Virulence of the endophytic fungi <i>Trichoderma asperellum</i> (Hypocreales: Hypocreaceae) against larvae of <i>Crocidolomia pavonana</i> (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract Crocidolomia pavonana , commonly known as the cabbage cluster caterpillar, is a significant pest of cabbage plants, causing substantial damage and economic losses. One potential method to control C. pavonana is using the entomopathogenic fungus Trichoderma asperellum . This study aimed to identify the most effective isolate of T. asperellum in managing C. pavonana populations. Four isolates of T. asperellum were evaluated: T. asperellum SD324, T. asperellum SD327, T. asperellum A116, and T. asperellum AB2B3, with a conidial density of 10 8 conidia/ml. The conidial suspensions were applied to second instar larvae of C. pavonana . Observations included larval mortality, percentage of pupation, percentage of adult emergence, the pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods of female adults, and number of egg batches. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a 5% LSD test. Results indicated that all T. asperellum isolates demonstrated potential in controlling C. pavonana larvae, with the highest mortality rate (93.33%) observed in T. asperellum A116. Additionally, the application of T. asperellum isolates inhibited pupation rate (6.67%), adult emergence (10%), and inhibition of C. pavonana life cycle development.