Combined application of chitinolytic bacterium Paenibacillus sp. D1 with low doses of chemical pesticides for better control of Helicoverpa armigera

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera is a serious pest of Cajanus cajan in many parts of world. Rapid development of resistance against number of insecticides and cry toxin-based biocontrol agents has led to search for biocontrol agents with alternative mode of action. The ability of chitinolytic bacteria to degrade vital chitinous structure in insects suggests their potential in insect control. The present investigation was carried out to study insect control potential of a high chitinase producing bacterium, Paenibacillus sp. D1. Biocontrol studies with Helicoverpa larvae showed Paenibacillus sp. D1 and its chitinase to be potent antifeedant that reduced the feeding rate and body weight of the larvae. The decreased body weight was attributed to hydrolysis of the chitinous structures of the larvae. This was evident from decrease in the total chitin content and increased mortality of the larvae fed on the leaves treated with Paenibacillus sp. D1 and chitinase as compared to untreated controls. A combined dose of Paenibacillus sp. D1 or its chitinase with an organophosphate insecticide, acephate, was found to be more lethal than their individual treatments suggesting integrated insect control potential of the bacterium.