Biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes and bacteria against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier)

Abstract Background The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a serious threat to date palms across the globe, causing heavy yield losses. pest inflicts damage stem and destroys vascular system; resultantly lower vigor affect growth yield. For ecological farming system, biological control of gaining increased interest due hosts’ specificity, safety human, animal non-target organisms, their compatibility environment. Results In laboratory assay, Beauveria bassiana, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki ( Bt-k ) alone in combination against sixth instar larvae adults four distinct populations RPW were applied. H. was more effective, followed by B. bassiana treatments. While combined treatments, highest mortality recorded for + (100% both stages), , (larvae 100%; 94.24%) treatments (larvae: 87.01%; adults: 80.53%). Maximum rate mycosis 85.74%; 69.07%), sporulation 189.22 conidia ml −1 ; 164.56 ), cadavers affected nematodes 92.4%; 81.29%) nematode production 178.78 IJs 153.44 observed where or applied lowest 122.78 103.22 combination. Conclusions Entomopathogens can be effectively used and/or integration populations. Natural capability entomopathogens infect disseminate into other hosts makes them excellent biocontrol agents incorporated IPM plan make growers confident with use most promising microbial agents.