Baladiang, Jay Valerie A., Pasquinn, Erwin Rommel B., Zamora, Waynw Steven M. (February 2008)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
In the urban environment, the fire ant Solenopsis has become a serious outdoor pest and its pest status is based largely on the threat of painful stinging and potential hyper allergic reactions. This study deals with the existing problem brought by the fire ants in our community. The fungi, Beauveria bassina and Metarhizium anisopliae were used as biological control agents on a worker Red Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta to determine if there is entomopathologenic effect on the fire due to the fungi.
Results of this study showed that Metarhizium anisopliae has its highest mean morality by mycosis, 4 hours after application of 74.11% while Beauveria bassiana has its highest mean mortality by mycosis of the fire ants treated with Metarhizium anisopliae is significantly higher than Beauveria bassiana and distilled water since four hours and up to the 44th hour after application.
The fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were proven to have entomopathogenic effects on the fire ants Solenopsis invicta. Metarhizium anisopliae had a stronger pathogenic effect on the fire ants as compared to Beauveria bassiana.