How to Apply Metarhizium anisopliae on Cardamom & Pepper – Step‑by‑Step Guide

Many farmers apply Metarhizium anisopliae incorrectly and then think it doesn't work. Follow these simple steps from Bactostore to get full value.

How Metarhizium anisopliae works: The fungal spores land on the pest's body, germinate, and produce an appressorium that penetrates the insect's cuticle. Once inside, the fungus grows rapidly, consuming the insect from within and producing toxins called destruxins. The insect stops feeding within 24‑48 hours and dies completely within 3‑7 days. After death, green mold appears on the insect's body – this is called "green muscardine disease." The mold produces new spores that can infect nearby pests.

For cardamom root grub control (KVK Idukki recommended method):

This is the most important application for Idukki cardamom farmers, as root grubs are the most destructive pest.

Soil application with cow dung (KVK method):

  1. Take 25g of Bactostore's Metarhizium powder for each cardamom plant

  2. Mix with well‑decomposed cow dung (enough to form a thick paste)

  3. Apply this mixture around the base of each cardamom plant, in the root zone where grubs are active

  4. Lightly cover with soil

  5. Apply pre‑monsoon or at the beginning of the growing season

  6. Repeat every 4 months during the growing season

Soil drench method (KAU recommended method):

  1. Take 10g of Bactostore's Metarhizium powder for each litre of water

  2. Mix thoroughly to form a suspension

  3. Apply 5‑10 litres of this solution per plant as a soil drench around the root zone

  4. The drench should be applied to moist soil for best results

For foliar spray (for borers, thrips, and other foliar pests on cardamom and pepper):

Using liquid formulation:

  1. Take 1‑2 litres of Bactostore's Metarhizium anisopliae liquid per acre

  2. Dilute in 200‑400 litres of water

  3. For better results, add 2 kg jaggery (gur) – the sugar feeds the fungus, boosting spore germination

  4. Let the mixture sit for overnight (8‑12 hours) – this allows spores to germinate and become more infective

  5. Spray thoroughly on both sides of leaves, on stems, panicles, spikes, and berries

  6. Pay special attention to the underside of leaves where thrips and whiteflies hide, and to the base of pseudostems where borer larvae enter

  7. Spray in early morning or late evening when humidity is high. Cloudy days are ideal

  8. Repeat every 10‑15 days during active pest infestation

Using powder formulation (general foliar spray):

  1. Take 1‑2 kg of Bactostore's Metarhizium powder per acre

  2. Mix in 200‑400 litres of water

  3. Add 2 kg jaggery (gur) and let it sit overnight – this is very important for powder formulations

  4. Filter the solution through a fine cloth to avoid clogging spray nozzles

  5. Spray as described above

For black pepper soil pests (root weevils, white grubs, termites):

Soil application with cow dung (for individual vines):

  1. Take 25‑50g of Bactostore's Metarhizium powder for each pepper vine

  2. Mix with well‑decomposed cow dung (enough to form a paste)

  3. Apply this mixture in the basin around each pepper vine

  4. Lightly cover with soil

  5. Apply pre‑monsoon or at the beginning of the growing season

  6. Repeat every 3‑4 months

Soil drench method (for severe infestations):

  1. Take 1‑2 litres of Bactostore's Metarhizium liquid

  2. Dilute in 200 litres of water

  3. Drench the solution directly around the root zone of affected pepper vines

  4. For severe infestations, apply 1‑2 litres of drench solution per vine

  5. Reapply after 15‑20 days if pest activity persists

For young plants (root dip before planting):

This is an excellent preventive measure for both cardamom suckers and pepper cuttings.

  1. Mix 10 ml of Metarhizium anisopliae liquid in 1 litre of water

  2. Dip the roots of young cardamom suckers or pepper cuttings for 10 minutes before planting

  3. This protects young plants from soil‑borne pests like root grubs, root weevils, and termites from day one

Three golden rules from Bactostore:

  1. Apply in early morning, late evening, or on cloudy days – sunlight and UV rays kill Metarhizium spores. Never spray in midday sun. Cloudy days provide the best conditions.

  2. Keep the soil moist for 2‑3 days after soil application – the fungus needs moisture to germinate and infect pests. If the soil is dry, irrigate lightly after application.

  3. Never mix with chemical fungicides or copper‑based products – they will instantly kill the beneficial fungus.

Compatibility guide:

  • Compatible with: neem oil (but test your specific strain first – some isolates are compatible, others may be sensitive), other biopesticides (Verticillium, Beauveria), mild insecticides, half‑dose chemical insecticides, jaggery, molasses

  • NOT compatible with: chemical fungicides (copper, carbendazim, mancozeb, etc.), strong chemical pesticides at full dose, chemical bactericides

  • If you must use chemical fungicides: Apply chemical fungicide first, wait 7‑10 days, then apply Metarhizium. Or apply Metarhizium first, wait 5‑7 days, then apply chemicals.

Shelf life and storage:

  • Liquid: 12‑18 months. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

  • Powder: 8‑12 months. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep container tightly closed.

  • Refrigeration (4°C) can extend shelf life for long‑term storage, but room temperature storage is fine for 6‑8 months.

  • Do not store in direct sunlight or in damp places – moisture can cause premature spore germination and reduce viability.

Environmental conditions for best results:

  • Metarhizium anisopliae works best at temperatures between 20‑30°C and in humid conditions

  • Idukki's high‑range climate is ideal for this fungus

  • If conditions are dry, irrigate before application and maintain soil moisture

For a free application calendar tailored to your Idukki farm, WhatsApp your crop details to 9146150117 or visit www.peaklab.co.in.

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