Makassar, Indonesia, April 20, 2026/BIONE/–Corn is one of the most important crops in Indonesia, serving as a major source of carbohydrates after rice. However, its productivity is increasingly threatened by the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an invasive pest known for its rapid spread and destructive feeding behavior. This article is based on the study titled “A Laboratory Scale: Formulation Test and Bioassay of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. Alginate Pellet Carrier Pathogenic to Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)”, published on October 31, 2023, in the International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology (IJASEIT), a peer-reviewed journal published by INSIGHT–Indonesian Society for Knowledge and Human Development (Indonesia). The study investigated the potential of B. bassiana formulated in alginate pellet carriers as an innovative and environmentally friendly biological control strategy against the fall armyworm S. frugiperda.
Innovating Biological Control with Fungal Formulations
S. frugiperda attacks corn leaves aggressively, reducing plant growth and ultimately lowering yields. In many regions, including South Sulawesi, outbreaks of fall armyworm have become a serious concern for farmers. Conventional control methods rely heavily on chemical pesticides, but these approaches often lead to resistance, environmental pollution, and risks to human health. As a result, researchers are now focusing on safer and more sustainable alternatives. Various formulations were tested by combining the fungus with different materials such as bran, wheat flour, tapioca flour, and corn flour. These ingredients were used to enhance spore production and improve fungal performance.
How Effective Are the Fungal Pellets?
The results show that the alginate pellet formulation of B. bassiana is highly effective in controlling fall armyworm larvae. These patterns are reflected in the graphical data, where mortality rates increase over time depending on the number of pellets applied. The results clearly demonstrate that dosage plays a key role in determining effectiveness.
An important finding of this study is the influence of formulation materials on fungal performance. Among the tested treatments, wheat flour-based formulation showed the highest spore density, reaching 2.35 × 10⁸ spores per mL. This high spore density was directly associated with increased larval mortality.
Visual observations further confirm the infection process. Infected larvae gradually become inactive, their bodies weaken, and eventually they die as the fungus develops inside them. This natural infection cycle highlights the effectiveness of B. bassiana as a biological control agent. The use of alginate pellet formulations offers a practical innovation in biological pest control. Compared to conventional spraying methods, pellets provide better stability, easier application, and more controlled release of fungal spores.
Connecting to Sustainable Development Goals
This research strongly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, as it contributes to protecting crop yields from destructive pests. It also aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through the development of innovative biological formulations. Additionally, the study contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action, by promoting environmentally friendly pest management practices that reduce chemical emissions, and SDG 15: Life on Land, by encouraging biodiversity-based agricultural solutions.
Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Control Pests
This study demonstrates that B. bassiana formulated as alginate pellets is an effective and innovative solution for controlling fall armyworm. By combining biological agents with improved delivery systems, researchers have developed a method that is both practical and sustainable.
Reference:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.13.5.18639
Contact Info:
Prof. Dr. Ir. Itji Diana Daud, M.S.
+62811445853
itjidianadaud@unhas.ac.id
