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Major: Plant Science

Mentor: Dr. George Mbata

Title: Application of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. for Protecting Maize (Zea mais L.) Against the Maize Weevil (Stiophilus zeamais Motchulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)Abstract: Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., is a naturally occurring fungus that has shown entomopathogenicity toward pests of agricultural importance. The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motchulsky), is one such pest. The maize weevil infests maize in storage and poses a higher threat in countries where maize serves as a staple. In response to the drawbacks brought about by chemical control of the maize weevil Beauveria bassiana has been studied as a possible biological control agent. Jute bags are used during storage of maize. However, the weevil can still infiltrate the jute bag and infest the maize inside. Application of the wettable powder of B. bassiana resulted in the mortality of maize weevils exposed to the treated bags. The highest dose of the wettable powder used generated 100% mortality of exposed weevils 14 days post-inoculation. Further investigation will determine whether weevils treated with B. bassiana can lay eggs that are viable.