Research Article

Plant-Derived Oils Enhance the Effectiveness of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Controlling Melon Fruit Fly Maggots

Shahbaz Ahmad1*, Mubashar Iqbal1, Arshad Javaid2, Muhammad Bilal Chattha3, Muhammad Ashfaq4, Tajamal Hussain5 and Sumra Ashraf1

1Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; 2Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; 3Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; 4Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; 5School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.

Received | November 07, 2024; Accepted | December 18, 2024; Published | December 28, 2024

*Correspondence | Shahbaz Ahmad, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; Email: [email protected]

Citation | Ahmad, S., M. Iqbal, A. Javaid, M.B. Chattha, M. Ashfaq, T. Hussain and S. Ashraf. 2024. Plant-derived oils enhance the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi in controlling melon fruit fly maggots. Pakistan Journal of Weed Science Research, 30(4): 162-177.

DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.PJWSR/2024/30.4.162.177

Keywords | Coriandrum sativum, Ricinus communis, Eruca sativa, Bactrocera cucurbitae, EPF, Virulence

Copyright: 2024 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Introduction

Fruit fly maggots feed inside the fruits and vegetables as well as damage their quality. They also damage flowers and stems of plants (Kumar and Rathor, 2020; Mahendiran et al., 2022). The damage is mostly done by the female that lay eggs in the soft tissue of the fruits and flowers (Mani, 2022). Due to this, market value of the products is decreased and the losses vary between 30–100% depending upon the species. Fruits damage due to the melon fruit fly has been reported in the range of 41–89% (Saeed et al., 2022; Khuhro et al., 2024).

For biological control of insects, parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens (fungi, viruses, bacteria and nematodes) have been used that are effective for the betterment of the environment as compared to the use of synthetic insecticides (Thilagam et al., 2023; Joshi et al., 2024). Entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, virus and nematodes were reported for the protection of plants against different pests (Deka et al., 2021; Ahmad et al., 2022; Grabka et al., 2022; Singh et al., 2024). Integrated pest management is proved to be more effective for reducing the pollution as well as density of the pests from the environment (Fahad et al., 2021). It is done by biological control particularly by the help of entomopathogenic fungi (Mantzoukas and Eliopoulos, 2020; Wang et al., 2024). The entomopathogenic fungi such as Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium lecanii have been proved very effective in biological control of insects (Alwaneen et al., 2024; Quesada-Moraga et al., 2024). These occur naturally and to preserve these, proper understanding about the compatibility and interaction with other insecticides would be known that may inhibit the pathogen reproduction and growth (Bamisile et al., 2021; Mishra et al., 2024; Singh et al., 2024).

Oils and wetting agents have been extensively investigated and adopted as means of enhancing the delivery, persistence, and efficacy of myco-insecticides (Ghorui et al., 2024). Oil based formulations of Beauveria bassiana proved more efficient carrier of B. bassiana conidia than 0.01% aqueous Tween 80 for the weevil Pantorhytes plutus (Prakash et al., 2015; Kordrostami et al., 2024). Naturally occurring botanical insecticides such as neem oil and other plant essential oils, have long been used in Asia for protection against stored-grain insect pests. More recently, researchers in the Western Hemisphere have begun to assess their use as alternatives to fumigants and other chemical insecticides (Deguine et al., 2021; Zharkov et al., 2023; Albornoz et al., 2024).

The use of entomopathogenic fungi in combination with the plant essential oils proved to be more effective in controlling different types of pest with cost effective techniques. The investigation of the combined action of EPF and EOs or vegetable extracts can aid in pest management by improving control effectiveness and reducing the use of chemical pesticides (Bacova et al., 2020; Natal et al., 2021; Kordrostami et al., 2024; Rehan et al., 2024). EPF and essential oils compatibility could make it easier to choose the right items for IPM programs (Sorokan et al., 2023; Ochieng et al., 2024; Vermelho et al., 2024). According to Chaudhary et al. (2024) and Marisel et al. (2024), these combination applications can increase control effectiveness by lowering applied amounts, avoiding environmental contamination risks, and preventing the development of insect resistance. Because many synthetic pesticides are incompatible with EPFs, it is crucial to search for some natural antagonists to use in conjunction with them (Napoli et al., 2020; Valerio et al., 2021; Kordrostami et al., 2024). So, the aim of the present study was the assessment of sensitivity of entomopathogenic fungi to different oils such as coriander oil, taramira oil and castor oil against B. cucurbitae maggots.

Materials and Methods

Collection and rearing of fruit flies

Fruit flies used in this experimental trail were collected from the bitter and cucumber fields that were present in University of Punjab Lahore on weekly basis. In order to gather the flies, the fruits were first taken from the infected field and placed on the side of the plate with one side adjusted using mesh wire. As the development of the maggots was completed, they were collected in different trays.

After the period of five days pupa were collected, washed with distilled water and were placed in the plastic plates for the emergence of the flies. During this, diet such as banana, eggs and yeasts etc. was provided in rearing cages. Emerged adults were maintained in plastic cages (30 x 30 x 30 cm), approximately 180–200 flies per cage, under laboratory conditions (24±1.5°C, RH 40±5%, L:D 14:10). During the photophase, light was provided by typical neon tubes (Philips18W/865), at light intensity of approximately 1000 lux near the cages (measured with Elvos Luxmeter LM1010). Food provision was in the form of a liquid diet consisting of sugar, yeast hydrolysate enzymatic (Chembiotin) and water (ratio 4:1:5). Flies were allowed to oviposit in bitter gourd. Water was provided with a soaked cotton wick extruding from a small water container. Maggots obtained from bitter gourd for 2–3 generations in our laboratory were used in our experiments.

Procurement of entomopathogenic fungi

Nine strains of entomopathogenic fungi namely Metarhizium pinghaense (MBC709), Isaria javanica (MBC524), I. fumosorosea (MBC 053), I. farinose (MBC 389), I. cateniammulata (MBC289) Lecanicillium attenuatum (MBC807), Metarhizium anisopliae (F52), Beauveria bassiana (MBC 076), and B. brongniartii (MBC397) were used in the present research and imported from the National Center for Agriculture Utilization Research US Department of Agriculture, USA. These strains were cultured on the ¼ SADY media and incubated at 28 ºC in dark conditions for 10-14 days. Determination of conidial concentration was done microscopically, by using Bright-Line hemocytometer (Abdelmoteleb and González-Mendoza, 2020).

Oils and preparation of their concentrations

Three oils (Coriander, Taramira and Castor oil) were purchased from reliable source and seven concentrations viz. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35% of each oil were prepared in Tween-20.

