Abstract
Field experiments were conducted for two seasons to assess the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae in the control of termites in maize. Application of the fungus at planting was found to significantly reduce maize lodging and increase grain yield in both seasons. However, data from treatment application at tasselling were not consistent. Our results suggest that a granular formulation of M. anisopliae might be a useful option for the management of termites in the maize agroecosystem.
Résumé
Des expérimentations en plein champs ont été conduites durant deux saisons afin d’évaluer l’efficacité du champignon entomopathogène Metarhizium anisopliae pour la lutte contre les termites sur les cultures de maïs. L’application du champignon au moment de la semis s’est révélée très efficace en réduisant la chute des plants de maïs d’une part, et en augmentant le rendement en grains d’autre part, pendant les deux saisons. Cependant, les résultats issus des traitements pendant l’inflorescence des plants de maïs n’étaient pas consistants. Nos résultats suggèrent donc que la formulation du champignon M. anisopliae en granules serait une option appropriée pour le contrôle des termites dans les cultures de maïs.
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Maniania, N.K., Ekesi, S. & Songa, J.M. Managing Termites in Maize with the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Int J Trop Insect Sci 22, 41–46 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400015046
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400015046