Sublethal effect of concentrations of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok on the larval stage and immunologic characteristics of Diatraea flavipennella (BOX) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on Diatraea flavipennella and investigate their immune response. Was observed the effect of M. anisopliae against larvae of D. flavipennella sprayed at concentrations of 103, 104, 105 conidia / mL, in which showed differences relative the larval period, extending up to 72.0 days in treatment and 25.0 days in the control. The results for hemocytes revealed that the most frequent cells when sprayed at the concentrations of 103, 105, 107 conidia / mL were the prohemocytes, spherulocytes, plasmatocytes and granulocytes in relation to adipohemocytes and oenocytoids. The level of nitric oxide was different between the control and the concentration 107 spores / mL (24), while the activity of phenoloxidase was similar among treatments in 24 and higher concentration 107 spores / mL (60h). In biochemical profile of hemocytes was a change in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in response to the fungus. The results indicate that the fungus M. anisopliae can be used in the Integrated Management of D. flavipennella by presenting pathogenicity and interfere with their development even when exposed to small concentrations.

Cotesia flavipes (CAM) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) supresses immune responses in Diatraea flavipennella (BOX) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

The present research aimed to elucidate which aspects of immune responses in Diatraea flavipennella are suppressed by the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes, thus, ensuring parasitism success. We investigated the presence of apoptosis in fat body cells through the TUNEL technique. According to the results, reduced levels of nitric oxide and phenoloxidase activity were observed in larvae parasitized for three days, and reduced total number of hemocytes, after three and seven days. An increase in plasmatocytes and decrease in spherulocytes numbers were observed in the differential count on the third day of parasitism. The number of melanized microspheres in parasitized larvae was low and indicated less intense melanization. The ultrastructural analysis confirmed the immunosuppressive effect of C. flavipes on the encapsulation response of D. flavipennella because only the formation of hemocytes capsules, adhered to the microspheres' surface, was evidenced in non-parasitized caterpillars. The effect of parasitism was also recorded on the third day with the presence of hemocytes and apoptosis in fat body cells, including aspects of degeneration in the latter. We concluded that C. flavipes suppresses cellular and humoral immunological responses in D. flavipennella and drastically affects the host's fat tissue.

Seleção de isolados de fungos entomopatogênicos para o controle de Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) e sua compatibilidade com alguns inseticidas usados na cultura do tomateiro / Selection of isolates of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and their compatibility with insecticides used in tomato crop

The activity of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana towards eggs and larvae of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) was evaluated. Our data showed that the isolates were pathogenic to both developmental stages tested and the eggs were more susceptible than the 1st instars. The isolates URPE-6 and URPE-19 of M. anisopliae were more pathogenic to eggs and larvae, respectively. The compatibility of these two isolates with the insecticides chlorfenapyr, spinosad, indoxacarb, abamectin, and neem were evaluated. Spinosad and indoxacarb were compatible with the two M. anisopliae isolates in all tested concentrations. At the average recommended concentration, chlorfenapyr was compatible to URPE-6 and abamectin to UFPE-19. The use of entomopathogenic fungi associated with compatible insecticides may be a useful alternative to control T. absoluta.

[Selection of isolates of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and their compatibility with insecticides used in tomato crop]. / Seleção de isolados de fungos entomopatogênicos para o controle de Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) e sua compatibilidade com alguns inseticidas usados na cultura do tomateiro.

The activity of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana towards eggs and larvae of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) was evaluated. Our data showed that the isolates were pathogenic to both developmental stages tested and the eggs were more susceptible than the 1st instars. The isolates URPE-6 and URPE-19 of M. anisopliae were more pathogenic to eggs and larvae, respectively. The compatibility of these two isolates with the insecticides chlorfenapyr, spinosad, indoxacarb, abamectin, and neem were evaluated. Spinosad and indoxacarb were compatible with the two M. anisopliae isolates in all tested concentrations. At the average recommended concentration, chlorfenapyr was compatible to URPE-6 and abamectin to UFPE-19. The use of entomopathogenic fungi associated with compatible insecticides may be a useful alternative to control T. absoluta.

[Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana isolates and neem oil to control the Aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)]. / Potencial de isolados de Metarhizium anisopliae e Beauveria bassiana e do óleo de Nim no controle do pulgão Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

This work aimed to determine the efficiency of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to control the aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in kale Brassica oleracea var acephala D.C., as well as their compatibility with a neem oil formulation (Neemseto). Ten isolates of both fungi were tested and the most pathogenic ones were B. bassiana CG001 and M. anisopliae CG30 with 90% and 4.4 days, and 64% and 3.8 days of mortality and median lethal time, respectively. Bioassays with neem at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% were done either by leaf discs dipping or spraying the aphids on the leaf discs. The neem spraying treatment at 2.0% provided 90% mortality. The use of B. bassiana isolate CG001 or M. anisopliae isolate CG30 with neem at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5%, demonstrated that these isolates could have their spore viability or colony growth affected when exposed to neem concentrations higher than 0.25%. In absolute values, the isolates B. bassiana CG001 and M. anisopliae CG30 are the most virulent to L. erysimi, and could be utilized in the management of this pest.

Potencial de isolados de Metarhizium anisopliae e Beauveria bassiana e do óleo de Nim no controle do pulgão Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt. ) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) / Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana isolates and Neem oil to control the Aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt. ) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Avaliou-se a eficiência de Metarhizium anisopliae e Beauveria bassiana para o controle do pulgão Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) em couve Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C., bem como sua compatibilidade com óleo de nim (Neemseto®). Dez isolados desses fungos foram utilizados, onde o isolado CG 001 de B. bassiana e o isolado CG 30 de M. anisopliae apresentaram-se como os mais virulentos com 90 por cento e 4,4 dias, e 64 por cento e 3,8 dias, de mortalidade e tempo letal médio, respectivamente. Bioensaios com o produto à base de nim nas concentrações 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0 por cento foram realizados por imersão foliar e pulverização sobre os pulgões. O tratamento com pulverização de 2,0 por cento de Neemseto® proporcionou mortalidade de 90 por cento. O teste in vitro de Neemseto® a 0,125; 0,25 e 0,5 por cento, sobre os isolados CG 001 de B. bassiana e CG 30 de M. anisopliae mostrou que esses isolados podem ter seu crescimento colonial e viabilidade alterados quando expostos a concentrações de nim maiores que 0,25 por cento. Em valores absolutos, os isolados CG 001 de B. bassiana e CG 30 de M. anisopliae foram os mais virulentos para L. erysimi, podendo ser utilizados no manejo dessa praga.

This work aimed to determine the efficiency of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to control the aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in kale Brassica oleracea var acephala D.C., as well as their compatibility with a neem oil formulation (Neemseto®). Ten isolates of both fungi were tested and the most pathogenic ones were B. bassiana CG001 and M. anisopliae CG30 with 90 percent and 4.4 days, and 64 percent and 3.8 days of mortality and median lethal time, respectively. Bioassays with neem at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 percent were done either by leaf discs dipping or spraying the aphids on the leaf discs. The neem spraying treatment at 2.0 percent provided 90 percent mortality. The use of B. bassiana isolate CG001 or M. anisopliae isolate CG30 with neem at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 percent, demonstrated that these isolates could have their spore viability or colony growth affected when exposed to neem concentrations higher than 0.25 percent. In absolute values, the isolates B. bassiana CG001 and M. anisopliae CG30 are the most virulent to L. erysimi, and could be utilized in the management of this pest.

Ultrastructure of Tuta absoluta parasitized eggs and the reproductive potential of females after parasitism by Metarhizium anisopliae.

Among the microorganisms used in biological control, the muscadine fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. is produced and formulated world wide aiming to control pests from several agricultural crops. This work evaluated effects of M. anisopliae isolate UFRPE-6 on the fecundity and mortality of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) females and the mechanism of infection on eggs. The infection of the females by the fungus did not affect their oviposition and fecundity; however it affected the survival with total and confirmed mortality of 54.2% and 37.14%, respectively. The eggs were treated with suspension at concentration of 10(6)conidia/mL. The analysis under scanning electron microscopy showed that conidia germination and penetration processes in the eggs of T. absoluta started within the period of 6h after the inoculation. Several hyphal bodies were observed from 12h and an intense extrusion of the mycelium covering all the external surface of the eggs 72h after inoculation. Despite its moderate activity in adults, the isolate URPE-6 of M. anisopliae showed promising in the control of T. absoluta due to its pathogenicity and virulence to eggs from this pest.

