Compatibility of different Metarhizium spp. propagules with synthetic acaricides for controlling Rhipicephalus microplus / Compatibilidade de diferentes propágulos de Metarhizium spp. com acaricidas sintéticos para o controle de Rhipicephalus microplus

The inappropriate use of synthetic acaricides has selected resistant Rhipicephalus microplus populations. The present study evaluated the compatibility of different Metarhizium spp. propagules (conidia, blastospores, and microsclerotia) by incubating them with synthetic acaricides (amitraz, deltamethrin, and a combination of cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and citronellal) for 1 h, 5 h, 10 h, and 24 h. Conidia and microsclerotia of the tested isolates were usually more tolerant to synthetic acaricides than blastospores. Our study also analyzed the in vitro effect of deltamethrin associated with fungal propagules for controlling a population of R. microplus females that were not susceptible to this synthetic acaricide. The use of entomopathogenic fungi in association with deltamethrin in this tick population caused a greater tick control than did the use of the fungus or the synthetic acaricide separately.(AU)

O uso inadequado de acaricidas sintéticos selecionou populações resistentes de Rhipicephalus microplus. O presente estudo avaliou a compatibilidade de diferentes propágulos de Metarhizium spp. (conídios, blastosporos e microscleródios), incubando-os com acaricidas sintéticos (amitraz, deltametrina e uma combinação de cipermetrina, clorpirifós e citronelal) por 1 h, 5 h, 10 h e 24 h. Conídios e microescleródios dos isolados testados foram geralmente mais tolerantes a acaricidas sintéticos do que os blastosporos. Este estudo também analisou o efeito in vitro da deltametrina associada a propágulos fúngicos no controle de uma população de fêmeas de R. microplus não suscetíveis a este acaricida sintético. O uso de fungos entomopatogênicos em associação com deltametrina, nesta população de carrapatos, causou maior controle do carrapato do que o uso do fungo ou acaricida sintético isoladamente.(AU)

Association of adjuvants and Beauveria bassiana fungus to control of Paraguay tea ampul / Associação de adjuvantes e fungo Beauveria bassiana visando ao controle da ampola da erva-mate

Aiming to increase the activity of the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Unioeste 44) against adults of Gyropsylla spegazziniana, the combination of the fungus with adjuvants Aureo® and Assist® was evaluated for application. The bioassays were carried out in direct and residual contact with insects on yerba mate seedlings. The effects on some biological parameters of the fungus were also evaluated in vitro. The combination of the fungus and the adjuvants in direct contact resulted in mortality rates of 65 and 75% (Aureo® and Assist®, respectively), with no difference between them; however, the mortality rate was greater than that obtained with the fungus alone (47 %) (P < 0.05). Mortality from residual contact was lower, but the association with adjuvant Assist® (48%) compared to Aureo® (16%) was still advantageous. Conidiogenesis in cadavers was not affected by adjuvants in the treatment by direct contact. However, in residual contact, conidiogenesis increased with the Assist® addition. Despite affecting the germination and growth of the fungus, the adjuvants were considered compatible. In addition to the efficiency of their combination, neither adjuvant caused phytotoxicity to yerba mate seedlings, representing advantages of its use in G. spegazziniana population management.

Visando incrementar a atividade do fungo Beauveria bassiana Unioeste 44 contra adultos da ampola-da-erva-mate (Gyropsylla spegazziniana), avaliou-se a associação do fungo com adjuvantes Aureo® e Assist®, para calda de aplicação. Os bioensaios foram relizados em contato direto e residual sobre insetos. Foram também avaliados in vitro os efeitos sobre alguns parâmetros biológicos do fungo. A associação fungo + adjuvantes resultou em mortalidade de 65 e 75%, sem diferença entre eles, porém, significativamente maior que a obtida com o fungo isoladamente. A mortalidade no contato residual foi menor, mas também houve vantagem na associação com adjuvantes, principalmente Assist® (48%), em relação ao Áureo® (16%). A conidiogênese nos cadáveres não foi afetada pelos adjuvantes no tratamento de contato direto. Contudo, houve incremento na conidiogênese no tratamento de associação com Assist® no contato residual. Apesar de afetarem a germinação e o crescimento do fungo, os adjuvantes foram considerados compatíveis com o fungo. Além da eficiência da associação, ambos adjuvantes não causaram fitotoxidade para a erva-mate, representando vantagens do seu uso no manejo da ampola.

