Influence of conventional agrochemical used in tea ecosystem on the conidial germination of entomopathogenic fungus

The impact of chemical pesticides on fungal entomopathogens can be directly measured through in vitro compatibility tests. The present study deals with the ten agrochemicals and its influence on the conidial germination of three entomopathogens viz., with B. bassiana, L. longisporum and M. anisoplea. The experiment was done using dual culture plate technique with pour plate and spread plate method with half, recommended and double dosages of agrochemicals sprayed into the field. The in vitro compatibility experiment with B. bassiana revealed that Deltamethrin, Thiamethoam, Azadiractin and Flubendiamide + Thiacloprid is compatible whereas Deltamethrin, Bifenthrin, Emamectin benzoate, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam and Azadiractin is compatible with the L. longisporum. M. anisoplea is compatible with Thiamethoxam + L-cyhalothrin. The combination will result in reduction of chemical inputs and combined mode of action hence the Integrated pest management strategy can be achieved.