Laboratory bioassays of entomopathogenic fungi for control of Delia radicum (L.) larvae

doi:10.1016/j.jip.2005.02.007

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology

Volume 89, Issue 2, June 2005, Pages 179-183

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2005.02.007 Get rights and content

Abstract

Laboratory soil bioassays were performed at economic field rates for in-furrow (3.85 × 10⁶ spores/g dry soil) and broadcast (3.85 × 10⁵ spores/g dry soil) applications with three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (F52, ATCC62176, and ARSEF5520) and one isolate of Beauveria bassiana (GHA). All isolates tested were infective to second instar Delia radicum (L.). The conditionally registered M. anisopliae isolate (F52) performed best killing an average of 85 and 72% of D. radicum larvae at the high and low concentration, respectively. The mean LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ of F52 against second instar D. radicum was 2.7 × 10⁶ and 1.8 × 10⁸ spores/g dry soil, respectively. The use of F52 in an integrated management program is discussed.

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Acknowledgments

We thank American Type Culture Collection, USDA-ARS Collection of Entomopathogenic Fungal Cultures, Earth BioSciences and Emerald BioAgricultural Corp. for providing the isolates used in theses studies. We thank Kelly Donahue and Amanda Griffith for field and laboratory support. This article reports the results of research only. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or

