Demographic parameters analysis of cotton stainer, Dysdercus koenigii fabricius after exposure to Metarhizium anisopliae sorokin

Dysdercus koenigii is a serious pest and a major concern for cotton producers worldwide. It has developed resistance to insecticides. In order to formulate strategies to tackle resistance, the pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae to D. koenigii was evaluated. Further sub-lethal and lethal effects of fungus on developmental of D. koenigii were determined by life table. M. anisopliae not only affected F0 (parental generation) but also life parameters of F1 (first filial generation). Nymphal duration was decreased in infected groups i.e. 29.09 and 25.3 days, as related to 33.58 days in the control. Similarly, difference was observed in mean fecundity in the infected groups, i.e. 119.19 and 88.64, related to 146.9 eggs in the control. Trans-generational effects of fungus on F1 showed decreased generation time, reproductive rate and increased intrinsic rate of increase. The findings showed that fungus have lasting effects on biological parameters of D. koenigii, for its use in eco-friendly management.