Interactions of adjuvants on adhesion and germination of Isaria fumosorosea on adults of Diaphorina citri

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is considered the most important citrus pest worldwide, as it transmits Huanglongbing – serious citrus disease. New efficient and sustainable strategies to control this pest have been investigated and the use of entomopathogenic fungi has become a promising alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adjuvants a) Tween 80 at 0.01 % (v/v); b) Silwet L77 at 0.025 % (v/v) and c) KBRAdj at 0.075 % (v/v) on adhesion, germination and pathogenicity of Isaria fumosorosea ESALQ-1296(5 × 106 conidia mL–1). Female adults of D. citri used in this experiment were sprayed on Citrus limonia seedlings. The sprayed insects were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify the most susceptible integument regions for fungus attachment and the effect of adjuvants used. In the pathogenicity test, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented a higher efficiency than Tween 80. Fungi adhered predominantly to the ventral posterior (abdomen) region in comparison with the dorsal anterior (thorax) region. In addition, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented faster germination ( 72 h). Conidial germination in the dorsal part of the thorax of the insects was observed only with adjuvant KBRAdj 72 h post inoculation.

Interactions of adjuvants on adhesion and germination of Isaria fumosorosea on adults of Diaphorina citri

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is considered the most important citrus pest worldwide, as it transmits Huanglongbing serious citrus disease. New efficient and sustainable strategies to control this pest have been investigated and the use of entomopathogenic fungi has become a promising alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adjuvants a) Tween 80 at 0.01 % (v/v); b) Silwet L77 at 0.025 % (v/v) and c) KBRAdj at 0.075 % (v/v) on adhesion, germination and pathogenicity of Isaria fumosorosea ESALQ-1296(5 × 106 conidia mL–1). Female adults of D. citri used in this experiment were sprayed on Citrus limonia seedlings. The sprayed insects were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify the most susceptible integument regions for fungus attachment and the effect of adjuvants used. In the pathogenicity test, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented a higher efficiency than Tween 80. Fungi adhered predominantly to the ventral posterior (abdomen) region in comparison with the dorsal anterior (thorax) region. In addition, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented faster germination (< 48 h) of I. fumosorosea spores when compared to Tween 80 (> 72 h). Conidial germination in the dorsal part of the thorax of the insects was observed only with adjuvant KBRAdj 72 h post inoculation.(AU)

Behavior manipulation of Crabronidae and Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) in an Amazonian rainforest, Brazil / Manipulação de comportamento de Crabronidae e Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) por fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) em floresta amazônica, Brasil

Registramos e descrevemos a manipulação do parasitismo e do comportamento de três espécies diferentes de vespas aculeadas pelo fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii. Foram observados e coletados 30 espécimes parasitados, sendo cinco espécimes de Larra (Crabronidae), 21 de Liris (Crabronidae) e quatro de Epysiron (Pompilidae).

The parasitism and behavior manipulation of three different species of aculeate wasps by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii was recorded and described. A total of 30 parasitized specimens were observed and collected, being five specimens of Larra (Crabronidae), 21 of Liris (Crabronidae), and four of Epysiron (Pompilidae).

Behavior manipulation of Crabronidae and Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) in an Amazonian rainforest, Brazil / Manipulação de comportamento de Crabronidae e Pompilidae (Hymenoptera) por fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) em floresta amazônica, Brasil

Registramos e descrevemos a manipulação do parasitismo e do comportamento de três espécies diferentes de vespas aculeadas pelo fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps humbertii. Foram observados e coletados 30 espécimes parasitados, sendo cinco espécimes de Larra (Crabronidae), 21 de Liris (Crabronidae) e quatro de Epysiron (Pompilidae).(AU)

The parasitism and behavior manipulation of three different species of aculeate wasps by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps humbertii was recorded and described. A total of 30 parasitized specimens were observed and collected, being five specimens of Larra (Crabronidae), 21 of Liris (Crabronidae), and four of Epysiron (Pompilidae).(AU)

Potential of endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents of Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) / Fungos endofíticos para o biocontrole de Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

This study reports the first assessment of endophytic fungi isolated from strawberry leaves and selection of isolates for the control of Duponchelia fovealis, a new pest of strawberries. A total of 400 strawberry leaves of the cultivar Albion were collected in four commercial farms. Leaves were disinfected, cut in fragments, and placed on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar media with tetracycline and incubated for 30 days. Following this time, 517 fungal colonies were isolated, and thirteen genera were identified: Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Nigrospora, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Ulocladium, Bipolaris, Diaporthe, and Phoma. Eight isolates belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Paecilomyces, and Cladosporium were selected for pathogenicity bioassays against third instar larvae of D. fovealis. Isolates of Paecilomyces induced the highest mortality rates.(AU)

