Evaluation of the effectiveness of an entomopathogenic consortium for the control of mealybug (Planococcus citri) located on the María Auxiliadora campus of the Salesian Polytechnic University

Introduction: in the city of Guayaquil, the mealybug pest poses a threat to various plant species. Biological control strategies, such as the use of one of its natural predators, ladybugs, are also possible, as are other solutions such as the use of entomopathogenic fungi. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of an entomopathogenic consortium consisting of the species Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii, and Purpureocillium lilacinum against the mealybug species Planococcus citri in lemon plants. Method: the experimental strategy was carried out on the grounds of the Salesian Polytechnic University, María Auxiliadora campus. Lemon trees were infected with Planococcus citri for 4 to 6 months, two weeks before the application of the treatments. The 7 treatments, except for the application control, consisted of 3 different concentrations (200 %, 100 %, and 50 %) of the positive control (chemical detergent) and the entomopathogenic consortium. Results: the mortality rate of scale insects and the efficacy of the consortium were analyzed. Treatment 3 (100%) produced the highest mortality rate; while treatment 2, the positive control, and treatment 3, the entomopathogenic consortium, showed no significant differences in efficacy. In addition, chlorophyll was analyzed before and after treatment; treatment 3 showed significant differences compared to the positive control treatments. Conclusions: the entomopathogenic fungal consortium proved to be an effective alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling Planococcus citri, as higher mortality of the pest and a significant population reduction were observed with the use of this treatment compared to the negative and positive controls.