Efficacy of Various Entomopathogenic Fungi Strains as Biocontrol Agents for Control of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), is considered an important bruchid pest in cowpea storages. The used pesticides against this have caused the occurrence of resistant populations and direct toxicity to users. objective study was evaluate mortality effects six entomopathogenic fungi isolates obtained from ARSEF (USA) collection [Paecilomyces farinosus (2538), Isaria fumosorosea (4501), farinosa (3580), Beauveria bassiana (4984), Lecanicillium muscarium (972) (5128)] C. adults under laboratory conditions (26±2 °C, 70±5% RH 16h light: 8h dark). were cultivated Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA, Oxoid, CM0139) medium at 26±2 ºC dark for two weeks before using them as control agents. Spore suspensions prepared different concentrations (1x105 1x107)and mixed with Tween 20 (0.04%). Each concentration replicated three times rates observed on 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th 10th day incubations. As a commercial control, Mycotal extraction L. negative 20+sterile water used. Six fungal both conidial yielded high mortalities (from 62.6% 100%) adults. These results illustrated that tested strains led significant all treatments compared controls. Consequently, these regarded encouraging alternative method population stored grains.