Este trabalho apresenta a primeira contribuição no isolamento de fungos endofíticos de folhas de morangueiro e na seleção de isolados para controle de Duponchelia fovealis, uma nova praga do morangueiro. Foram coletadas 400 folhas da cultivar 'Albion' em quatro lavouras comerciais de morangueiro. As folhas foram desinfetadas, cortadas em fragmentos e depositadas em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Batata Dextrose como meio, em conjunto com tetraciclina e incubados durante 30 dias. Um total de 517 colônias fúngicas e treze gêneros foram isolados: Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Nigrospora, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Ulocladium, Bipolaris, Diaporthe e Phoma. Oito isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Paecilomyces e Cladosporium foram selecionados para os bioensaios de virulência contra larvas de 3º instar de D. fovealis. Isolados de Paecilomyces causaram as maiores taxas de mortalidade.(AU)

First record of Ophiocordyceps dipterigena (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) infecting adults of Melanagromyza sojae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Ophiocordyceps dipterigena (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) infectando adultos de Melanagromyza sojae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) no Brasil

This note is the first report on the infection of adult stage of Melanagromyza sojae Zehntner, 1900 (Diptera: Agromyzidae) by the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps dipterigena (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) (Berk. & Broome) G. H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora, in subtropical Brazil. Entomopathogenic fungi, which attack dipteran insects, are of great scientific and economic importance mainly due to their potential as biological control agents of insect pests. Our findings bring new perspectives on the geographical distribution and host range of Ophiocordyceps dipterigena. We emphasize the need of further studies and research on new biological control agents of agricultural pests such as the soybean stem miner fly.(AU)

Esta nota é o primeiro registro da infecção no estágio adulto de Melanagromyza sojae Zehntner, 1900 (Diptera: Agromyzidae) pelo fungo entomopatogênico Ophiocordyceps dipterigena (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) (Berk & Broome) G. H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora, no Brasil subtropical. Fungos entomopatogênicos, que atacam dípteros, são de importância científica e econômica principalmente devido ao potencial como agentes de controle biológico de pragas de insetos. Este trabalho traz novas perspectivas sobre a distribuição geográfica e variação de hospedeiro de Ophiocordyceps dipterigena. Destacamos a necessidade de ampliar o conhecimento sobre novos agentes de controle biológico de pragas agrícolas como a mosca minadora do caule da soja.(AU)

Enzymatic comparison and mortality of Beauveria bassiana against cabbage caterpillar Pieris brassicae LINN

Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus, is the alternative biocontrol agent exploited against major economic crop pests. Pieris brassicae L. is an emerging pest of the Brassicaceae family. Therefore, in the present study, fungal isolates of Beauveria bassiana, viz. MTCC 2028, MTCC 4495, MTCC 6291, and NBAII-11, were evaluated for their virulence against third instar larvae of P. brassicae. Among all these fungal isolates, maximum mortality (86.66%) was recorded in B. bassiana MTCC 4495 at higher concentration of spores (109 conidia/ml), and the minimum mortality (30.00%) was recorded in B. bassiana MTCC 6291 at a lower concentration (107 conidia/ml) after ten days of treatment. The extracellular cuticle-degrading enzyme activities of fungal isolates were measured. Variability was observed both in the pattern of enzyme secretion and the level of enzyme activities among various fungal isolates. B. bassiana MTCC 4495 recorded the maximum mean chitinase (0.51 U/ml), protease (1.12 U/ml), and lipase activities (1.36 U/ml). The minimum mean chitinase and protease activities (0.37 and 0.91 U/ml, respectively) were recorded in B. bassiana MTCC 6291. The minimum mean lipase activity (1.04 U/ml) was recorded in B. bassiana NBAII-11. Our studies revealed B. bassiana MTCC 4495 as the most pathogenic isolate against P. brassicae, which also recorded maximum extracellular enzyme activities, suggesting the possible roles of extracellular enzymes in the pathogenicity of B. bassiana against P. brassicae.(AU)

Pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae isolates on Nezara viridula and Dichelops melacanthus in wheat crop / Patogenicidade de isolados de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch. ) sobre Nezara viridula e Dichelops melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) na cultura do trigo

