Joseph Mburu Prof. Kimenju Dr. Dora Assessing efficacy of localy islated entomopathogenic fungi for management of the Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) Joseph Mburu Prof. Kimenju Dr. Dora

Objectives Main Assess potential of locally isolated EPF for management of banana weevil Specific Assess occurrence and distribution of EPF in soil sampled from banana fields in Murang’a. Assess pathogenicity of the isolated EPF to adult weevils.

Studies completed isolation Soil screening studies 30 Soil samples collected (10 farms from 3 AEZ in Murang’a). Selective media (39g/L PDA, 0.6g/L CTAB and 0.8mg/L amoxicillin ) prepared. Inoculation done by serial dilution. 3 replications of each soil sample. Identification done by morphology & microscopy

EPF identification

Occurrence & Distribution of EPF Total of 103 isolates of EPF were obtained: 43.7% - M. anisopliae , 56.3% - B. bassiana

Isolation (objective 1) repeated Galleria baiting method 500 grams of each soil sample transferred to plastic bowls and moistened. 5 larvae of Galleria moth placed in depressions and covered with the soil. Experiment being inspected daily

Pathogenicity (objective 2) Banana weevil trapping Trapping uderway at UoN Kabete banana field Split pseudostem (45cm) traps being used to attract adult weevils. Traps being examined every day 300 weevils to be collected

Completion plan 1st objective: May 2013 2nd objective: June 3013 Data analysis and reporting : July 2013