Evaluation of Indigenous Endophytic Beauveria bassiana UHSB-END1 against Grape Mealy Bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)

AbstractGrapes (Vitis vinifera), a crop of immense global importance, are cultivated for various purposes, including fresh consumption and processed products. However, grape cultivation faces critical challenges from insect pests such as mealybugs (Maconellicoccus hirsutus), which cause severe yield and quality losses, increase pesticide dependence and contribute to environmental degradation. Sustainable pest management strategies, such as the use of entomopathogenic fungi, has emerged as promising alternative to chemical pesticides, addressing these challenges while supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices. This study assessed the efficacy of endophytic Beauveria bassiana UHSB-END1, as a biological control agent against mealybugs in Thompson Seedless grapevines. Field experiment employed soil drenching, foliar sprays and combination of both treatments. The combination treatment having the highest efficacy of 96.79% reduction compared to untreated controls, while foliar sprays and soil drenching individually showed notable pest suppression. The integration of biological controls into pest management programs not only minimizes environmental impacts but also supports biodiversity and long-term vineyard health. To further enhance its applicability, optimization of B. bassiana formulations and delivery methods is recommended to ensure consistent performance across varying climatic conditions.