Bugs such as Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) and Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) are considered the main insect pests of wheat crop in Brazil. The use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) may be an alternative for the management of these insects in the crop. The objective of this work was to verify the pathogenicity of different isolates of M. anisopliae on adults of N. ­viridula and D. melacanthus under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory, isolates 05RA, 11RA, 08RA and 02RA were obtained from N. viridula and D. melacanthus infested with M. anisopliae. Also, a high pathogenicity (100% of mortality) of both species was recorded in a bioassay of the topical application 8 Days After Application (DAA). However, compared to the other isolates, the 08RA isolate showed the highest pathogenicity in a shorter time interval for N. ­viridula (Mean Time “MT” = 2.8 days) and D. melacanthus (MT = 4.0 days). Under greenhouse conditions, the 08RA isolate provided a mortality of 44.9% (N. viridula) and 35.7% (D. melacanthus) in the same evaluation period. However, at 14 DAA, the mortality was 100% for both species, with the MT values of N. ­viridula and D. ­melacanthus being obtained at 8 days and 10 days, respectively. The fungus M. anisopliae is a promising alternative for the control of adult N. viridula and D. melacanthus in wheat crop.

Os percevejos Nezaraviridula (Linnaeus) e o Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) são considerados os principais insetos-pragas na cultura do trigo no Brasil. A utilização do fungo entomopatogênico Metarhiziumanisopliae (Metschnikoff) pode ser uma alternativa para o manejo destes insetos na cultura. O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar a patogenicidade de diferentes isolados de M.anisopliae sobre adultos de N. viridula ou D. ­melacanthus em condições de laboratório e casa de vegetação. Em laboratório, os isolados 05RA, 11RA, 08RA e 02RA provenientes de adultos de N. ­viridula ou D. melacanthus, infestados a campo pelo fungo M. anisopliae, apresentaram elevada patogenicidade (100% de mortalidade) de ambas as espécies em bioensaio de aplicação tópica 8 dias após aplicação (DAA). Entretanto, o isolado 08RA apresentou a maior patogenicidade em um menor intervalo de tempo para N. ­viridula (Tempo Médio “TM” = 2,8 dias) e D. melacanthus (TM = 4,0 dias) em relação aos demais isolados. Em casa de vegetação, o isolado 08RA proporcionou mortalidade de 44,9% (N. ­viridula) e 35,7% (D. ­melacanthus) no mesmo período de avaliação. Contudo, aos 14 DAA, a mortalidade foi de 100% para ambas as espécies, com valores de TM de 8 dias e 10 dias para N. viridula e D. ­melacanthus, respectivamente. O fungo M. anisopliae constitui uma alternativa promissora de controle de adultos de N. ­viridula ou D. ­melacanthus na cultura do trigo.

Pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae isolates on Nezara viridula and Dichelops melacanthus in wheat crop / Patogenicidade de isolados de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch) sobre Nezara viridula e Dichelops melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) na cultura do trigo

Bugs such as Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) and Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) are considered the main insect pests of wheat crop in Brazil. The use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) may be an alternative for the management of these insects in the crop. The objective of this work was to verify the pathogenicity of different isolates of M. anisopliae on adults of N. ­viridula and D. melacanthus under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory, isolates 05RA, 11RA, 08RA and 02RA were obtained from N. viridula and D. melacanthus infested with M. anisopliae. Also, a high pathogenicity (100% of mortality) of both species was recorded in a bioassay of the topical application 8 Days After Application (DAA). However, compared to the other isolates, the 08RA isolate showed the highest pathogenicity in a shorter time interval for N. ­viridula (Mean Time "MT" = 2.8 days) and D. melacanthus (MT = 4.0 days). Under greenhouse conditions, the 08RA isolate provided a mortality of 44.9% (N. viridula) and 35.7% (D. melacanthus) in the same evaluation period. However, at 14 DAA, the mortality was 100% for both species, with the MT values of N. ­viridula and D. ­melacanthus being obtained at 8 days and 10 days, respectively. The fungus M. anisopliae is a promising alternative for the control of adult N. viridula and D. melacanthus in wheat crop.(AU)