Efeitos de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. e Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. sobre o percevejo predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) / Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. on the predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Fungos entomopatogênicos e o percevejo predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) podem ocorrer simultaneamente nos agroecossistemas infectando o mesmo inseto alvo ou alvos diferentes. O contato durante a disseminação do fungo ou pulverização, caminhamento em superfícies vegetais tratadas e predação de indivíduos contaminados estão entre as possíveis vias de interação entre fungos entomopatogênicos e percevejos predadores. Este trabalho avaliou o impacto de três isolados de cada um dos fungos Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. (866, 1022 e 1189) e Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (604, 634 e 561) sobre ninfas e adultos de P. nigrispinus pelas vias de contato, residual seco e ingestão de presas contaminadas, em laboratório. M. anisopliae ocasionou maior mortalidade do predador que B. bassiana, tanto por contato como por resíduo seco do fungo. Entre as vias de infecção dos fungos o contato causou maior mortalidade do predador. Não houve confirmação de mortalidade de adultos em nenhuma das vias de infecção pelos isolados testados. A predação de larvas de Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) contaminadas com os fungos afetou a produção de ovos das fêmeas adultas, porém o mesmo não foi constatado quando adultos alimentaram-se de presas contaminadas. Os resultados sugerem que isolados de M. anisopliae podem causar mortalidade de ninfas de P. nigrispinus por contato, enquanto os isolados de B. bassiana foram de menor impacto em todas as vias de infecção estudadas, comparados aos isolados de M. anisopliae.

Entomopathogenic fungi and the predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) can target simultaneously the same or different pests in agroecosystems. Topical contact during fungal dispersion or spraying, walking on plant surfaces and ingestion of contaminated prey are some of possible ways of interactions between fungi and the predatory stinkbug. The impact of three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. (866, 1022 and 1189) and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (604, 634 and 561) against nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus was investigated under laboratory conditions. M. anisopliae caused higher mortality compared to B. bassiana either by topical application or by dry residue on cotton leaves. Topic contact with both fungi caused higher mortality to the predator. No mortality confirmation was reported for the adults. Nymphs fed with cotton leafworm larvae Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) contaminated by the fungi had their reproduction affected, but this was not observed when adult predators fed on contaminated larvae. These findings suggest that isolates of M. anisopliae can cause mortality of P. nigrispinus nymphs by topical contact, while isolates of B. bassiana were less harmful by all ways of infection as compared to M. anisopliae.

Interação de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok., Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. e o parasitóide Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) sobre larvas da traça-das-crucíferas, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) / Interaction of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok., Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and the parasitoid Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with larvae of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Inseticidas químicos são amplamente usados para o controle da traça-das-crucíferas, Plutella xylostella (L.). Esta é considerada a principal praga das crucíferas em todo o mundo e o surgimento de resistência de P. xylostella tem sido freqüentemente relatado. Este trabalho investigou as diferentes interações dos fungos Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. e Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. com o parasitóide de larva-pupa Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) sobre larvas de P. xylostella. O experimento foi conduzido à temperatura de 26 ± 1°C, UR de 75 ± 5 por cento e fotofase de 12h, empregando-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, constando de oito tratamentos com seis repetições cada. Foram utilizados os isolados E9 de M. anisopliae e ESALQ 447 de B. bassiana, na concentração de 10(7) conídios ml-1. Os resultados mostram que M. anisopliae e B. bassiana reduziram o parasitismo de P. xylostella por O. sokolowskii . Por outro lado, efeitos aditivos no controle de P. xylostella foram evidenciados nas diferentes combinações dos fungos com o parasitóide, exceto para B. bassiana quando pulverizado 24h antes da exposição a O. sokolowskii. Os fungos M. anisopliae e B. bassiana foram mais eficientes quando aplicados após a exposição das larvas ao parasitóide, e a eficiência de O. sokolowskii foi influenciada negativamente pela presença dos fungos independente da combinação. A associação dos fungos com o parasitóide apresentam potencial para serem testados em campo, objetivando o controle de P. xylostella bem como favorecer economicamente o sistema produtivo das brássicas.

