Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Aim: This study investigates the effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii as a biopesticide against the whitefly species Bemisia tabaci, which is known for damaging vegetables in agricultural settings. Methods: The research involved collecting adult B. tabaci from a pesticide-free eggplant garden and rearing them on clean eggplant plants in controlled laboratory conditions. The effectiveness of both fresh and dried forms of Verticillium lecanii was evaluated through a randomized experiment with multiple dosages, supplemented with Tween 80. Efficacy was determined by counting the number of surviving larvae every day for ten days and analyzing them according to the Abbott formula and ANOVA. Results: The results demonstrated that various concentrations of Verticillium lecanii, both in fresh and dried forms, significantly reduced the survival rate of B. tabaci larvae in both laboratory and greenhouse settings. Whiteflies can be effectively controlled by applying the fungal bioproduct, according to the findings. Conclusion: This research presents a viable biological control alternative for managing B. tabaci populations in vegetable crops, thereby reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Implications: By highlighting the efficacy of Verticillium lecanii, this study contributes to the growing body of research on biopesticides and their role in integrated pest management, offering insights for future studies and applications in agricultural pest control.