Os percevejos Nezaraviridula (Linnaeus) e o Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) são considerados os principais insetos-pragas na cultura do trigo no Brasil. A utilização do fungo entomopatogênico Metarhiziumanisopliae (Metschnikoff) pode ser uma alternativa para o manejo destes insetos na cultura. O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar a patogenicidade de diferentes isolados de M.anisopliae sobre adultos de N. viridula ou D. ­melacanthus em condições de laboratório e casa de vegetação. Em laboratório, os isolados 05RA, 11RA, 08RA e 02RA provenientes de adultos de N. ­viridula ou D. melacanthus, infestados a campo pelo fungo M. anisopliae, apresentaram elevada patogenicidade (100% de mortalidade) de ambas as espécies em bioensaio de aplicação tópica 8 dias após aplicação (DAA). Entretanto, o isolado 08RA apresentou a maior patogenicidade em um menor intervalo de tempo para N. ­viridula (Tempo Médio "TM" = 2,8 dias) e D. melacanthus (TM = 4,0 dias) em relação aos demais isolados. Em casa de vegetação, o isolado 08RA proporcionou mortalidade de 44,9% (N. ­viridula) e 35,7% (D. ­melacanthus) no mesmo período de avaliação. Contudo, aos 14 DAA, a mortalidade foi de 100% para ambas as espécies, com valores de TM de 8 dias e 10 dias para N. viridula e D. ­melacanthus, respectivamente. O fungo M. anisopliae constitui uma alternativa promissora de controle de adultos de N. ­viridula ou D. ­melacanthus na cultura do trigo.(AU)

Pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae isolates on Nezara viridula and Dichelops melacanthus in wheat crop / Patogenicidade de isolados de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch. ) sobre Nezara viridula e Dichelops melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) na cultura do trigo

Bugs such as Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) and Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) are considered the main insect pests of wheat crop in Brazil. The use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) may be an alternative for the management of these insects in the crop. The objective of this work was to verify the pathogenicity of different isolates of M. anisopliae on adults of N. ­viridula and D. melacanthus under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the laboratory, isolates 05RA, 11RA, 08RA and 02RA were obtained from N. viridula and D. melacanthus infested with M. anisopliae. Also, a high pathogenicity (100% of mortality) of both species was recorded in a bioassay of the topical application 8 Days After Application (DAA). However, compared to the other isolates, the 08RA isolate showed the highest pathogenicity in a shorter time interval for N. ­viridula (Mean Time “MT” = 2.8 days) and D. melacanthus (MT = 4.0 days). Under greenhouse conditions, the 08RA isolate provided a mortality of 44.9% (N. viridula) and 35.7% (D. melacanthus) in the same evaluation period. However, at 14 DAA, the mortality was 100% for both species, with the MT values of N. ­viridula and D. ­melacanthus being obtained at 8 days and 10 days, respectively. The fungus M. anisopliae is a promising alternative for the control of adult N. viridula and D. melacanthus in wheat crop.(AU)

Os percevejos Nezaraviridula (Linnaeus) e o Dichelops melacanthus (Dallas) são considerados os principais insetos-pragas na cultura do trigo no Brasil. A utilização do fungo entomopatogênico Metarhiziumanisopliae (Metschnikoff) pode ser uma alternativa para o manejo destes insetos na cultura. O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar a patogenicidade de diferentes isolados de M.anisopliae sobre adultos de N. viridula ou D. ­melacanthus em condições de laboratório e casa de vegetação. Em laboratório, os isolados 05RA, 11RA, 08RA e 02RA provenientes de adultos de N. ­viridula ou D. melacanthus, infestados a campo pelo fungo M. anisopliae, apresentaram elevada patogenicidade (100% de mortalidade) de ambas as espécies em bioensaio de aplicação tópica 8 dias após aplicação (DAA). Entretanto, o isolado 08RA apresentou a maior patogenicidade em um menor intervalo de tempo para N. ­viridula (Tempo Médio “TM” = 2,8 dias) e D. melacanthus (TM = 4,0 dias) em relação aos demais isolados. Em casa de vegetação, o isolado 08RA proporcionou mortalidade de 44,9% (N. ­viridula) e 35,7% (D. ­melacanthus) no mesmo período de avaliação. Contudo, aos 14 DAA, a mortalidade foi de 100% para ambas as espécies, com valores de TM de 8 dias e 10 dias para N. viridula e D. ­melacanthus, respectivamente. O fungo M. anisopliae constitui uma alternativa promissora de controle de adultos de N. ­viridula ou D. ­melacanthus na cultura do trigo.(AU)

Potential of endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents of Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae)

Abstract This study reports the first assessment of endophytic fungi isolated from strawberry leaves and selection of isolates for the control of Duponchelia fovealis, a new pest of strawberries. A total of 400 strawberry leaves of the cultivar Albion were collected in four commercial farms. Leaves were disinfected, cut in fragments, and placed on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar media with tetracycline and incubated for 30 days. Following this time, 517 fungal colonies were isolated, and thirteen genera were identified: Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Nigrospora, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Ulocladium, Bipolaris, Diaporthe, and Phoma. Eight isolates belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Paecilomyces, and Cladosporium were selected for pathogenicity bioassays against third instar larvae of D. fovealis. Isolates of Paecilomyces induced the highest mortality rates.