[Interaction of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok., Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and the parasitoid Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with larvae of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)]. / Interação de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok., Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. e o parasitóide Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) sobre larvas da traga-das-cruciferas, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

Chemical insecticides are broadly applied to control diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). Diamondback moth is a major pest of cruciferous worldwide, and resistance of this pest to insecticide has been often reported. Thus, this research investigated the interactions among the fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok., Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., and the larval-pupal parasitoid Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) before and after application of the fungi on DBM larvae offered to the parasitoid. The experiment was carried out at 26+/-l degreeC, 75+/- 5% RH and 12h photophase using a completely randomized design, with eight treatments with six replications each. The isolates E9 of M. anisopliae and ESALQ 447 of B. bassiana, were used at the concentration of 10(7) conidia ml(-1). The results showed that M. anisopliae and B. bassiana reduced the parasitism of P. xylostella by O. sokolowskii. Additive effects were found on the mortality of P. xylostella with the different combinations among the fungi and parasitoid, except for the treatment B. bassiana inoculated 24h before exposition of the larvae to O. sokolowskii. The isolates were more efficacious when applied after exposition of the larvae to the parasitoid. The efficiency of O. sokolowskii was negatively influenced by the presence of the fungi, mainly when the fungi were applied 24h before diamondback's larvae were exposed to the parasitoid. The association of the fungi with the parasitoid presents potential to be tested in field. The use of these natural enemies in the integrated management of P. xylostella may economically improve the cabbage productive system, especially for organic farming.

[Effects of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. on the predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)]. / Efeitos de Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. e Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. sobre o percevejo predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Entomopathogenic fungi and the predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) can target simultaneously the same or different pests in agroecosystems. Topical contact during fungal dispersion or spraying, walking on plant surfaces and ingestion of contaminated prey are some of possible ways of interactions between fungi and the predatory stinkbug. The impact of three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. (866, 1022 and 1189) and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (604, 634 and 561) against nymphs and adults of P. nigrispinus was investigated under laboratory conditions. M. anisopliae caused higher mortality compared to B. bassiana either by topical application or by dry residue on cotton leaves. Topic contact with both fungi caused higher mortality to the predator. No mortality confirmation was reported for the adults. Nymphs fed with cotton leafworm larvae Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) contaminated by the fungi had their reproduction affected, but this was not observed when adult predators fed on contaminated larvae. These findings suggest that isolates of M. anisopliae can cause mortality of P. nigrispinus nymphs by topical contact, while isolates of B. bassiana were less harmful by all ways of infection as compared to M. anisopliae.

Suscetibilidade de Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) aos fungos Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. e Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok / Susceptibility of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) to the fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok

Inicialmente realizou-se a seleção dos isolados ESALQ 447, ESALQ 760, ESALQ 900, ESALQ 634, IPA-205 e ESALQ 760 de B. bassiana e de ESALQ E9, IPA-207, ESALQ 860, IPA-204 e UFPE 3027 de M. anisopliae na concentração de 10(8) conídios/ml para lagartas do segundo estádio de Plutella xylostella (L.). Todos os isolados testados causaram mortalidade de lagartas variando de 70 por cento a 96 por cento, exceto para o isolado UFPE 3027 de M. anisopliae, cuja mortalidade foi apenas de 26 por cento. Baseado nesta seleção, os isolados de B. bassiana ESALQ 634 e ESALQ 447 e de M. anisopliae IPA-207 e ESALQ E9 foram escolhidos e avaliados nas concentrações de 10(5), 10(6), 10(7) e 10(8) conídios/ml sobre lagartas do segundo estádio de P. xylostella. Estes isolados nas concentrações superiores a 10(6) ocasionaram mortalidade de lagartas variando de 58 por cento a 96 por cento. O tempo letal (TL50) para larvas do segundo ínstar da traça-das-crucíferas foi de 1,1 a 4,3 dias e de 0,7 a 5,8 dias para os isolados ESALQ 634 e ESALQ 447 de B. bassiana e IPA-207 e ESALQ E9 de M. anisopliae, respectivamente. Os valores da concentração letal (CL50) evidenciam que os isolados IPA-207 e ESALQ E9 de M. anisopliae foram cerca de sete vezes mais virulentos para a traça-das-crucíferas que os isolados ESALQ 634 e ESALQ 447 de B. bassiana. Estes resultados indicam que lagartas de P. xylostella foram mais suscetíveis ao fungo M. anisopliae que B. bassiana, evidenciando que os isolados IPA-207 e ESALQ E9 de M. anisopliae têm potencial para serem utilizados no manejo integrado da traça-das-crucíferas.

