Optimum application rates for naturally occuring enthropathogenic fugus for termite management in maize fields

In Africa, maize yield losses of 50-100% have been reported to due termite attack. Previous studies have demonstrated efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae for controlling termites, however there is limited information available on the application rate to control the fungus on maize. To establish a suitable fungal application rate for management of termites in maize fields, four application rates of M. anisopliae granules (40 kg/ha, 60 kg/ ha, 80 kg/ha and 0kg/ha) were evaluated. Treatments were replicated three times in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). Head counts of lodged maize due to termite attack were recorded weekly and yields per plot were taken at harvest. Data was subjected to ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey’s test (p<0.05) using Genstat software. M. anisopliae applications significantly reduced maize lodging and increased maize yield with the 60 kg/ha and 80 kg/ha rates giving the highest yields. The application of M. anisopliae protected maize against termite attack. However, it is important that the application rate of 60 kg/ha and 80 kg/ha be assessed in different agro-ecological zones to optimise suitable rates.