Resumo Este trabalho apresenta a primeira contribuição no isolamento de fungos endofíticos de folhas de morangueiro e na seleção de isolados para controle de Duponchelia fovealis, uma nova praga do morangueiro. Foram coletadas 400 folhas da cultivar 'Albion' em quatro lavouras comerciais de morangueiro. As folhas foram desinfetadas, cortadas em fragmentos e depositadas em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Batata Dextrose como meio, em conjunto com tetraciclina e incubados durante 30 dias. Um total de 517 colônias fúngicas e treze gêneros foram isolados: Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Nigrospora, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Ulocladium, Bipolaris, Diaporthe e Phoma. Oito isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Paecilomyces e Cladosporium foram selecionados para os bioensaios de virulência contra larvas de 3º instar de D. fovealis. Isolados de Paecilomyces causaram as maiores taxas de mortalidade.

White grub (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) mortality induced by Ophiocordyceps melolonthae / Mortalidade em corós (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) induzida por Ophiocordyceps melolonthae

The occurrence of white grub roots in soybean crops in the South of Brazil has gradually increased. However, there is not information on the biological control of grubs by entomopathogenic fungi. This study aimed to induce infection by Ophiocordyceps melolonthae and analyze longevity in Cyclocephala modesta and Dyscinetus gagates larvae (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae). In the laboratory, Cyclocephala modesta and Dyscinetus gagates had a mortality rate of 85% and 75%, respectively.

A ocorrência de corós-praga de raízes em lavoura de soja, no Sul do Brasil, tem gradualmente aumentado. Entretanto, não há informação sobre controle biológico de corós por fungos entomopatogênicos. Este estudo tem o objetivo de induzir a infecção por Ophiocordyceps melolonthae e analisar a longevidade em larvas de Cyclocephala modesta e Dyscinetus gagates (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae). Em laboratório, Cyclocephala modesta e Dyscinetus gagates apresentaram uma taxa de mortalidade de 85% e 75%, respectivamente.

Potential of endophytic fungi as biocontrol agents of Duponchelia fovealis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera:Crambidae)

Abstract This study reports the first assessment of endophytic fungi isolated from strawberry leaves and selection of isolates for the control of Duponchelia fovealis, a new pest of strawberries. A total of 400 strawberry leaves of the cultivar Albion were collected in four commercial farms. Leaves were disinfected, cut in fragments, and placed on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar media with tetracycline and incubated for 30 days. Following this time, 517 fungal colonies were isolated, and thirteen genera were identified: Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Nigrospora, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Ulocladium, Bipolaris, Diaporthe, and Phoma. Eight isolates belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Paecilomyces, and Cladosporium were selected for pathogenicity bioassays against third instar larvae of D. fovealis. Isolates of Paecilomyces induced the highest mortality rates.

Resumo Este trabalho apresenta a primeira contribuição no isolamento de fungos endofíticos de folhas de morangueiro e na seleção de isolados para controle de Duponchelia fovealis, uma nova praga do morangueiro. Foram coletadas 400 folhas da cultivar 'Albion' em quatro lavouras comerciais de morangueiro. As folhas foram desinfetadas, cortadas em fragmentos e depositadas em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Batata Dextrose como meio, em conjunto com tetraciclina e incubados durante 30 dias. Um total de 517 colônias fúngicas e treze gêneros foram isolados: Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Nigrospora, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Ulocladium, Bipolaris, Diaporthe e Phoma. Oito isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Aspergillus, Diaporthe, Paecilomyces e Cladosporium foram selecionados para os bioensaios de virulência contra larvas de 3º instar de D. fovealis. Isolados de Paecilomyces causaram as maiores taxas de mortalidade.