Experiment I: Impact of oils on growth of EPF

Before autoclaving, each concentration of the oil was mixed with growth media, poured in Petri dishes and placed inside the laminar air flow for solidification. Lazy-L-Spreader was used to inoculate fungal strains by spreading 100 µL of conidial suspension in the Petri dishes containing growth media and placed under dark condition at 28°C. Germinating spores were counted in three groups by using the given formula:

Experiment II: Impact of oils on virulence of EPF

Oil concentrations were mixed with five concentrations of every EPF strain (1×105, 1×106, 1×107 and 1×108, 1×109 spores mL-1) in all possible combinations. A suspension of oil concentration within conidial suspension of EPF was prepared by mixing 100 µL of oil and then it was spread on media plates. The larvae were fed on the diet containing all possible combinations of oil treatments. Completely randomized design was applied and 25 larvae were exposed to each treatment. Dead larvae were collected to calculate mortality after 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment (Dembilio et al., 2010). The mortality data were changed into percentage corrected mortality by utilizing Henderson-Tilton’s formula (Henderson and Tilton, 1955).

Data analysis

To determine LC50 and LC90 values, the data of mortality were subjected to probit analysis. The products were analyzed on the basis of their LC50 and LC90 values. The statistical analysis was conducted using the Minitab software package (Minitab, 2017). The mortality data were also analyzed by ANOVA and their mean were separated by Tukey HSD test (Dembilio et al., 2010).

Results and Discussion

Effect of oils on germination of entomopathogenic fungi

Findings showed that oils had significant effects on germination of all entomopathogenic fungal strains (P value = 0.0000 <0.05) (Table 1). Maximum germination (87%) of M. pinghaense was observed on 5% concentration as compared to other concentrations 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% have germination of M. pinghaense (80%), (72%), (65%), (58%), (51%) and (45%), respectively (Table 2). Germination due to different oils viz. coriander, taramira and castor oil was 59%, 65% and 72%, respectively (Table 3). Interaction effect between concentrations and oils revealed that maximum germination (93%) due to castor oil was at 5% concentration and minimum germination (80%) was observed at same concentration due to coriander oil. Similarly, percent germination (85% at castor oil) and minimum germination (72% at coriander) was observed on 10% concentration. While maximum percent germination (77% of castor oil) was observed on (15%) concentration and minimum germination (65% of coriander) was observed. Maximum percent germination (20%) concentration was (72%) of castor oil and minimum germination (59%) of coriander was observed. Maximum percent germination on 35% concentration was (52%) of castor oil and minimum germination (42%) of coriander was observed (Table 4).

 

Table 1: Analysis of variance for the effect of fungal strain, concentration and incubation period on mortality of melon fruit fly maggots.

SOV	DF	SS	MS	F	P
Concentrations	5	194389	38877.8	99923.0	0.0000
Days	4	106911	26727.8	68695.2	0.0000
Fungus	8	20925	2615.6	6722.55	0.0000
Concentrations × Days	20	15974	798.7	2052.86	0.0000
Concentrations × Fungus	40	6480	162.0	416.39	0.0000
Days × Fungus	32	2796	87.4	224.54	0.0000
Concentrations × Days × Fungus	160	2626	16.4	42.18	0.0000
Error	540	210	0.4
Total	809	350312

 

Table 2: Effect of different concentrations of oils on percent germination of spores of entomopathogenic fungi.

Conc.	Germination (%) (± S.E.)
	Metarhizium pinghaense	Isaria javanica	Isaria fumoso-rosea	Lecanicillium attenuatum	Metar-hizium anisopliae	Isaria farinose	Beau-veria bassi-ana	Isaria cateniam-mulata	Beauveria brongniartii
5%	87 ± 1.96A	90 ± 0.87A	84 ± 0.83A	87 ± 0.85A	94 ± 0.89A	97 ± 0.98A	80 ± 0.95A	92 ± 0.82A	81 ± 0.58A
10%	80 ± 2.06B	83 ± 0.75B	77 ± 0.74B	80 ± 0.77B	87 ± 0.82B	90 ± 0.84B	73 ± 0.83B	85 ± 0.81B	74 ± 0.51B
15%	72 ± 1.91C	76 ± 0.67C	70 ± 0.66C	72 ± 0.62C	80 ± 0.74C	83 ± 0.73C	66 ± 0.71C	78 ± 0.72C	66 ± 0.44C
20%	65 ± 1.91D	67 ± 0.57D	62 ± 0.61D	64 ± 0.51D	72 ± 0.65D	75 ± 0.61D	58 ± 0.62D	69 ± 0.66D	59 ± 0.42D
25%	58 ± 1.93E	61 ± 0.54E	55 ± 0.54E	58 ± 0.46E	65 ± 0.57E	68 ± 0.54E	51 ± 0.54E	63 ± 0.61E	52 ± 0.38E
30%	51 ± 1.69F	54 ± 0.41F	49 ± 0.41F	51 ± 0.36F	58 ± 0.52F	62 ± 0.51F	45 ± 0.51F	56 ± 0.54F	46 ± 0.35F
35%	45 ± 1.71G	48 ± 0.29G	43 ± 0.37G	45 ± 0.31G	52 ± 0.43G	56 ± 0.43G	39 ± 0.37G	50 ± 0.41G	39 ± 0.21G

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05).

 

Table 3: Effect of different oils on percent germination of spores of entomopathogenic fungi.

Oils	Germination (%) ± S.E.
	Metarhizium pinghaense	Isaria javanica	Isaria fumoso-rosea	Lecani-cillium attenu-atum	Metar-hizium aniso-pliae	Isaria farinose	Beauveria bassiana	Isaria cateniam-mulata	Beauveria brongniartii
Coriander	59 ± 2.85C	62 ± 0.42C	57 ± 0.64C	58 ± 0.67C	63 ± 0.72C	69 ± 0.65C	53 ± 0.32C	64 ± 0.62C	54 ± 0.63C
Taramira	65 ± 3.56B	68 ± 0.55B	63 ± 0.59B	64 ± 0.73B	74 ± 0.47B	76 ± 0.69B	59 ± 0.49B	70 ± 0.68B	59 ± 0.55B
Castor oil	72 ± 3.05A	75 ± 0.83A	69 ± 0.51A	74 ± 0.82A	80 ± 0.41A	82 ± 0.71A	65 ± 0.61A	77 ± 0.71A	66 ± 0.41A

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05)

 

The germination of I. javanica was significantly impacted by oils (Table 1). The highest percentage of I. javanica germination occurred at 5% concentration. At concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35%, the corresponding germination was 83%, 76%, 67%, 61%, 54%, and 48% (Table 2). However, germination resulting from various oils, such as castor oil, taramira oil, and coriander oil, was 62%, 68%, and 75%, respectively (Table 3). There was a minimum germination rate of 82.01% of coriander and a maximum germination of 96% of castor oil at 5% concentration, according to the interaction impact between concentrations and oils. At 35% concentration, the highest (55% of castor oil) and the lowest germination (44% of coriander) were noted (Table 4).

In comparison to other concentrations, the highest percentage of I. fumosorosea germination (84%) was observed at 5% concentration. The corresponding germination at 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% concentrations were 77%, 70%, 62%, 55%, and 43%, respectively (Table 2). However, the germination due to various oils (coriander, castor oil, and taramira oil) were 57%, 63%, and 69%, respectively (Table 3). Minimum germination (77% of coriander) and maximum germination (90% of castor oil) were found at 5% concentrations. The highest germination (49% of castor oil) and the lowest germination (39% of coriander) were noted at 35% concentration (Table 4).

