Makassar, Indonesia, April 21, 2026/BIONE/–Every year, millions of farmers face the same invisible threat tiny insect pests that silently destroy crops and reduce harvests. In tropical regions, two of the most destructive species are the cocoa pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella) and the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). These pests attack cocoa and maize, two essential crops that support food security and livelihoods, causing yield losses of up to 80% in unmanaged conditions. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective and sustainable pest management strategies.
This article is based on the study titled “Efficacy of a Powdered Beauveria bassiana Formulation against Cocoa Pod Borer and Fall Armyworm”, published on March 25, 2026, in the International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences, published by Unique Scientific Publishers. The study investigated the potential of B. bassiana as a multi-target biological control agent against two economically important insect pests, the cocoa pod borer and the fall armyworm. Conducted in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, under both laboratory and field conditions, the research evaluated the effectiveness of a powdered formulation of B. bassiana in cocoa and maize production systems.
Findings: Promising Results Across Cropping Systems
The research combined laboratory bioassays and field experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of different formulations, concentrations, and culture durations. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to assess both controlled efficacy and real-world performance under tropical environmental conditions. The results were highly promising. In cocoa plantations, infestation by cocoa pod borer decreased significantly from 66.66% in untreated plants to 27.77% after application. In maize systems, the formulation achieved up to 100% mortality of fall armyworm larvae under laboratory conditions, while field trials also showed reduced pest incidence and improved crop yields. These findings demonstrate that a single formulation of B. bassiana can function effectively across different crops and pest species, highlighting its potential as a broad-spectrum biological control agent.
Impact: Practical Benefits for Farmers and Sustainability
This research provides practical implications for smallholder farmers, particularly those managing multiple crops in tropical regions. The use of a single biological formulation reduces operational complexity, lowers input costs, and enhances the feasibility of adoption in real agricultural systems. Rather than acting as a standalone solution, B. bassiana is best integrated into broader IPM frameworks, where it serves as a natural regulator of pest populations. This approach not only improves crop protection but also supports long-term sustainability by preserving ecological balance, reducing chemical dependency, and enhancing resilience against pest outbreaks.
Relevance: Supporting Sustainable Development
This study aligns strongly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, which focuses on protecting terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of biodiversity. By reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, the application of Beauveria bassiana contributes to maintaining soil health, conserving beneficial organisms, and preventing environmental degradation. In addition, the research indirectly supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) through increased farmer productivity, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing chemical exposure, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through scientific research and capacity building, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by minimizing agricultural pollution, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaborative innovation in sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion: Toward a Nature-Based Future in Agriculture
This research highlights the potential of B. bassiana as an effective, environmentally friendly solution for controlling major agricultural pests. By demonstrating its success across different crop systems, the study provides strong evidence for the scalability and practicality of biological control strategies in tropical agriculture. As global challenges such as climate change, pest resistance, and environmental degradation continue to intensify, nature-based solutions like this offer a promising pathway toward sustainable food production. Integrating biological control into modern farming systems is not only a scientific advancement, but also a necessary step toward ensuring long-term agricultural resilience and ecological sustainability.
Reference:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47278/journal.ijab/2026.076
Contact Info:
Prof. Dr. Ir. Itji Diana Daud, M.S.
+62811445853
itjidianadaud@unhas.ac.id