White grub (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) mortality induced by Ophiocordyceps melolonthae / Mortalidade em corós (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) induzida por Ophiocordyceps melolonthae

The occurrence of white grub roots in soybean crops in the South of Brazil has gradually increased. However, there is not information on the biological control of grubs by entomopathogenic fungi. This study aimed to induce infection by Ophiocordyceps melolonthae and analyze longevity in Cyclocephala modesta and Dyscinetus gagates larvae (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae). In the laboratory, Cyclocephala modesta and Dyscinetus gagates had a mortality rate of 85% and 75%, respectively.(AU)

A ocorrência de corós-praga de raízes em lavoura de soja, no Sul do Brasil, tem gradualmente aumentado. Entretanto, não há informação sobre controle biológico de corós por fungos entomopatogênicos. Este estudo tem o objetivo de induzir a infecção por Ophiocordyceps melolonthae e analisar a longevidade em larvas de Cyclocephala modesta e Dyscinetus gagates (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae). Em laboratório, Cyclocephala modesta e Dyscinetus gagates apresentaram uma taxa de mortalidade de 85% e 75%, respectivamente.(AU)

Infectivity of housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) to different entomopathogenic fungi

The housefly Musca domestica is a worldwide insect pest that acts as a vector for many pathogenic diseases in both people and animals. The present study was conducted to evaluate the virulence of different local isolates of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea on M. domestica using two bioassay techniques: (1) adult immersion and (2) a bait method applied to both larvae and adults. The results showed evidence of a broad range of responses by both stages (larvae and adults) to the tested isolates of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and I. fumosorosea. These responses were concentration-dependent, with mortality percentages ranging from 53.00% to 96.00%. Because it resulted in lower LC50 values and a shorter lethal time, B. bassiana (Bb-01) proved to be the most virulent isolate against both housefly larvae and adults. Sublethal doses of the tested isolates were also assessed to evaluate their effect on M. domestica fecundity and longevity. The fungal infections reduced housefly survival regardless of their sex and also decreased egg production in females.(AU)

Laboratory and field evaluation of a cypermethrin-based insecticide for the control of Alphitobius diaperinus panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and its in-vitro effects on Beauveria bassiana bals. vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae)

The control of Alphitobius diaperinus is based mainly on chemical insecticides, and the indiscriminate and incorrect use of these products has led to failures in insect control. Thus, it is important to monitor the efficiency of the products available on the market and to develop alternative insect control strategies. The present study evaluated the effect of a new product (cypermethrin-6%) under laboratory and field conditions and assessed its in-vitro compatibility with the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Unioeste 4 isolate). Its efficiency in dry powder and wettable powder formulations was also assessed in the laboratory through comparison with a similar insecticide (cypermethrin-5%) at five different concentrations. The field assays were conducted in two commercial broiler breeder houses (Treated and Control), applying the new product on the litter at the manufacturer's recommended concentration (RC). Germination, vegetative growth, conidial production, number of colony forming units (CFUs) and insecticidal activity of the fungus were used to evaluate the compatibility of the insecticide. The effects of the cypermethrin-6% product and cypermethrin-5% were equivalent in the laboratory, and the new product exhibited better performance at lower concentrations (1/4RC, RC). The strategy applied in the field reduced the insect population in up to 96% after 75 days. Additionally, all concentrations of cypermethrin-6% were compatible with the fungus under the evaluated in-vitro conditions. Therefore, the new product is considered selective for B. bassiana. Further studies are necessary to assess its compatibility under field conditions, consolidating this strategy as a viable alternative for managing this pest.

Laboratory and field evaluation of a cypermethrin-based insecticide for the control of Alphitobius diaperinus panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and its in-vitro effects on Beauveria bassiana bals. vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae)

The control of Alphitobius diaperinus is based mainly on chemical insecticides, and the indiscriminate and incorrect use of these products has led to failures in insect control. Thus, it is important to monitor the efficiency of the products available on the market and to develop alternative insect control strategies. The present study evaluated the effect of a new product (cypermethrin-6%) under laboratory and field conditions and assessed its in-vitro compatibility with the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Unioeste 4 isolate). Its efficiency in dry powder and wettable powder formulations was also assessed in the laboratory through comparison with a similar insecticide (cypermethrin-5%) at five different concentrations. The field assays were conducted in two commercial broiler breeder houses (Treated and Control), applying the new product on the litter at the manufacturer's recommended concentration (RC). Germination, vegetative growth, conidial production, number of colony forming units (CFUs) and insecticidal activity of the fungus were used to evaluate the compatibility of the insecticide. The effects of the cypermethrin-6% product and cypermethrin-5% were equivalent in the laboratory, and the new product exhibited better performance at lower concentrations (1/4RC, RC). The strategy applied in the field reduced the insect population in up to 96% after 75 days. Additionally, all concentrations of cypermethrin-6% were compatible with the fungus under the evaluated in-vitro conditions. Therefore, the new product is considered selective for B. bassiana. Further studies are necessary to assess its compatibility under field conditions, consolidating this strategy as a viable alternative for managing this pest.(AU)