 

Table 4: Interactive effect of concentrations and oils on percent germination of spores of entomopathogenic fungi.

Conc. (%)	Germination (%) ± S.E.
	Oils
	Coriander	Taramira	Castor oil	Coriander	Taramira	Castor oil	Coriander	Taramira	Castor oil
	Metarhizium pinghaense			Isaria javanica			Isaria fumosorosea
5	80 ± 0.86DE	88 ± 0.88AB	93 ± 0.95A	82. ± 1.19CD	91 ± 1.24AB	96 ± 1.43A	77 ± 1.28E	85 ± 1.36B	90 ± 1.49A
10	72 ± 0.58GH	82 ± 0.81CD	85 ± 0.91BC	74 ± 1.14EF	85 ± 1.21BC	88 ± 1.25B	69 ± 1.22G	80 ± 1.28D	82 ± 1.35C
15	65. ± 0.62HI	75 ± 0.43FG	77. ± 0.73EF	69 ± 1.11FG	78 ± 1.14DE	80 ± 1.14CDE	62 ± 1.17H	72 ± 1.21F	74 ± 1.26F
20	59 ± 0.61JK	63 ± 0.41IJ	72 ± 0.61GH	61 ± 1.07HI	66 ± 1.11GH	75 ± 1.17EF	56 ± 1.13I	60 ± 1.18H	69 ± 1.18G
25	52 ± 0.54KH	57 ± 0.56JK	65 ± 0.58HI	55 ± 1.05KLM	60 ± 1.04IJK	68 ± 1.12G	49 ± 1.11J	54 ± 1.13I	62 ± 1.13H
30	47 ± 0.58MN	50 ± 0.48HM	58 ± 0.51JK	49 ± 1.01MN	53 ± 1.01LM	61 ± 1.02HIJ	49 ± 1.05J	54 ± 1.13I	55 ± 1.06I
35	42 ± 0.41O	42 ± 0.32O	52 ± 0.45KH	44 ± 1.03N	45 ± 1.01N	55 ± 1.02JKL	39 ± 1.01L	39 ± 1.05L	49 ± 1.04J
	Lecanicillium attenuatum			Metarhizium anisopliae			Isaria farinose
5	79 ± 1.46C	87 ± 1.65B	95 ± 1.76A	83 ± 1.76D	97 ± 1.81AB	99 ± 1.83A	90±1.78CD	93 ± 1.83AB	97 ± 1.82A
10	71 ± 1.37DE	81 ± 1.54C	87 ± 1.69B	75 ± 1.69EF	91 ± 1.74BC	94. ± 1.77B	82 ± 1.75EF	93 ± 1.81BC	96 ± 1.79B
15	64 ± 1.27FG	74 ± 1.48D	79 ± 1.63C	69 ± 1.53FGH	84 ± 1.72D	86 ± 1.65CD	76 ± 1.65FG	86 ± 1.76DE	88±1.73CDE
20	58 ± 1.21HIJ	62±1.41FGH	74 ± 1.57D	62 ± 1.45IJ	72 ± 1.56FG	81 ± 1.54DE	69 ± 1.60HI	74 ± 1.71GH	82 ± 1.71EF
25	51 ± 1.18KL	56 ± 1.37IJ	67 ± 1.42EF	55 ± 1.38KL	66 ± 1.51HI	74 ± 1.46F	62±1.57KLM	67 ± 1.66IJK	75 ±1.65G
30	46h±1.12MN	49 ± 1.32LM	60±1.41GHI	49 ± 1.32LM	59 ± 1.43JK	67 ± 1.34GHI	56±1.52MN	60 ± 1.64LM	68±1.61HIJ
35	41 ± 1.06N	41 ± 1.16N	54 ± 1.35JK	45± 1.26M	51 ± 1.32LM	61 ± 1.26IJK	52 ± 1.44N	53 ± 1.51N	63±1.56JKL
	Beauveria bassiana			Isaria cateniammulata			Beauveria brongniartii
5	73 ± 1.46CD	82 ± 1.52AB	86 ± 1.56A	84 ± 1.53CD	93 ± 1.61AB	98 ± 1.65A	73.93±1.36DE	82 ± 1.43AB	87 ± 1.52A
10	65 ± 1.44EF	76 ± 1.47BC	79 ± 1.49B	77 ± 1.49EF	87 ± 1.57BC	90 ± 1.62B	66 ± 1.34G	76 ± 1.41CD	79 ± 1.47BC
15	59 ± 1.36FG	69 ± 1.42DE	71±1.43CDE	71 ± 1.43FG	80 ± 1.54DE	82 ± 1.55CDE	59 ± 1.21H	69 ± 1.34FG	71 ± 1.43EF
20	52 ± 1.31HI	57 ± 1.39GH	65 ± 1.32EF	63 ± 1.28HI	68 ± 1.51GH	77 ± 1.51EF	53 ± 1.15IJ	57 ± 1.32HI	66 ± 1.38G
25	45.23±1.25KLM	50 ± 1.32IJK	58 ± 1.26G	57± 1.21KLM	62 ± 1.39IJK	70 ± 1.48G	46 ± 1.12L	51 ± 1.25JK	59±1.35H
30	39 ± 1.17MN	44 ± 1.26LM	51 ± 1.21HIJ	1 ± 1.19MN	55 ± 1.34LM	63 ± 1.45HIJ	41 ± 1.06MN	44 ± 1.21LM	52 ± 1.31J
35	35 ± 1.06N	36 ± 1.15N	46 ± 1.17JKL	47 ± 1.15N	47 ± 1.31N	57 ± 1.41JKL	36 ± 1.01N	36 ± 1.16N	46 ± 1.27KL

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05).

 

The germination of L. attenuatum was significantly affected by oils (P value= 0.0000<0.05) (Table 1). It was highest (87%) at 5% concentration. The germination was 72%, 64%, 58%, 51%, and 45% at 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%, respectively (Table 2). In different oil (coriander, taramira, and castor oil) treatments, germination was of 58%, 64%, and 74%, respectively (Table 3). The maximum percentage of germination (95% of castor oil) was recorded on 5% concentration, while the minimal germination (79% of coriander) was demonstrated by the interaction impact between concentrations and oils. The lowest percentage of germination (41% of coriander) and the highest percentage of germination (54% of castor oil) were noted at 35% concentration (Table 4).

The highest percentage of M. anisopliae germination (95%) was observed at a concentration of 5%. In contrast, M. pinghaense germination was observed at concentrations of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% was 87%, 79%, 74%, 67%, 60%, and 54%, respectively) (Table 2). In treatments of coriander, taramira, and castor oil, germination was 63%, 74%, and 80%, respectively (Table 3). There was a minimum germination (83%) of coriander and a maximum germination of 99% in castor oil on 5% concentration, according to the interaction impact between concentrations and oils. At 35% concentration, the highest percentage of germination (61% of castor oil) and the lowest percentage of germination (45% of coriander) were noted (Table 4).

