The Effect of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae on Suppressing Populations of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda on Maize

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Metarhizium anisopliae application on the growth, development, and infestation intensity of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize plants. A single-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, consisting of six treatments and four replications: M. anisopliae dilutions of 10⁻³, 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁷, and 10⁻⁹, a positive control (water), and a negative control (chemical insecticide). Observed parameters included the number of leaves, plant height, infestation intensity, and the weight of husked cobs. The results indicated that the application of M. anisopliae did not significantly affect maize growth and development, although there was a trend toward better results compared to the untreated control. Conversely, the application of M. anisopliae reduced the infestation intensity of S. frugiperda, demonstrating the potential of this biological agent as an alternative for biological control in maize cultivation.