Genetically engineered eucalyptus expressing pesticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis for insect resistance: a risk assessment evaluation perspective.

Eucalyptus covers approximately 7.5 million hectares in Brazil and serves as the primary woody species cultivated for commercial purposes. However, native insects and invasive pests pose a significant threat to eucalyptus trees, resulting in substantial economic losses and reduced forest productivity. One of the primary lepidopteran pests affecting eucalyptus is Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), commonly referred to as the brown looper caterpillar. To address this issue, FuturaGene, the biotech division of Suzano S.A., has developed an insect-resistant (IR) eucalyptus variety, which expresses Cry pesticidal proteins (Cry1Ab, Cry1Bb, and Cry2Aa), derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Following extensive safety assessments, including field trials across various biomes in Brazil, the Brazilian National Technical Commission of Biosafety (CTNBio) recently approved the commercialization of IR eucalyptus. The biosafety assessments involved the analysis of molecular genomics, digestibility, thermostability, non-target organism exposure, degradability in the field, and effects on soil microbial communities and arthropod communities. In addition, in silico studies were conducted to evaluate allergenicity and toxicity. Results from both laboratory and field studies indicated that Bt eucalyptus is as safe as the conventional eucalyptus clone for humans, animals, and the environment, ensuring the secure use of this insect-resistant trait in wood production.

Cordyceps cateniannulata and Cordyceps javanica: first report of pathogenicity to Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae).

Cultivation of species of the genus Eucalyptus is important for the Brazilian economy, with 6.97 million hectares planted. Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), detected in Brazil in 2003, has dispersed and now damages Eucalyptus crops in all regions of this country. The location and identification of entomopathogenic fungi isolates may increase the options for integrated pest management. The objective of this research was to evaluate the pathogenicity of Cordyceps cateniannulata and Cordyceps javanica isolates to G. brimblecombei. Ten nymphs of G. brimblecombei, with or without lerps, were placed per Eucalyptus leaf cut with one of its edges on hydroretentive gel inside Petri dishes. The fungi isolates were suspended in a solution of Tween 80 (0.1%) at the concentration of 1.0 x 108 conidia mL-1 and sprayed on the G. brimblecombei nymphs. The mortality of this insect was evaluated daily for seven days, and the dead individuals were transferred to humid chambers. The conidia viability of the isolates was greater than 93%. The mortality of G. brimblecombei nymphs, seven days after the application of the fungi, was 100%. This is the first report of the pathogenicity of C. cateniannulata and C. javanica isolates, occurring naturally in the field, to G. brimblecombei.

Entomopathogenic Fungi, Isolated From Soils and Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Adults, to Manage the Eucalyptus Red Gum Lerp Psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae).

The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), entomopathogenic fungi, and chemical insecticides are the main strategies to manage the eucalypts pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore. The objective of this study was to isolate and to identify entomopathogenic fungi, collected from Bemisia tabaci Gennadius adults in soybean and tomato crops, and from soil samples in eucalypts, soybean, and native forest areas to evaluate their potential to manage G. brimblecombei. Twelve Beauveria and Cordyceps isolates were selected and compared with the commercial products Boveril Beauveria bassiana Bals. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Metarril Metarhizium anisopliae Metschn. (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), and Octane Cordyceps fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and their respective strains. The fungal isolates were diluted in 0.1% aqueous Tween 80 at a concentration of 1.0 × 108 conidia/ml and sprayed on the G. brimblecombei nymphs with or without lerps. Pest mortality was higher and the TL50 and TL90 lower with the isolates LCBPF 11 C. javanica Frieder. & Bally (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), LCBPF 12 (C. fumosorosea), and LCBPF 67 (C. fumosorosea) from B. tabaci adults. Fungi of the genera Beauveria and Cordyceps developed and caused high mortality of G. brimblecombei nymphs with lerps. The B. bassiana, C. cateniannulata Liang (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), C. fumosorosea, C. javanica, and M. anisopliae isolates showed potential to manage G. brimblecombei. The lerp of this insect enhances entomopathogenic fungus development as a source of inoculum accelerating G. brimblecombei nymph mortality. Entomopathogenic fungi isolated from insects and soils are effective against G. brimblecombei and the presence of the lerp of this insect increases the effectiveness of its control.

Chemical vs entomopathogenic control of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) via aerial application in eucalyptus plantations.

The Thaumastocoris peregrinus spread to eucalyptus plantations in many countries. Chemical control is a questionable measure, mainly due to the environmental impact, high cost and moreover has the use restricted by the forest certifications. Bio-insecticides may have similar efficiency to chemical products to control T. peregrinus. The chemical thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin, acephate and the microbial Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae insecticides were tested at different doses to manage T. peregrinus. The products were sprayed on eucalyptus plants using aircraft and populations of this insect were counted before application and at 1, 14 and 21 days afterwards (DAA). Ten eucalyptus trees were evaluated per plot, with the collection of ten leaves from the middle third of the crown of each tree, and the number of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults obtained per leaf was determined. All the chemical insecticides had similar control at 1 DAA for T. peregrinus nymphs and adults. At 14 DAA, the number of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults on eucalyptus leaves was similar for the chemical and microbial insecticide treatments. At 21 DAA the control efficiency of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults was higher than 80% with all insecticides. The entomopathogenic insecticides have potential for aerial application to control T. peregrinus nymphs and adults and provide viable and environmentally-friendly alternative to manage this pest.

Ocorrência de Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) no Estado de Goiás / Occurence of the Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) in Goiás State

O percevejo bronzeado Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) foi encontrado no Estado de Goiás atacando plantas de Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. e E. urophylla S. T. Blake. A detecção ocorreu nos municípios de São Luiz do Norte, São Francisco de Goiás e Goiânia.

The bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero & Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) was found in Goiás state attacking Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. e E. urophylla S. T. Blake. The insect was detected in the cities of São Luiz do Norte, São Francisco de Goiás and Goiânia.