I. farinose germination was highest at 5% concentration (97%), whereas at 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%, I. farinose germination was 90, 83%, 75%, 68%, 62%, and 56%, respectively (Table 2). However, the germination affected by the various oils (castor oil, taramira, and coriander oil) were 82%, 76%, and 70%, respectively (Table 3). The interaction between concentrations and oils showed that the lowest germination (90% of coriander) and the highest germination (97% of castor oil) were both seen at 5% concentration. The highest percentage of germination (63% of castor oil) and the lowest percentage of germination (52% of coriander) were noted at 35% concentration (Table 4).

The highest percentage of B. bassiana germination occurred at 5% concentration (80%). The corresponding germination at 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of B. bassiana was 73%, 66%, 58%, 51%, 45%, and 39%, respectively (Table 2). Coriander, taramira, and castor oil caused germination of 53%, 59%, and 65%, respectively (Table 3). The maximum percentage of germination (86% of castor oil) and the minimum germination (73% of coriander) were shown to be caused by the interaction impact between concentrations and oils. At a 35% concentration, the highest percentage of germination (46% of castor oil) and the lowest percentage of germination (35% of coriander) were noted (Table 4).

T1 (control) had the highest percentage of I. cateniammulata germination (80%), followed by T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%), which had I. cateniammulata germination of 85%, 78%, 69%, 63%, 56%, and 50%, respectively (Table 2). Coriander, taramira, and castor oil treatments showed 64%, 70%, and 77% germination, respectively (Table 3). The maximum percentage of germination (98% of castor oil) and minimal germination (84% of coriander) were found to occur when concentrations and oils interacted. At 35% concentration, the highest percentage of germination (57% of castor oil) and the lowest percentage of germination (47% of coriander) were noted (Table 4).

B. brongniartii at 5% concentration showed maximum germination (81%) followed by T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7 where germination of B. brongniartii was 74%, 66%, 59%, 52%, 46% and 39%, respectively (Table 2). Germination due to different oils (coriander, taramira, and castor oil) was 54%, 59% and 66%, respectively (Table 3). Interaction effect between concentrations and oils revealed that maximum germination (87% of castor oil) was observed at 5% concentration and minimum germination was 74% due to coriander oil. Maximum percent germination (46.06% of castor oil) was observed at 35% concentration and minimum (36%) due to coriander (Table 4).

Lethal concentrations (LC50 & LC90) of microbial insecticides after 3 days of exposure to B. cucurbitae maggots

EPF strain MBC 053 has demonstrated the least LC50 value (8.56 × 107 conidia mL-1) and proves highly effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. Unlikely, EPF strain MBC 397 exhibited the highest LC50 value (2.83 × 1011 conidia mL-1) and proved least effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. EPF strains MBC 709, MBC 524, MBC 807, F 52, MBC 389, MBC 076 and MBC 289 exhibited 7.61 × 109, 1.45 × 1010, 1.02 × 1010, 6.84 × 109, 1.85 × 109, 4.51 × 109 and 5.96 × 109 LC50, respectively. The order of pathogenicity of tested EPF strains were MBC053 > MBC389 > MBC076 > MBC289 > MBC709 > F52 > MBC807 > MBC524 > MBC397. The pathogenicity of all EPF strains against B. cucurbitae maggots varied significantly as fiducial limits of EPF tested strains did not overlap with each other (Table 5).

 

Table 5: Lethal concentration values of different entomopathogenic fungi after 3 days of exposure to Bactrocera cucurbitae maggots.

Fungal strain	LC50	FL limit	LC90	FL limit	Slope±S.E.	x2	DF	P
M. pinghaense (MBC709)	7.61 × 109	1.70 × 109 - 1.18 × 1011	2.63 × 1012	1.55×1011 - 7.03×1014	0.21 ± 0.04	1.62	3	0.65
I. javanica (MBC524)	1.45 × 1010	3.18 × 109- 2.53 × 1011	1.43 × 1012	1.08 × 1011 - 2.52 × 1014	0.26 ± 0.04	7.60	3	0.05
I. fumosorosea (MBC 053)	8.56 × 107	1.66 × 109-1.95 × 1011	6.10 × 1012	2.47 × 1011 - 4.48 × 1015	0.18 ± 0.03	2.63	3	0.45
L. attenuatum (MBC807)	1.02 × 1010	2.46 × 109- 1.38 × 1011	1.25 × 1012	1.02 × 1011 - 1.62 × 1014	0.24 ± 0.04	8.37	3	0.03
M. anisopliae (F52)	6.84 × 109	1.29 × 109- 1.71 × 1011	8.91 × 1012	2.94 × 1011 - 1.16 × 1016	0.16 ± 0.03	0.11	3	0.99
I. farinose (MBC 389)	1.85 × 109	6.42 × 108- 9.72 × 109	4.27 × 1011	5.27 × 1010 - 1.68 × 1013	0.22 ±0.03	7.53	3	0.05
B. bassiana (MBC 076)	4.51 × 109	6.65 × 108-2.99 × 1011	9.28 × 1013	8.94 × 1011 - 8.10 × 1018	0.12 ± 0.02	0.53	3	0.91
I. cateniammulata (MBC289)	5.96 × 109	1.06 × 107 - 1.80 × 1011	1.68 × 1013	4.13 × 1011 - 5.25 × 1016	0.15 ± 0.02	3.73	3	0.29
B. brongniartii (MBC397)	2.83 × 1011	3.73 × 109 - 2.406 × 1021	3.22 × 1018	6.62 × 1013 - 7.03 × 1044	0.07 ± 0.02	2.79	3	0.42

 

Table 6: Lethal concentration values of different entomopathogenic fungi after 5 days of exposure to Bactrocera cucurbitae maggots.

Insecticides	LC50	FL limit	LC90	FL limit	Slope±S.E	X2	DF	P
M. pinghaense (MBC709)	8.13×109	1.06 × 109 to 7.92 × 1011	1.08×1014	1.01 × 1012 to 1.08 × 1019	0.12±0.03	0.31	3	0.96
I. javanica (MBC524)	2.45×1010	3.23 × 109 to 1.79 × 1012	2.33×1013	5.11 × 1011 to1.25 × 1017	0.17 ±0.03	2.05	3	0.56
I. fumosorosea (MBC 053)	3.46×109	8.74 × 108 to 3.98 × 1010	2.25×1012	1.35 × 1011 to 5.43 × 1014	0.18 ± 0.03	4.15	3	0.24
L. attenuatum (MBC807)	1.72×1010	2.53 × 109 to 8.97 × 1011	1.77×1013	4.41 × 1011 to 5.97 × 1016	0.42 ± 0.03	2.80	3	0.42
M. anisopliae (F52)	1.07×109	2.31 × 108 to 2.08 × 1010	2.29×1013	3.95 × 1011 to 2.55 × 1017	0.12 ±0.02	0.39	3	0.94
I. farinose (MBC 389)	4.32×108	1.57 × 108 to 1.93 × 109	5.26×1011	5.03 × 1010 to 3.66 × 1013	0.16 ± 0.02	0.34	3	0.95
B. bassiana (MBC 076)	5.40×108	1.16 × 108 to 1.03 × 1010	4.38×1013	4.94 × 1011 to 2.58 × 1018	0.10 ± 0.02	1.07	3	0.78
I. cateniammulata (MBC289)	1.00×109	2.34 × 108 to 1.46 × 1010	1.29×1013	3.02 × 1011 to 4.85 × 1016	0.12 ±0.02	2.92	3	0.40
B. brongniartii (MBC397)	1.25×109	1.68 × 108 to 2.07 × 1011	1.26×1015	3.24 × 1012 to 1.32 × 1024	0.08 ±0.02	0.41	3	0.93

 

Table 7: Lethal concentration (LC) values of different entomopathogenic fungi after 7 days of exposure to Bactrocera cucurbitae maggots.

