Field Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuellemin against Paracoccus marginatus in Tapioca

Two field trials were taken up to test the bioefficacy of local Beauveria bassiana strain UPI (Bb) against papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus in tapioca in two different locations at three different concentrations viz., 1x10⁷, 1x10⁸ and 1x10⁹ spore/ml. It was found that UPI (Bb) @ 1x10⁹ spore/ml showed higher mean per cent reduction of mealybug compared to other two lower concentrations. This study indicates scope of using B. bassiana for the management of papaya mealybug under field condition.