Biological control agents for oriental flower beetle and other insect pests using entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes

Overview

This research program focuses on discovering and validating entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strains as biological control agents for the oriental flower beetle (OFB) and other economically important insect pests. The work directly addresses the need to reduce chemical insecticide inputs in crop protection by leveraging naturally occurring insect-killing microorganisms. By isolating and testing new EPF and EPN strains not yet available in commercial markets, the project aims to expand the toolkit of sustainable pest management options available to growers.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Collection and maintenance of entomopathogenic fungi and entomopathogenic nematode strains from soil samples using standard baiting procedures
• Laboratory bioassays to evaluate mortality of OFB larvae, with EPF assays monitored daily for up to 14 days post-treatment and EPN assays monitored daily for up to 7 days post-treatment
• Replication and repeated trials to ensure statistical reliability of efficacy data
• Field efficacy trials for strains that demonstrate strong laboratory performance
• Prior validation showed 80% mortality of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) with select EPF strains and approximately 35% mortality with select EPN strains, with expected improved efficacy against the smaller OFB

Target organisms:

• Entomopathogenic fungi including Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium species
• Entomopathogenic nematodes effective against scarab beetles such as Japanese beetle, European chafer, and masked chafer
• Primary target pest: oriental flower beetle (OFB), with potential applicability to other insect pests

Technology readiness level

The project is in the early-to-mid stage of laboratory validation. Strains have already been collected and are being maintained, and initial efficacy data exist against a related beetle species (coconut rhinoceros beetle). Laboratory assays against OFB have not yet been conducted but are planned as the next step, followed by field efficacy trials for promising strains. The research is positioned to deliver validated biological control candidates suitable for further development toward commercial biopesticide products.