Controlling Aphids and Pod Borer in Food Legumes Using Nano-biopesticides, Fungi, and Intercropping in Morocco

Food legumes are facing major threats from green pea aphids and pod borer which reduce yields in many countries. In addition to direct economic damage, aphids play key roles in transmitting different viruses that emerge in lentil and chickpea growing areas. The level of resistance to these key pests is low so farmers depend on insecticide applications to control these pests. This study validated nano-formulated essential oils (Ocimum basilicum and Origanum vulgare) and entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana and Verticillium lecanii). Coriander-lentil intercropping, for sustainable pest management. Results from on-station and on-farm trials season showed that nano-formulation of essential oils using chitosan moderately suppressed aphid population. entomopathogenic fungi treatments reduced pod borer populations and improved chickpea yields. In the cropping system areas, coriander intercropping reduces aphid population and enhances natural enemies and pollinator abundance. Integrating nano-formulated essential oils, entomopathogenic fungi, and intercropping with crops that attract natural enemies and repel pests will be effective and sustainable management on aphids and pod borers where resistance is not available in the cultivated gene pool. Moreover, nao-formulation should be given more priority for effective delivery of biopesticides.