Identification of candidate entomopathogenic fungi for biorational control of katydid pests in PNG

More than 80% of the reports of pest problems in Papua, New Guinea (PNG) each year derive from the Sexava group of katydids (Tettigoniidae). Current control relies on chemical treatment using methamidophos, which is unsustainable due to high costs, failure to significantly reduce loss, and impending discontinuation of supply. We are investigating an alternative pest control approach using a fungal delivery system for insecticidal proteins to rapidly and effectively control katydid pests. In this study, isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, were identified as potential biopesticide candidates to control katydid pests on oil palm crops in PNG. Tests were performed in the laboratory using a range of fungal concentrations on several insect species to determine the infectivity of the fungal isolates to long-horn grasshoppers and the specificity of the candidate fungal biopesticides. Since rapid mortality is needed to effectively control katydid damage, the results of this study will identify a fungal isolate(s) to be genetically engineered to express insecticidal peptides from scorpion or spider. This will increase the efficacy of the biopesticide agent with a reduced spore dose and time of treatment.