Fungal strain	LC50	FL limit	LC90	FL limit	Slope±S.E	X2	DF	P
M. pinghaense (MBC709)	5.06×108	1.32 × 108 to 5.19 × 109	8.37×1012	2.23 × 1011 to 2.15 × 1016	0.12 ± 0.02	2.12	3	0.55
I. javanica (MBC524)	1.88×1010	1.36 × 109 to 2.83 × 1013	2.21×1015	3.92 × 1012 to 5.14 × 1023	0.10 ± 0.02	0.47	3	0.92
I. fumosorosea (MBC 053)	1.26×109	1.51 × 108 to 4.38 × 1011	3.82×1015	3.60 × 1012 to 8.87 × 1025	0.08 ± 0.02	1.53	3	0.67
L. attenuatum (MBC807)	8.51×1010	2.56 × 109 to 4.63 × 1016	9.25×1016	1.83 × 1013 to 8.74 × 1031	0.08 ± 0.02	2.72	3	0.43
M. anisopliae (F52)	1.76×108	4.20 × 107 to 2.06 × 109	3.31×1013	3.62 × 1011 to 2.78 × 1018	0.09 ± 0.02	0.26	3	0.96
I. farinose (MBC 389)	7.38×107	3.02 × 107 to 2.11 × 108	1.64×1011	2.06 × 1010 to 6.16 × 1012	0.15 ±0.02	1.93	3	0.58
B. bassiana (MBC 076)	1.25×108	2.37 × 107 to 2.70 × 109	3.17×1014	9.27 × 1011 to 1.93 × 1022	0.08 ± 0.02	0.61	3	0.89
I. cateniammulata (MBC289)	1.83×108	4.28 × 107 to 2.26 × 109	4.07×1013	4.09 × 1011 to 4.63 × 1018	0.09 ±0.02	1.96	3	0.57
B. brongniartii (MBC397)	1.05×109	1.34 × 106 to 6.05 × 107	5.01×1013	2.85 × 1011 to 2.16 × 1020	0.07 ±0.02	0.27	3	0.96

 

Lethal concentrations (LC50 & LC90) of microbial insecticides after 5 days of exposure to B. cucurbitae maggots

EPF strain MBC 389 has demonstrated the least LC50 value (4.32 × 108 conidia mL-1) and proves highly effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. Unlikely, EPF strain MBC 524 exhibited the highest LC50 value (2.45 × 1010 conidia mL-1) and proved least effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. EPF strains MBC 709, MBC 053, MBC 807, F 52, MBC 076, MBC 289 and MBC 397 exhibited 8.13 × 109, 3.46 × 109, 1.72 × 1010, 1.07 ×109, 5.40 × 108, 1.00 × 109 and 1.25 × 109 LC50 respectively. The order of pathogenicity of tested EPF strains were MBC389 > MBC076 > MBC289 > F52 > MBC397 > MBC053 > MBC709 > MBC807 > MBC524. The pathogenicity of all EPF strains against Bactrocera cucurbitae maggots varied significantly fiducial limits of EPF tested strains did not overlap with each other (Table 6).

Lethal concentrations (LC50 & LC90) of microbial insecticides after 7 days of exposure to B/ cucurbitae maggots

EPF strain MBC 389 has demonstrated the least LC50 value (7.38 × 107 conidia mL-1) and proves highly effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. Unlikely, EPF strain MBC 807 exhibited the highest LC50 value (8.51 × 1010 conidia mL-1) and proved least effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. EPF strains MBC 709, MBC 053, MBC 524, F 52, MBC 076, MBC 289 and MBC 397 exhibited 5.06 × 108, 1.26 × 109, 1.88 × 1010, 1.76 × 108, 1.25 × 108, 1.83 × 108 and 1.05 × 109 LC50, respectively. The order of pathogenicity of tested EPF strains were MBC 389 > MBC 076 > MBC289 > F52 > MBC709 > MBC 397 > MBC053 > MBC524 > MBC807. The pathogenicity of all EPF strains against B. cucurbitae maggots varied significantly as fiducial limits of EPF tested strains did not overlap with each other (Table 7).

 

Table 8: Lethal concentration (LC) values of different microbial insecticides after 14 days of exposure to Bactrocera cucurbitae maggots.

Fungal strain	LC50	FL limit	LC90	FL limit	Slope±S.E	X2	DF	P
M. pinghaense (MBC709)	6.63×107	2.35 × 107 to 2.35 × 108	6.01×1011	4.27 × 1010 to 9.59 × 1013	0.13±0.0	1.57	3	0.66
I. javanica (MBC524)	1.79×108	3.63 × 107 to 3.63 × 109	1.62 ×1014	7.36 × 1011 to 7.97 × 1020	0.08±0.02	0.10	3	0.99
I. fumosorosea (MBC 053)	7.85×106	2.25 × 106 to 2.18 × 107	1.34×1011	1.34 × 1010 to 9.68 × 1012	0.12±0.02	3.05	3	0.38
L. attenuatum (MBC807)	4.60×109	5.18 × 108 to 1.15 × 1012	7.89×1014	2.28 × 1012 to 1.54 × 1022	0.09±0.02	2.20	3	0.53
M. anisopliae (F52)	1.48×107	4.12 × 106 to 4.83 × 107	6.42×1011	3.51 × 1010 to 2.50 × 1014	0.11±0.02	0.41	3	0.93
I. farinose (MBC 389)	1.40×107	4.46 × 106 to 3.99 × 107	2.04×1011	1.83 × 1010 to 1.97 × 1013	0.12±0.02	1.35	3	0.71
B. bassiana (MBC 076)	2.02×106	2.55 × 105 to 7.39 × 106	4.81×1011	2.21 × 1010 to 4.31 × 1014	0.09±0.01	0.36	3	0.94
I. cateniammulata (MBC289)	5.49×106	1.06 × 106 to 1.87 × 107	7.38×1011	3.23 × 1010 to 6.64 × 1014	0.10±0.01	0.82	3	0.84
B. brongniartii (MBC397)	1.86×106	1.59 × 105 to 7.90 × 106	1.98×1012	4.65 × 1010 to 2.11 × 1016	0.08±0.01	0.30	3	0.95

 

Table 9: Lethal concentration (LC) values of different entomopathogenic fungi after 21 days of exposure to Bactrocera cucurbitae maggots.

