Effect of biopesticides on the larval mortality of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson)

The efficacy of biopesticides; Bacillus thuringiensis, Lecanicillium lecani, Beauveria bassiana, Azadirachtin and fipronil (chemical check) on the larval mortality of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi was carried out during the year 2020-21 by two different methods viz. residue deposit and diet contamination, under laboratory conditions Result showed that in residue deposit method, the lowest larval mortality after 7 days was observed in Bacillus thuringiensis (9.33%) followed by Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecani and Beauveria bassiana (23.0, 24.0 and 26.67%, respectively). In diet contamination method, the lowest larval mortality (10.00%) was observed in Lecanicillium lecani followed by Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Bacillus thuringiensis (11.33% , 13.67% and 28.33%, respectively). The highest larval mortality in both the methods were observed in the check chemical fipronil (82.67% in residue deposit and 89.33% in diet contamination) followed by Azadirachtin (40.33% in residue and 58.00% in diet contamination). Keeping in view, the results demonstrated from the investigation the microbial pesticides was found to be compatible with Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi and can safely be included in the integrated pest management programme against the pests.