A team of scientists led from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research evaluated a native isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (MaIIHR) against mango leaf hoppers (Idioscopus spp.), one of the most destructive pests threatening mango cultivation in India.
The study, published in Applied Fruit Science (2025), involved isolating the fungus from infected hopper cadavers, confirming its identity through molecular sequencing, and developing an oil-based formulation suitable for mass production.
In laboratory trials, M. anisopliae MaIIHR achieved 100 % mortality of hopper nymphs and adults at the highest spore concentration (1 × 10¹⁰ spores/mL). Field and farmer-level tests across five agro-ecological zones showed consistent results, with hopper reductions of up to 84 % in open-field trials and 76 % in farmer fields.
The optimized dose—0.5 mL/L of the oil-based formulation—proved both effective and economical. Multi-year trials confirmed its adaptability under varying Indian climates. Compared to chemical insecticides like imidacloprid, the fungal biopesticide provided high efficacy without toxic residues, making it ideal for organic and export-grade mango production.
According to lead author M. C. Keerthi, “Adopting locally adapted strains such as M. anisopliae MaIIHR can minimize chemical dependence and promote climate-resilient mango orchards.”
This breakthrough offers mango growers a sustainable, residue-free pest-management tool that supports biodiversity, reduces resistance development, and aligns with integrated pest-management principles.
Reference
Radha, T.K., Vishalakshy, P.N.G., Reddy, P.V.R. et al. Evaluation of a Native Isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin Against the Mango Leaf Hopper Complex (Idioscopus spp.) Infesting Mango (Mangifera indica L.) for Organic Fruit Production. Applied Fruit Science 67, 417 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10341-025-01643-w
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