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The effects of temperature on pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling larval populations of the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
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The European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) is currently the most damaging pest in many viticultural regions of South and Central Europe and is highly responsible for the development of secondary infections by Botrytis cinerea to both table and wine grapes. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are considered as substantial biological control agents of insect pests. However, they are able to infect their hosts only under a narrow spectrum of environmental conditions. In this study, the effects of temperature on pathogenicity of EPF for the control of L. botrana are reported. Among a collection of 33 EPF isolates, six virulent isolates were selected for the experiments. The bioassays took place at controlled conditions, under the temperature regimes of 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, and 32.5 °C. A conidial concentration of 1 × 10⁸ conidia/ml was prepared for each isolate, and fungi were applied by spraying them on third-instar larvae (L3) of L. botrana. Both factors, fungal isolate and temperature, significantly affected mortality of L. botrana. Most fungal isolates exhibited their highest larval mortality rates seven days post-treatment at the temperatures of 25 and 27.5 °C. Some isolates caused considerably high larval mortality that exceeded 90% under specific temperature conditions. Overall, EPF showed great potential as bio-control agents for controlling larval populations of L. botrana.
Combining entomopathogenic Pseudomonas bacteria, nematodes and fungi for biological control of a below-ground insect pest
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Below-ground insect pests are challenging to control because they are hard to target with control measures. Moreover, broad spectrum insecticides are or will soon be banned due to their negative effects on non-target organisms. In this study, we have developed a biological control method for the cabbage maggot Delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), a significant pest of Brassicacean crops, based on a consortium of three biocontrol agents (BCAs). We chose the bacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis because it can be used in a dual strategy against insect pests and fungal plant diseases, and combined it with the nematode Steinernema feltiae and the fungus Metarhizium brunneum that have a long history of commercial use against different pest insects. Our aim was to combine BCAs with different modes of action in order to achieve a stable and reliable biocontrol effect. We first tested double combinations of the bacterium with either the nematode or the fungus for improved potential to kill D. radicum in laboratory assays. We then evaluated the effect of double and triple combinations on D. radicum development and maggot-induced damage on radish bulbs in a series of pot experiments with artificial cabbage maggot infection performed in the greenhouse and outdoors and finally in a field trial with a natural infestation. Our results show that i) insecticidal pseudomonads are highly efficient in D. radicum control, ii) the three BCAs are compatible and neither inhibit each other’s infectiousness nor survival in the soil or on the roots, iii) synergistic effects of Pseudomonas-nematode and Pseudomonas-fungus combinations on maggot killing are possible, and iv) the triple combination reduced both pest survival in greenhouse experiments and maggot-induced damage on radish bulbs in the field by 50% each. The strategy we present here is a promising step forward to a reliable and efficient environmentally friendly biological control method for the cabbage maggot, which can also be adapted to other problematic below-ground pests.
Biological alternatives to pesticides to control wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
2019, Agri Gene
Citation Excerpt :
Habtegebreiel et al. (Habtegebreiel et al., 2016) recently tested M. anisopliae as a biological control against Pachnoda interrupta (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) (Olivier 1789) in Sorghum spp. (Poales:Poaceae). The entomopathological fungus M. anisopliae also has the potential to control the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) (Linnaeus 1758) (Vänninen et al., 1999; Bruck et al., 2005). Tinline and Zacharuk (Tinline and Zacharuk, 1960) showed that larvae of Hypolithus bicolor (Coleoptera:Elateridae) (Eschscholtz 1829) were much more susceptible to M. anisopliae than other wireworm species.
Most studies on plant-insect interactions focus on the aboveground parts of plants, but the knowledge regarding the belowground interactions is increasing. Soil pests are at least equally dangerous to plant health and elicit plant defense mechanisms as well. Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are common polyphagous soil pests of various crops, including economically relevant crops such as maize and potatoes. Their management with pesticides is often not successful or sustainable, and more research on biological alternatives is required. We aim at providing an overview of biological control methods under development or commercially available. Little is known about the natural enemies of wireworms, and the available work is often limited to laboratory experiments. The interest for using using microorganisms as biocontrol agent is increasing, and entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes, and bacteria represent promising alternatives to pesticides. The review discusses the combination of attractive semiochemicals with biological agents to improve wireworm monitoring and control, as well as research advances on these fronts.
Evaluation of low risk methods for managing Delia radicum, cabbage root fly, in broccoli production
2017, Crop Protection
Citation Excerpt :
Indirect damage to plants occurs when larvae feed on tissue not used for human consumption while direct damage applies when the harvested parts of plants are affected. The latter occurs when roots of radish, swedes or turnips are infested (Finch, 1993) and when crops show slight feeding damage rendering them unmarketable (Bruck et al., 2005). In the past, control of CRF was mainly based on organophosphate and carbamate insecticides (Chandler and Davidson, 2005).
The cabbage root fly (CRF; Delia radicum) is currently difficult to control as insufficient plant protection products are available, especially in organic farming. In this study the influence of two strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales), straw mulch, and nitrogen lime were investigated in regard to CRF and root damage reduction in field trials. Spinosad-based insecticide was used as a positive control, because of its known efficacy against CRF. Furthermore, rhizosphere competence and endophytism, mineral uptake, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and growth parameters of M. brunneum treated plants were examined under field and/or greenhouse conditions. Neither fungi nor straw mulch or nitrogen lime decreased CRF pressure significantly, but spinosad did. M. brunneum colonized the rhizosphere of broccoli plants but did not show endophytic characteristics. A significant increase of Mg and N concentrations was detected in Metarhizium-treated plants when grown in the greenhouse whereas no different nutritional values in plant tissue were observed in field grown plants. Plants from the greenhouse also exhibited higher maximum quantum efficiency of PS2 photochemistry and electron transport rate as well as promoted growth when inoculated with M. brunneum. We conclude that for brassicas where the CRF damaged parts are not consumed (e.g. cauliflower) the tested low risk CRF management tools might be adequate. But for brassicas, where CRF directly damages the produce (e.g. turnips), treatments having greater impact on CRF (e.g. spinosad) should be considered.
Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana formulations against the fungus gnat Lycoriella ingenua
2016, Biological Control
Lycoriella ingenua Dufour (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a major pest species in commercial mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production throughout the world. Grower demand for alternative control measures, following the recent withdrawal of a number of chemical control options, led to a label extension for use of the fungal biopesticide BotaniGard® ES, for control of mushroom flies. Semi-field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of BotaniGard® ES, and two alternative formulations of Beauveria bassiana strain GHA (the active ingredient in BotaniGard® ES), for control of L. ingenua, and their effect on crop yield when incorporated at spawning. Data collected from two replicated trials demonstrated that incorporation of B. bassiana was not detrimental to mushroom yield, but was also ineffective in controlling the development of L. ingenua larvae in artificially infested compost. Subsequent laboratory bioassays demonstrated that L. ingenua eggs and larvae were not susceptible to infection by B. bassiana strain GHA whereas pupae were somewhat susceptible (41% mortality). Bioassays conducted on adult L. ingenua using 1 h exposure to a surface sprayed with BotaniGard® ES resulted in 100% mortality within 8 days and a mean survival time of 6 days, which was significantly different from the control population.
Mortality risk from entomopathogenic fungi affects oviposition behavior in the parasitoid wasp Trybliographa rapae
2015, Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
Citation Excerpt :
Important egg predators of D. radicum are Bembidion spp. and Agonum spp. (Coleoptera: Carabidae) (Prasad and Snyder, 2004), while adults of Aleochara spp. also serve as predators on immature stages (Fuldner, 1960; Hartfield and Finch, 2003). Entomopathogenic fungi including the generalist genera Beauveria and Metarhizium (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) (Bruck et al., 2005) and the specialist species Entomophthora muscae (Cohn) Fresenius (Entomophthoramycota: Entomophthorales) (Klingen et al., 2000) can together target all stages in the life cycle of D. radicum. Eilenberg and Meadow (2003) suggested that inundation biological control with a highly virulent isolate of M. anisopliae (Metsch.)
Biological control of pests in agroecosystems could be enhanced by combining multiple natural enemies. However, this approach might also compromise the control efficacy through intraguild predation (IGP) among the natural enemies. Parasitoids may be able to avoid the risk of unidirectional IGP posed by entomopathogenic fungi through selective oviposition behavior during host foraging. Trybliographa rapae is a larval parasitoid of the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum. Here we evaluated the susceptibility of D. radicum and T. rapae to two species of generalist entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium brunneum isolate KVL 04-57 and Beauveria bassiana isolate KVL 03-90. Furthermore, T. rapae oviposition behavior was assessed in the presence of these entomopathogenic fungi either as infected hosts or as infective propagules in the environment. Both fungi were pathogenic to D. radicum larvae and T. rapae adults, but with variable virulence. When host patches were inoculated with M. brunneum conidia in a no-choice situation, more eggs were laid by T. rapae in hosts of those patches compared to control and B. bassiana treated patches. Females that later succumbed to mycosis from either fungus laid significantly more eggs than non-mycosed females, indicating that resources were allocated to increased oviposition due to perceived decreased life expectancy. When presented with a choice between healthy and fungal infected hosts, T. rapae females laid more eggs in healthy larvae than in M. brunneum infected larvae. This was less pronounced for B. bassiana. Based on our results we propose that T. rapae can perceive and react towards IGP risk posed by M. brunneum but not B. bassiana to the foraging female herself and her offspring. Thus, M. brunneum has the potential to be used for biological control against D. radicum with a limited risk to T. rapae populations.