Insecticides	LC50	FL limit	LC90	FL limit	Slope±S.E	X2	DF	P
M. pinghaense (MBC709)	5.16×106	1.64 × 106 to 1.2 × 107	2.69×1010	4.64 × 109 to 5.35 × 1011	0.14±0.02	2.08	3	0.55
I. javanica (MBC524)	1.98×106	2.88 × 105 to 6.81 × 106	2.43×1011	1.50 × 1010 to 8.39 × 1013	0.10±0.01	0.04	3	0.99
I. fumosorosea (MBC 053)	7.41×105	1.12 x 105 to 2.43 × 106	2.23×1010	3.20 × 109 to 7.67 × 1011	0.11±0.01	1.76	3	0.62
L. attenuatum (MBC807)	1.86×107	6.88 × 106 to 4.79 × 107	9.36×1010	1.22 × 1010 to 3.32 × 1012	0.14±0.02	1.78	3	0.61
M. anisopliae (F52)	1.12×106	1.44 × 105 to 3.94 × 106	1.08×1011	8.77 × 109 to 1.74 × 1013	0.10±0.01	0.23	3	0.97
I. farinose (MBC 389)	4.46×105	5.04 ×104 to 1.64 × 106	2.32×1010	3.05 × 109 to 1.05 × 1012	0.11±0.01	1.88	3	0.59
B. bassiana (MBC 076)	1.57×105	1.39 × 104 to 6.44 × 105	6.02×109	1.09 × 109 to 1.27 × 1011	0.11±0.01	0.50	3	0.91
I. cateniammulata (MBC289)	3.11×105	4.43 × 104 to 1.05 × 106	4.67×109	9.99 × 108 to 6.42 × 1010	0.12±0.01	0.21	3	0.97
B. brongniartii (MBC397)	4.49×103	4.23 × 101 to 4.48 × 104	1.12×109	2.25 × 108 to 2.31 × 1010	0.09±0.01	0.14	3	0.98

 

Lethal concentration (LC50 & LC90) values of different microbial insecticides after 14 days of exposure to B. cucurbitae maggots

 

EPF strain MBC 397 has demonstrated the least LC50 value (1.86 × 106 conidia mL-1) and proves highly effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. Unlikely, EPF strain MBC 807 exhibited the highest LC50 value (4.60 × 109 conidia mL-1) and proved least effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. EPF strains MBC 709, MBC 053, MBC 524, F 52, MBC 076, MBC 289 and MBC 389 exhibited 6.63 × 107, 7.85 × 106, 1.79 × 108, 1.48 × 107, 2.02 × 106, 5.49 × 106 and 1.40 × 107 LC50, respectively. The order of pathogenicity of tested EPF strains were MBC 397 >MBC076 > MBC289 > MBC053 > MBC389 > F52 > MBC709 > MBC524 > MBC807. The pathogenicity of all EPF strains against B. cucurbitae maggots varied significantly. Fiducial limits of EPF tested strains did not overlap with each other (Table 8).

Lethal concentrations (LC50 & LC90) of microbial insecticides after 21 days of exposure to B. cucurbitae maggots

EPF strain MBC 397 has demonstrated the least LC50 value (4.49 × 103 conidia mL-1) and proves highly effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. Unlikely, EPF strain MBC 807 exhibited the highest LC50 value (1.86 × 107 conidia mL-1) and proved least effective against maggots of B. cucurbitae. EPF strains MBC 709, MBC 053, MBC 524, F 52, MBC 076, MBC 289 and MBC 389 exhibited 5.16 × 106, 7.41 × 105, 1.98 × 106, 1.12 × 106, 1.57 ×105, 3.11 × 105 and 4.46 × 105 LC50, respectively. The order of pathogenicity of tested EPF strains were MBC397 > MBC076 >MBC289 > MBC389 > MBC053 > F52 > MBC524 > MBC709 > MBC807. The pathogenicity of all EPF strains against B. cucurbitae maggots varied significantly as fiducial limits of EPF tested strains did not overlap with each other (Table 9).

Percent mortality of B. cucurbitae maggots due to entomopathogenic fungi

Analysis of variance showed that the total percentage mortality against B. cucurbitae has significant results after the application of all treatments. Mean comparison for total treatments against B. cucurbitae showed highest mortality rate (52.58%) was recorded when highest concentration (1 × 109 conidia mL-1) of entomopathogenic fungi was used and minimum mortality was recorded in control treatment (5.82%) followed by other concentrations (1 × 105, 1 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 conidia mL-1) was 21.79%, 29.79%, 38.20% and 45.56% respectively against B. cucurbitae (Table 10).

 

Table 10: Effect of different concentrations of entomopathogenic fungi on mortality of melon fruit fly maggots.

Concentrations (conidia mL-1)	Mortality (%)
1 × 105	21.79 ± 0.43E
1 × 106	29.79 ± 0.54D
1 × 107	38.20 ± 0.61C
1 × 108	45.56 ± 0.62B
1 × 109	52.58 ± 0.78A
Control	5.82 ± 0.21F

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05).

 

Mean comparison for total treatments against B. cucurbitae showed highest mortality rate (50.06%) after 21 days of application of treatments and minimum mortality was recorded (17.45%) after 3 days of application, while 23.41% mortality was recorded after 5 days, 31.61% mortality after 7 days and after 14 days of application of treatments mortality was 38.95% for B. cucurbitae (Table 11).

 

Table 11: Percent mortality of melon fruit fly maggots exposed to different entomopathogenic fungal strains for different days.

Days	Mortality (%)
3 day	17.45 ± 0.35E
5 day	23.41 ± 0.45D
7 day	31.61 ± 0.53C
14 day	38.95 ± 0.74B
21 day	50.06 ± 0.86A

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05).

 

Mean comparison for total treatments against B. cucurbitae showed highest mortality rate (40.18%) was recorded when MBC397 strain of entomopathogenic fungi was used and minimum mortality 22.66% was recorded in MBC807 strain followed by other strains (MBC076, MBC289, MBC389, F52, MBC053 MBC709 and MBC524) was recorded 37.16%, 34.91%, 33.95%, 33.57%, 31.81%, 30.30% and 26.09%, respectively against B. cucurbitae (Table 12).

 

Table 12: Percent mortality of melon fruit fly maggots exposed to different entomopathogenic fungal strains.

Fungus	Mortality (%) ± S.E.
MBC397	40.18 ± 0.75A
MBC076	37.16 ± 0.56B
MBC289	34.91 ± 0.51C
MBC389	33.95 ± 0.47D
F52	33.57 ± 0.45E
MBC053	31.81 ± 0.41F
MBC709	30.30 ± 0.33G
MBC524	26.09 ± 0.26H
MBC807	22.66 ± 0.16I

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05).

