaluated biological parameters. Results more persistent than which persisted 3 first year 5 when milder; throughout evaluation period (8 h). decreased an increase time since suspension, presenting range 86–30% 78–4.2% Conclusion Assessments sublethal showed inverse correlation between CFUs parameters such as fertility weight.