An initial screening was undertaken using the isolates ESALQ 447, ESALQ 760, ESALQ 900, ESALQ 634, IPA-205 and ESALQ 760 of B. bassiana, and ESALQ E9, IPA-207, ESALQ 860, IPA-204 and UFPE 3027 of M. anisopliae at the concentration of 10(8) conidia/ml for the diamondback moth (DBM) second instar. All isolates tested caused DBM larval mortality ranging from 70 percent to 96 percent, except the M. anisopliae isolate UFPE 3027, which resulted in a mortality of 26 percent. Based on this survey the isolates ESALQ 634 and ESALQ 447 of B. bassiana and IPA-207 and ESALQ E9 of M. anisopliae were chosen and assessed at the concentrations 10(5), 10(6), 10(7) and 10(8) conidia/ml for DBM second instar. These selected isolates at concentrations higher than 10(6) conidia/ml caused DBM larval mortality ranging from 58 percent to 96 percent. The mean lethal time (LT50) for DBM second instar were 1.1 and 4.3 days, and 0.7 and 5.8 days for B. bassiana isolates ESALQ 634 and ESALQ 447 and M. anisopliae isolates IPA-207 and ESALQ E9, respectively. Based on the lethal concentrations (LC50) the isolates IPA-207 and ESALQ E9 were seven times more virulent to DBM second instar than B. bassiana isolates ESALQ 634 and ESALQ 447. These results showed that DBM larvae were more susceptible to M. anisopliae than to B. bassiana and that M. anisopliae isolates IPA-207 and ESALQ E9 may be a valuable component for the integrated management of DBM larvae.

Efeito de plantas daninhas e do algodoeiro no desenvolvimento, reprodução e preferência para oviposição de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) / Effect of weeds and cotton plants on development, reproduction and preference for oviposition of the predatory Bug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Este trabalho investigou o efeito de seis plantas daninhas [Ageratum conyzoides L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Bidens pilosa L., Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.), Euphorbia heterophylla L., Ricinus communis L.] e do algodoeiro Gossypium hirsutum L cv. CNPA Precoce 1, na biologia de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas). Ovosdo predador foram fixados às plantas e, posteriormente, os insetos foram alimentados com pupas de Tenebrio molitor (L.) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) até a morte. Para avaliar a preferência para oviposição, fêmeas acasaladas foram confinadas em gaiolas contendo plantas daninhas e algodoeiro, observando-se a seleção da planta para oviposição através do número de posturas e ovos. D. tortuosum propiciou o mais rápido desenvolvimento ninfal de P. nigrispinus. A viabilidade da fase ninfal não foi afetada em relação à espécie de planta e fêmeas produzidas em R. communis foram mais leves em relação às produzidas em G. hirsutum. Fêmeas mantidas em A. conyzoides tiveram maior fecundidade, enquanto aquelas mantidas em D. tortuosum, E. heterophylla e R. communis apresentaram a menor fecundidade. A taxa líquida de reprodução (Ro) e o tempo médio da geração (T) de P. nigrispinus foram maiores em A. conyzoides e menores em R. communis. A taxa intrínseca de crescimento populacional (r m) e a razão finita de crescimento (lambda) foram maiores em B. pilosa e menores em G. hirsutum. Dentre as plantas estudadas P. nigrispinus preferiu ovipositar em A. hybridus e B. pilosa. Os resultados sugerem que plantas daninhas como A. conyzoides, B. pilosa e A. hybridus podem beneficiar a colonização e manutenção de P. nigrispinus no agroecossistema algodoeiro por fitofagia.