 

B. cucurbitae which were treated with 1 × 105 conidia mL-1, showed 6.63% mortality after 3 days of application of treatments while 1 × 106, 1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 11.75%, 21.99%, 28.03% and 33.61%, respectively, for B. cucurbitae after 3 days of application of treatments. Minimum mortality (2.67%) was recorded in control where no treatment was applied. B. cucurbitae which were treated with 1 × 105 conidia mL-1, showed 12.67% mortality after 5 days of application of treatments while 1 × 106, 1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 20.14%, 27.59%, 34.09% and 41.52%, respectively, for B. cucurbitae after 5 days of application of treatments. Minimum mortality (4.45%) was recorded in control where no treatment was applied. B. cucurbitae which were treated with 1 × 105 conidia mL-1, showed 22.13% mortality after 7 days of application of treatments while 1 × 106, 1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 30.57%, 36.63%, 44.07% and 50.17%, respectively, for B. cucurbitae after 7 days of application of treatments. Minimum mortality (6.07%) was recorded in control where no treatment was applied. B. cucurbitae which were treated with 1 × 105 conidia mL-1, showed 28.68% mortality after 14 days of application of treatments while 1 × 106, 1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 36.94%, 46.11%, 53.32% and 61.10%, respectively, for Bactrocera cucurbitae after 14 days of application of treatments. Minimum mortality (7.60%) was recorded in control where no treatment was applied. B. cucurbitae which were treated with 1 × 105 conidia mL-1, showed 38.88% mortality after 21 days of application of treatments while 1 × 106, 1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 49.56%, 58.72%, 68.33% and 76.55%, respectively, for B. cucurbitae after 3 days of application of treatments. Minimum mortality (8.34%) was recorded in control where no treatment was applied (Table 13).

B. cucurbitae which were treated with MBC709 strain showed 16.15% mortality after 3 days of application of treatments while strains, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397 showed mortality 11.73%, 15.72%, 11.67%, 18.53%, 18.52%, 22.03%, 19.24% and 23.43% respectively for B. cucurbitae after 3 days of application of treatments. B. cucurbitae which were treated with MBC709 strain showed 22.73% mortality after 5 days of application of treatments while strains, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397 showed mortality 12.78%, 20.22%, 15.37%, 27.24%, 25.67%, 29.29%, 26.68% and 30.71% respectively for B. cucurbitae after 5 days of application of treatments. B. cucurbitae which were treated with MBC709 strain showed 31.12% mortality after 7 days of application of treatments while strains, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397 showed mortality 23.52%, 30.83%, 22.50%, 33.78%, 33.66%, 35.22%, 32.83% and 41.01% respectively for B. cucurbitae after 7 days of application of treatments. B. cucurbitae which were treated with MBC709 strain showed 36.26% mortality after 14 days of application of treatments while strains, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397 showed mortality 35.65%, 42.45%, 25.37%, 39.73%, 39.74%, 44.11%, 42.15% and 45.16% respectively for B. cucurbitae after 14 days of application of treatments. B. cucurbitae which were treated with MBC709 strain showed 45.29% mortality after 21 days of application of treatments while strains, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397 showed mortality 46.76%, 49.83%, 38.44%, 48.60%, 52.20%, 55.16%, 53.66% and 60.61%, respectively, for B. cucurbitae after 21 days of application of treatments (Table 14).

 

Table 13: Percent mortality of melon fruit fly maggots exposed to different concentrations of entomopathogenic fungi for different time intervals.

Conc. (conidia mL-1)	Mortality (%) ± S.E.
	3 day	5 day	7 day	14 day	21 day
1 × 105	6.63± 0.35R	12.67±0.31O	22.13± 0.45N	28.68± 0.42M	38.88±1.21I
1 × 106	11.75± 0.68OP	20.14± 0.51N	30.57± 0.65L	36.94± 1.02J	49.56± 1.12F
1 × 107	21.99± 0.98N	27.59± 0.67M	36.63± 0.87J	46.11± 1.07G	58.72± 1.21D
1 × 108	28.03± 1.01M	34.09± 0.76K	44.07± 1.21I	53.32± 1.15E	68.33± 1.46B
1 × 109	33.61± 1.14K	41.52± 1.05H	50.17± 1.06FG	61.10± 1.41C	76.55±1.53A
Control	2.67± 0.12T	4.45± 0.04S	6.07±0.07R	7.60± 0.13Q	8.34± 0.15P

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05).

 

Table 14: Percent mortality of melon fruit fly maggots exposed to different entomopathogenic fungi for different time intervals.

Fungal strains	Percent mortality ± S.E.
	3 days	5 days	7 days	14 days	21 days
MBC709	16.15 ± 1.04T	22.73 ± 1.14P	31.12 ± 1.16J	36.26 ± 1.17H	45.29 ± 1.32E
MBC524	11.73 ± 1.04V	12.78 ± 1.05S	23.52 ± 1.18M	35.65 ± 1.21H	46.76 ± 1.38D
MBC053	15.72 ± 1.06T	20.22 ± 1.12Q	30.83 ± 1.21K	42.45 ± 1.32F	49.83 ± 1.67D
MBC807	11.67 ± 1.12V	15.37 ± 1.15T	22.50 ± 1.25P	25.37 ± 1.16M	38.44 ± 1.53G
F52	18.53 ± 1.26R	27.24 ± 1.04M	33.78 ± 1.28I	39.73 ±1.18G	48.60 ± 1.54D
MBC389	18.52 ± 1.16R	25.67 ± 1.06N	33.66 ± 1.32I	39.74 ± 1.22G	52.20 ± 1.47C
MBC076	22.03 ± 1.15O	29.29 ± 1.08L	35.22 ± 1.35H	44.11 ± 1.27EF	55.16 ±1.61B
MBC289	19.24 ± 1.23Q	26.68 ± 1.11LM	32.83 ± 1.36H	42.15 ± 1.35F	53.66 ± 1.74C
MBC397	23.43 ± 1.35O	30.71 ± 1.14K	41.01 ±1.42F	45.16 ± 1.43E	60.61 ± 1.87A

 

Values with different letters show significant difference (P≤0.05).

 

Table 15: Percent mortality of melon fruit fly maggots exposed to different concentrations of the entomopathogenic fungi.

EPF strains	Percent mortality ± S.E.
	1 × 105	1 × 106	1 × 107	1 × 108	1 × 109	Control
MBC709	19.28 ± 1.01V	23.45 ± 1.17T	35.11 ± 1.24O	45.11 ± 1.54I	51.78 ± 1.34EF	7.12 ± 1.04Z
MBC524	17.68 ± 1.05X	22.68 ± 1.12T	30.18 ± 1.31Q	36.01 ± 1.66M	43.51 ± 1.42I	6.47 ± 1.02Z
MBC053	19.73 ± 1.03V	30.78 ± 1.19Q	37.63 ± 1.28M	45.27 ± 1.52I	52.01 ± 1.43D	5.42 ± 1.06a
MBC807	10.47 ± 1.05Y	20.69 ± 1.51U	25.80 ± 1.43S	34.27 ± 1.43P	39.38 ± 1.75K	5.41 ± 0.76a
F52	23.99 ± 1.06T	30.76 ± 1.12Q	39.28 ± 1.16L	46.92 ± 1.54H	54.53 ± 1.53D	5.99 ± 0.62a
MBC389	21.49 ± 1.07U	28.34 ± 1.27R	39.28 ± 1.25L	51.13 ± 1.46EF	57.94 ± 1.43BC	5.56 ± 0.57a
MBC076	26.59 ± 1.11RS	36.77 ± 1.15M	45.24 ± 1.28I	50.35 ± 1.62F	58.03 ± 1.96B	5.99 ± 0.41a
MBC289	23.24 ± 1.17T	33.87 ± 1.22P	42.73 ± 1.22J	48.06 ± 1.59G	56.09 ± 1.87C	5.47 ± 0.32a
MBC397	33.73 ± 1.14P	40.77 ± 1.31K	48.61 ± 1.44G	52.97 ± 1.64D	60.01 ± 1.98A	5.00 ± 0.25a