UTILIZAÇÃO DE Metarhizium anisopliae PARA CONTROLE DE NEMATOIDES GASTRINTESTINAIS DE RUMINANTES

Este trabalho teve como objetivos verificar a eficácia do fungo entomopatogênico Metarhizium anisopliae em formulações aquosas e oleosas sobre os estágios de vida livre de nematoides gastrintestinais de caprinos, por meio de testes in vitro e em condições seminaturais, e também analisar o período de permanência deste microrganismo no solo. Os experimentos foram compostos por quatro grupos: Controle água (solução de água e Tween 80 a 0,1%); Controle óleo (óleo mineral e Tween 80 a 0,1%); Formulação aquosa de M. anisopliae (conídios de M. anisopliae diluídos em solução de água e Tween 80 a 0,1%); Formulação oleosa de M. anisopliae (conídios de M. anisopliae diluídos em solução de água com Tween 80 a 0,1% com adição de 10% de óleo mineral), sendo cada grupo composto por 10 vasos com Brachiaria brizantha MG5. Além dos experimentos nos vasos, foram realizados ensaios laboratoriais com os mesmos grupos, através da coprocultura quantitativa. O percentual de eficácia das formulações no teste em condições seminaturais foi obtido a partir da comparação entre o número de larvas recuperadas das fezes, solo e gramíneas pelo teste de Baermann realizados no 7º, 14º, 21º e 28° após o início do experimento. Para a avaliação da presença de Metarhizium sp. no solo, o número de colônias encontradas em amostras coletadas e processadas dos tratamentos foram quantificadas, antes da pulverização e no 3º, 7º, 21º e 52º dia após o tratamento. No teste in vitro, os grupos tratados com as formulações aquosa e oleosa apresentaram eficácia no controle de nematoides gastrintestinais de caprinos, proporcionando redução de 45,5% e 70%, respectivamente, quando comparado com o controle água, e redução variando de 36% a 77,9% e 61,4 a 95,9%, respectivamente no experimento em condições seminaturais. O isolado de M. anisopliae testado mostrou ser eficaz contra nematoides gastrintestinais de caprinos, tanto em teste in vitro, quanto em condições seminaturais, sob as condições climáticas de Cruz das Almas, reduzindo significativamente o número de larvas, em ambas as formulações testadas, além de se mostrar capaz de permanecer ativo por um período prolongado de até 52 dias no solo dos vasos. Assim, este estudo fornece dados sobre a aplicação de Metarhizium spp. no solo e contribui para futuras pesquisas visando a utilização do controle biológico contra nematoides gastrintestinais de ruminantes.

This work aimed to verify the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae in aqueous and oily formulations on the free life stages of gastrointestinal nematodes (GNs) from goats, by means of in vitro tests and in semi-natural conditions, as well as the persistence of the fungus in the soil was evaluated. The experiments were composed of four groups: Water control (water solution and 0.1% Tween 80); Oil-control (mineral oil and 0.1% Tween 80); Aqueous formulation of M. anisopliae (conidia of M. anisopliae diluted in water and 0.1% Tween 80); Oily formulation of M. anisopliae (conidia of M. anisopliae diluted in water solution with 0.1% Tween 80 with the addition of 10% mineral oil), each group consisting of 10 pots with grass Brachiaria brizantha MG5. In addition to the experiments on the pots, laboratory tests were carried out with the same groups, through quantitative coproculture. The percentage of effectiveness of the formulations in the test under semi-natural conditions was obtained from the comparison between the number of larvae recovered from feces, soil, and grasses by the Baermann test performed on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after the beginning of the experiment. For the evaluation of the presence of Metarhizium sp. in the soil, the number of colonies found in samples collected and processed from the treatments was quantified, before spraying and on the 3rd, 7th, 21st, and 52nd days after treatment. In the in vitro test, the groups treated with the aqueous and oily formulations showed efficacy in the control of GNs, providing a reduction of 45.5% and 70%, respectively, when compared to the water control, and a reduction ranging from 36% 77.9% and 61.4 to 95.9%, respectively in the experiment under semi-natural conditions. The tested M. anisopliae isolate proved to be effective against GNs, both in vitro and in semi-natural conditions, under the climatic conditions of Cruz das Almas, significantly reducing the number of larvae in both tested formulations, in addition to being able to remain active for a prolonged period of up to 52 days in the soil of the pots. Thus, this study provides data about the application of Metarhizium spp. in the soil and contributes to future research aiming to use the biological control against GNs from ruminants.