Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 179-191 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 186 5 Case Study 5.1 Case study: implementation of biopesticides in maize IPM in India A comprehensive field study was conducted in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, during the winter of 2023-2024 to assess the efficacy of biopesticides in controlling the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize. The study aimed to find sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides, especially given the increasing resistance of pests to conventional treatments. Among the tested biopesticides, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt) andMetarhizium anisopliae, a native entomopathogenic fungus, showed the highest effectiveness. These biopesticides were applied twice during the crop cycle, resulting in reductions of larval populations by up to 63.95% and 58.53%, respectively, and corresponding reductions in leaf damage ranging from 39.44% to 43.90%. Other treatments, such as Beauveria bassiana and azadirachtin, were also tested but showed slightly lower efficacy, with moderate reductions in pest populations and crop damage (Manoj et al., 2024). In addition to regular spraying measures, the project also incorporates precision agriculture technologies such as drone monitoring and targeted pesticide application to ensure maximum efficiency in the application of biopesticides. This not only reduces pesticide waste, but also provides farmers with more precise prevention and control methods. Through these measures, the corn yield in the study area has significantly increased, and the impact of autumn armyworms has been effectively controlled. These achievements provide strong support for the further application of biopesticides in maize pest control, and also lay the foundation for expanding their application in the future. 5.2 Successes and challenges faced The study's key success was the substantial reduction in fall armyworm populations and the corresponding decrease in leaf damage. The application of Bacillus thuringiensis resulted in a 75% reduction in larval populations after the second application, surpassing the performance of other treatments (Manoj et al., 2024). Additionally, the native strain of Metarhizium anisopliae proved to be highly effective in controlling fall armyworm, reducing leaf damage and increasing crop yields. The average maize yield in treated fields reached 1 942 kg/ha, compared to 1 350 kg/ha in untreated control fields, highlighting the significant benefits of biopesticide use. However, several challenges emerged during the study. Biopesticides, while effective, acted more slowly than chemical pesticides, requiring more precise timing of application to maximize their effectiveness. This delay in action necessitated better monitoring of pest outbreaks to ensure biopesticides were applied before pest populations peaked. Additionally, biopesticides were found to be more sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, which could reduce their effectiveness in hot, humid climates. Farmers also raised concerns about the higher costs and limited availability of biopesticides compared to conventional pesticides, indicating a need for greater policy support to facilitate broader adoption (Bateman et al., 2018). To address these challenges, farmer education programs were implemented as part of the project. These programs aimed to inform farmers about the long-term benefits of biopesticides, despite their slower action and higher upfront costs. By educating farmers on the correct application techniques and the environmental advantages of biopesticides, the project succeeded in increasing farmer acceptance and confidence in these products. Additionally, policy recommendations were made to reduce the cost of biopesticides through government subsidies and to support their wider availability in the market. 5.3 Economic and environmental impacts From an economic perspective, the use of biopesticides, though initially more expensive than chemical pesticides, proved cost-effective in the long term due to the reduction in pest-related crop losses and the lower frequency of application required. The highest maize yields were observed in fields treated with Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae, where yields reached an average of 1 942 kg/ha, compared to 1 350 kg/ha in untreated fields. The reduction in crop damage, combined with the sustained pest control throughout the growing season, led to higher overall profits for farmers using biopesticides (Varshney et al., 2020).
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