 

B. cucurbitae which were treated with different strains (MBC709, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397) at 1 x 105 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 19.28%, 17.68%, 19.73%, 10.47%, 23.99%, 21.49%, 26.59%, 23.24% and 33.73%, respectively. B. cucurbitae which were treated with different strains (MBC709, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397) at 1 × 106 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 23.45%, 22.68%, 30.78%, 20.69%, 30.76%, 28.34%, 36.77%, 33.87% and 40.77%, respectively. B. cucurbitae which were treated with different strains (MBC709, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397) at 1 × 107 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 35.11%, 30.18%, 37.63%, 25.80%, 39.28%, 39.28%, 45.24%, 42.73% and 48.61%, respectively. B. cucurbitae which were treated with different strains (MBC709, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397) at 1 × 108 conidia mL-1 showed mortality 45.11%, 36.01%, 45.27%, 34.27%, 46.92%, 51.13%, 50.35%, 48.06% and 52.97%, respectively. B. cucurbitae which were treated with different strains (MBC709, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397) at 1 × 109 conidia mL-1showed mortality 51.78%, 43.51%, 52.01%, 39.38%, 54.53%, 57.94%, 58.03%, 56.09% and 60.01%, respectively. B. cucurbitae showed mortality rates of 7.12%, 6.47%, 5.42%, 5.41%, 5.99%, 5.56%, 5.99%, 5.47% and 5.00% in control treatment of different strains, MBC709, MBC524, MBC053, MBC807, F52, MBC389, MBC076, MBC289 and MBC397, respectively (Table 15).

Virulence of different entomopathogenic fungi was evaluated against maggots of B. cucurbitae. Susceptibility to fruit flies by different pathogens has been confirmed by various scientist (Peña et al., 2015; Cheng et al., 2017). Results of present experiment revealed that mortality range 10 to 95%, results supported by (Bedini et al., 2018; Chergui et al., 2020) who found that 7 to 100% mortality was observed against Ceratitis capitata when treated with B. bassiana. In present study nine strains were evaluated against maggots of melon fruit fly. Among of them B. brongniartii (MBC397) proved to be most effective for the control melon fruit fly maggots.

Higher concentration (1×109) and maximum exposure interval (21) days, Metarhizium pinghaense (MBC709) (51.78%), Isaria javanica (MBC524), (43.51%) Isaria fumosorosea (MBC 053) (52.01%), Lecanicillium attenuatum (MBC807) (39.38%), Metarhizium anisopliae (F52) (54.53%), Isaria farinose (MBC 389), (57.94%) Beauveria bassiana (MBC 076), (58.03%), Beauveria bassiana (MBC 076), Isaria cateniammulata (MBC289) (56.09%) and Beauveria brongniartii (MBC397) (60.01%) mortality against maggots of melon fruit fly. These results also reported by Yang et al. (2015) topical application method encouraged significantly greater mortality than feeding alone. C. capitata adults demonstrated mortality level from 20 to 98.7% in the assessment of 16 strains of B. bassiana, Qazzaz et al. (2015). In the identical way, (Ugwu and Nwaokolo, 2020) stated mortality range between 82 and 100% against B. bassiana and M. anisopliae for the control of Anastrepha ludens adults. Similarly, Nwaokolo et al. (2023) reported that larvae of Mediterranean fruit fly showed that M. anisopliae discovered higher mortality rate than B. bassiana reaching 73.80% at 1×109 concentration of volume 20ml/100g result showed difference because Khlaywi et al. (2014) used distilled water for solution making and in our research Tween 20 were used as solvent for prepration of suspension. Iqbal et al. (2021) reported that Cucurbits fruit fly larvae showed (75%) mortality the highest was at concentration of 1×109 spores/ml of B. bassiana isolates was measured depending on the adult’s emergence rates. The adult’s emergence rate was decreased with increasing of concentration.

When these EPFs were applied on maggots through diet bioassy all tested entomopathogenic microbial insecticides, LC50 for maggots of B. cucurbitae decreased with increase in exposure interval. At maximum exposure intervals (21 days), B. bassiana demonstrated least LC50 against B. cucurbitae maggots (1.57 × 105 conidia mL-1) followed by I. farinose which explained LC50 value of 4.46 x 105 conidia mL-1against maggots of B. cucurbitae, at maximum exposure interval (21 days). Likewise, Isaria farinose explained LC50 value of 1.0 × 107 conidia mL-1against larvae of B. cucurbitae, at maximum exposure interval (21 days); while, Isaria cateniannulata demonstrated highest LC50 against B. cucurbitae larvae (1.9 × 107 conidia mL-1). At highest concentration (1 × 109 conidia mL-1), LT50 values for larvae of B. cucurbitae in sand bioassay were 9.04 days, 11.78 days, 12.78 days and 13.04 days for B. bassiana, Metarhizium pinghaense, Isaria farinose and Isaria cateniannulata, respectively. Gul et al. (2015) reported that B. zonata showed that LC50 value 2×108 conidia/mL for B. bassiana for 5 days result difference due to different application method. Shahid et al. (2024) reported that LC50 values, Bb100 show more sensitive against male the LC50 value was 8.3 x 103 spores mL-1. and then Bb 17 (2.7 x 105 spores mL-1) and BE47 (5 × 106 spores mlL-1). At concentration of 1×109 spores mL-1show varied lethal time, which articulates on virulence, showed superior of Bb100 with LT50 2.5 days, then the isolate of BE47 (5.5 days) and Bb17 (9 days). Here is little difference in result due to solvent Xia et al. (2023) were used Tween 80 rather than tween 20. Dimbi et al. (2003) and Singh et al. (2024) also reported that C. rosa var. fasciventris and C. capitata showed that the LT90 value ranged 3–4 days in both insects.

Acknowledgement

The researcher would like to express gratitude to the University of the Punjab Lahore Campus’s Department of Entomology as well as everyone else who helped with this research.

Novelty Statement

In order to effectively manage melon fruit flies and eliminate the need for insecticides for pest control, the current work is a pioneer in comprehending the synergistic effect of oils in improving the virulence effect of entomopathogenic fungus.

Author’s Contribution

Mubashar Iqbal and Shahbaz Ahmad: Developed the research plan, analyzed the data, and authored the manuscript.

Arshad Javaid and Muhammad Bilal Chattha: Critically analyzed the data and provided guidance on the research plan and statistical analysis.

Muhammad Ashfaq, Tajamal Hussain and Sumra Ashraf: Reviewed the manuscript drafts and prepared the tables.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

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