Compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi and Azadirachta indica extract against the cotton pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under controlled conditions

Abstract Compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) viz. Verticillium lecanii , Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana with Azadirachta indica extract (alone and in combinations) was evaluated against 2 nd instar larvae of the cotton pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under controlled conditions. Results indicated that maximum mortality rate of P . gossypiella larvae was recorded at combination of the highest conidial concentrations of V . lecanii + M . anisopliae + B . bassiana along with A . indica extract, while minimum mortality rate was recorded at A . indica extract alone, 12 days post exposure interval. Maximum mycosis and sporulation from dead cadavers of P . gossypiella larvae were recorded at the highest concentration of B . bassiana , while the lowest mycosis and sporulation were recorded at the highest conidial concentrations of V . lecanii + M . anisopliae + B . bassiana along with A . indica extract. Maximum percent of pupation and adult emergence in P . gossypiella larvae was observed in the treatment, where A . indica extract was applied alone, while the minimum percent of pupation and adult emergence was observed at the treatment combination of the highest concentration of B . bassiana + V . lecanii + M . anisopliae along with A . indica extract was applied. EPFs proved their enhanced long-term protection potential for cotton crop against P . gossypiella . A . indica extract integrated with the EPFs can be a potential alternative to the chemicals and as an effective component of IPM program against P . gossypiella .