Susceptibility of the legume flower thrips to Metarhizium anisopliae on different varieties of cowpea

The susceptibility of Megalurothrips sjostedti to Metarhizium anisopliae when reared on susceptible, tolerant, and moderately resistant varieties of cowpea at different constant temperatures was evaluated in the laboratory. Insects were exposed either to direct spray of the conidia or to fungus-treated floral tissues. Mortality was significantly higher on the moderately resistant variety at all temperatures compared to the susceptible and tolerant varieties. Correspondingly, lethal time and lethal concentration values were significantly shorter and lower, respectively, on the moderately resistant variety compared to the other varieties, thus indicating that the two control methods are compatible as part of an integrated pest management strategy. Thrips raised on the tolerant variety incurred an exceptionally low level of mortality when the inoculum was sprayed directly on the insects or when the insects were exposed to fungus-treated floral tissues. Observations on the effects of airborne volatiles and crude extracts of this variety revealed an inhibitory effect on fungal germination, colony forming units and growth. This suggests the existence of anti-fungal substances in the tolerant variety.