Evaluation studies of some bio-control agents against corn borers in Egypt [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Maize (corn) (Zea mays L.) is infested by three corn borer species namely Sesamia cretica, Chilo agamemnon and Ostrinia nubilalis. The bioeffect of three bioinsecticides derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana and Verticillium lecanii and three Chloroformic plant extract from Melaleuca ericifolia and Melaleuca leucadendron leaves beside a compound derived from M. ericifolia leaves (Ursolic acid) were tested against the three corn borer pests. The fungus B. bassiana significantly affected the best results, followed by V. lecanii and B. thuringiensis against the corn borer infestation in the field. The tested botanicals showed nearly similar effects on the target insects. Though they achieved lesser effects than those obtained by microbial formulations, they revealed significant reduction in infestation as compared with the corresponding controls. Yield loss was significantly decreased when maize plants were treated with B. bassiana, V. lecanii, B. thuringiensis, M. leucadendron, M. ericifolia and Ursolic acid, respectively.

Summary in Arabic.

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