Infektivitas Cendawan Lecanicillium lecanii terhadap Telur Helopeltis sp. (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Abstract

Lecanicillium lecanii is a potential entomopathogenic fungus to control crop pests. One of the main pests that attack estate crops is mosquito bug Helopeltis sp. (Hemiptera: Miridae). This research studied the infectivity of entomopathogenic fungi L. lecanii against Helopeltis egg. Fresh cucumber fruit were used as host plant to rear the bug. L. lecanii with density levels 109, 108, 107, 106 conidia/ml have been sprayed to the surface of the cucumber fruit in which the Helopeltis eggs were laid. Hatchability of the egg and survival of the nymphs after hatching were observed. The result showed that the higher the density of conidia L. lecanii were applied, more mortality of Helopeltis eggs was obtained. During six days post treatment, egg mortality attained 25% after applying 106 conidia/ml. Maximum density 109 conidia/ml killed 70% eggs. The effect of fungal infection prolonged after hatching and influenced by the dose applied. Survival of the second instar nymphs attained 100% at 106 conidia/ml and decrease until 58.3% at 109 conidia/ml application.