Effect Of Metarhizium Rileyi On Proteases Activity Of Helicoverpa Armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera is the most severe polyphagous pest of many economically important crops. An extensive and unplanned excess chemical pesticides application has led to adverse effects on human and insecticide resistance. Entomological pests are controlled by entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as an alternative tool.  Metarhizium rileyi is an effective entomopathogenic fungus having a specific host range for many insect pests. In the present study, proteolytic activities of H. armigera larvae (1^st to 6^th larval instars) at different days were evaluated for control and test. The current work aimed to focus on studying the virulent M. rileyi against H. armigera larvae at various instars. After treatment of M. rileyi biopesticide, increasing protease activity was observed in all six different stages of larvae than the control.