Project Number: 3620-22410-014-03
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Feb 01, 2012
End Date: Jan 31, 2015

Objective:
To determine infection rates among species of white grub complex, compare formulations for efficacy, and evaluate application timing and application rates.

Approach:
White grubs are pests of turf because they feed on roots of grass plants and are typically controlled by the application of chemical insecticides. This project evaluates fungal biopesticides made with Metarhizium anisopliae as an alternative to chemical control. The unique aspect of this proposal is that the fungus is applied in a unique form. Recent discoveries using liquid fermentation techniques have resulted in production of a fungal structure known as microsclerotia. This structure can be formulated for application to soil environments where the microsclerotia germinate and each produced many infective conidial spores. Objectives include 1) determining relative susceptibility of three common grub species to the fungus, 2) compare formulations of the fungal biopesticides for control efficacy when applied under field conditions, and 3) determine rates and timing of applications for optimal grub control under field conditions.