Filipino Scientists Make Pest Control from Fungus

Nov 11

Two Filipino researchers have developed an effective pest control from a fungus commonly found in the Philippines.

Dr. Carlos de la Cruz of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-RIARC) and Dr. Ruben Gapasin of the Visayas State University have tested different Metarhizium isolates against the jackfruit borer. They developed the metarhizium spray suspension (MSS) by mixing M. anisopliae spore cultures with 0.05 percent of soap solution and diluted with water. The solution is applied to flower buds, flowers, and fruits when the jackfruit fruit borers start to infest, and until the fruits are ready for bagging. The researchers added that for the MSS to be more effective, application should be complemented with proper timing of fruit bagging and pest monitoring.

According to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), the fruit borer causes about 30 to 40 percent damage in jackfruit from flower bud formation up to fruit ripening. M. anisopliae is a fungus known worldwide and proven to control various pests. Also known as Entomophthora anisopliae, the fungus grows naturally in soils throughout the world and causes disease in various insects by acting as a parasite. De la Cruz and Gapasin’s study found that Metarhizium isolates from sweet potato weevils are the most effective control against jackfruit fruit borer.

PCARRD said jackfruit growers and project cooperators in Mahaplag, Inopacan, Abuyog, and Ormoc in Leyte are now adopting the technology. The pest management technology was generated from the three-year PCARRD project dubbed “Jackfruit Regional R&D Program for Region VIII” that commenced in mid-2008.

Mass production of M. anisopliae has already been established using locally available material such as palay. A bag of of Metarhizium can be produced for P17.59, which is good for spraying more than 130 fruits. The group of De la Cruz’s is currently working on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the technology. The agency is also exploring the possibility of lowering the spore concentration of M. anisopliae to further reduce the cost. M. anisopliae spore cultures are now available at the DA-RIARC station in Abuyog, Leyte. The anti-pest formula can also be made abroad as the fungus is found in other countries, including Australia, Brazil and Finland.

Original Article: Two Pinoys Make Pest Control from Fungus By Helen Flores in The Philippine Star on November 11, 2010

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