Field evaluation of the synergistic effects of neem oil with Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bacillales: Bacillaceae). (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Togbé, Codjo Euloge; Zannou, Elisabeth; Gbèhounou, Gualbert; Kossou, Dansou; Huis, Arnold van
• Is Part Of: International journal of tropical insect science. Volume 34:Number 4(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Insect pests -- Tropics -- Periodicals; Beneficial insects -- Tropics -- Periodicals; Entomology -- Tropics -- Periodicals; 595.70913
• DOI: 10.1017/S1742758414000447
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-7584

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In the present study, the synergistic effects of <italic>Beauveria bassiana</italic> (Bals.-Criv. Vuill.) (isolate Bb11) and <italic>Bacillus thuringiensis</italic> var. <italic>kurstaki</italic> (Berliner) with neem oil were evaluated in three agroecological zones in Bénin. Four bioinsecticide treatments (neem oil, neem oil and <italic>B. bassiana</italic> used separately for different target pests, neem oil mixed with <italic>B. bassiana</italic> and neem oil mixed with <italic>B. thuringiensis</italic>) were compared with a calendar-based treatment using synthetic insecticides and a control without insecticides. The bioinsecticide treatments were less effective than the calendar-based treatment at controlling cotton pests. There was no difference in yields and the number of damaged bolls in plots under treatments with the four bioinsecticide formulations, suggesting an absence of synergy between neem oil and <italic>B. bassiana</italic> and neem oil and <italic>B. thuringiensis</italic>. The numbers of natural enemies in all the bioinsecticide treatment plots and the control plots were similar and higher than those in the calendar-based treatment plots. The highest yield and profitability were obtained with the calendar-based treatment. Screening the compatibility of plant-based products and biopesticides through bioassays is essential for a successful application of their combinations in any integrated pest management strategy.</p> </abstract>