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Journal of Invertebrate Pathology

Abstract

Section snippets

Acknowledgments

References (26)

Effects of farming system, field margins and bait insect on the occurrence of insect pathogenic fungi in soils

Agric. Ecosyst. Environ.

Soil treatment with entomopathogenic fungi for corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) larval control

Biol. Control

A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide

J. Econ. Entomol.

The identification of the root maggots (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) attacking cruciferous garden crops in Canada, with notes on biology and control

Systematic Entomology, Dominion Entomological Laboratory, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The germination behavior of Metarhizium anisopliae on the surface of aphid and flea beetle cuticles

Mycol. Res.

The cabbage root fly, Erioschia brassicae (Bouche)

Rep. Natl. Veg. Res. Stn.

Factors influencing the persistence and effectivness of chlorpyrifos in soil

J. Econ. Entomol.

Fungi: hyphomycetes

Resistance to the cabbage rootfly, Delia radicum, within Brassica fruticulosa

Euphytica

Identifying sources and mechanisms of resistance in crucifers for control of cabbage maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

J. Econ. Entomol.

Cited by (30)

The effects of temperature on pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling larval populations of the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Combining entomopathogenic Pseudomonas bacteria, nematodes and fungi for biological control of a below-ground insect pest

Biological alternatives to pesticides to control wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Evaluation of low risk methods for managing Delia radicum, cabbage root fly, in broccoli production

Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana formulations against the fungus gnat Lycoriella ingenua

Mortality risk from entomopathogenic fungi affects oviposition behavior in the parasitoid wasp Trybliographa rapae

Short communicationLaboratory bioassays of entomopathogenic fungi for control of Delia radicum (L.) larvae

Abstract

Section snippets

Acknowledgments

Agric. Ecosyst. Environ.

Biol. Control

A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide

J. Econ. Entomol.

The identification of the root maggots (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) attacking cruciferous garden crops in Canada, with notes on biology and control

Systematic Entomology, Dominion Entomological Laboratory, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The germination behavior of Metarhizium anisopliae on the surface of aphid and flea beetle cuticles

Mycol. Res.

The cabbage root fly, Erioschia brassicae (Bouche)

Rep. Natl. Veg. Res. Stn.

Factors influencing the persistence and effectivness of chlorpyrifos in soil

J. Econ. Entomol.

Fungi: hyphomycetes

Resistance to the cabbage rootfly, Delia radicum, within Brassica fruticulosa

Euphytica

Identifying sources and mechanisms of resistance in crucifers for control of cabbage maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

J. Econ. Entomol.

Short communication
Laboratory bioassays of entomopathogenic fungi for control of Delia radicum (L.) larvae