This study investigated the effects of six weeds [Amaranthus hybridus L., Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.), Euphorbia heterophylla L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Bidens pilosa L., Ricinus communis L.] and the cotton plant Gossypium hirsutum L. CNPA Precocious 1 on Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) life history characteristics and oviposition behavior. The study begun with P. nigrispinus eggs placed on plants and caged throughout up to female death. Egg production and selected plant for oviposition by P. nigrispinus were investigated caging mated females on weeds and cotton plants simultaneously. Nymphal development of P. nigrispinus was shorter on D. tortuosum and longer on A. hybridus. Nymphal viability was not affected by any species of plant studied. Nymphs reared on R. communis produced females weighting less compared to the other plant species. The weed A. conyzoides promoted higher female fecundity compared to those females reared on D. tortuosum, E. heterophylla and R. communis. The demographic parameters net reproductive rate (Ro) and mean generation time (T) of P. nigrispinus were higher for females reared on A. conyzoides, while the intrinsic rate of population increase (r m) and finite rate of increase (lambda) suggest that better performance of the predator will be yielded on B. pilosa. The weed plants A. hybridus and B. pilosa were significantly preferred by P. nigrispinus females to lay eggs. These results suggest that the weeds A. conyzoides, B. pilosa and A. hybridus can benefit the colonization and maintenance of P. nigrispinus in the cotton ecosystem by phytophagy.

Seleção de Isolados de Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. e Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. Contra a Broca Gigante da Cana-de-Açúcar Castnia licus (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) / Screening of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. Isolates Against the Giant Borer of Sugarcane Castnia licus (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae)

Isolates of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. were tested against Castnia licus (Drury) larvae, collected from TabuDistillery sugar cane fields, in Caaporã-PB. The isolates code 645, 604, 512, 447, IPA 205, IPA 202, 610, IPA 198, IPA 214 and CG 001 of B. bassiana, as well as the isolates code 1172, 866, PL 47, IPA 204, CG 423, UOD, 860, IPA 216, E9 and CG 100 of M. anisopliae, originated from different hosts andlocalities, were tested. At the concentration of 108 conidia/ml, the percentage of mortality caused byisolates of B. bassiana ranged from 53.3% to 83.3%, with Lethal Time (LT50) ranging from 8.5 to 14.9 days. The isolate 645 presented the highest potential to control C. licus. For M. anisopliae isolates, the percentage of larval mortality ranged from 43.3 to 80%, with LT50 ranging from 7.3 to 18.0 days. The isolate 1172 was the most virulent. The lethal concentrations (LC50) for the isolates 645 of B. bassiana and 1172 of M. anisopliae, were 1,17 x 107 conidia/ml and 2,34 x 107 conidia/ml, respectively, thusshowing that both isolates are pathogenic to larval phase of C. licus.

Isolados dos fungos entomopatogênicos Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. e Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok. foram testados sobre lagartas de Castnia licus (Drury), coletadas noscanaviais da Destilaria Tabu, em Caaporã-PB. Foram utilizados os isolados de código 645, 604, 512,447, IPA 205, IPA 202, 610, IPA 198, IPA 214 e CG 001 de B. bassiana, bem como os isolados de código 1172, 866, PL 47, IPA 204, CG 423, UOD, 860, IPA 216, E9 e CG 100 de M. anisopliae,provenientes de diferentes hospedeiros e localidades. Na concentração de 108 conídios/ml, a percentagem de mortalidade provocada pelos isolados de B. bassiana variou de 53,3 a 83,3%, com Tempo Letal (TL50) compreendido entre 8,5 e 14,8 dias, sendo que o isolado 645 apresentou maior potencial para o controle de C. licus. Para os isolados de M. anisopliae, o percentual de lagartas mortas variou de 43,3 a 80%, com os valores de TL50 compreendidos entre 7,3 e 17,9 dias, sendo o isolado 1172 o mais virulento. As concentrações letais (CL50) para o isolado 645 de B. bassiana e 1172 de M. anisopliae foram de 1,17 x 107 conídios/ml e 2,34 x 107 conídios/ml, respectivamente, demonstrando que ambos isolados foram patogênicos para a fase larval de C. licus.