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Pest ants are known for their damage to biodiversity, harm to agriculture, and negative impact on human welfare. Ants thrive when environmental opportunities arise, becoming pests and/or invading non-native areas. As social insects, they are extremely difficult to control using sustainable methods like biological control. The latter, although safer to the environment, acts slowly allowing the ants to use their individual and social defenses. Among biocontrol agents, fungal pathogens were proposed as promising, however, it is difficult to ascertain their success when the bibliography has not been reviewed and condensed. Therefore, this paper is the first in performing such task by analyzing publications mainly from 2000 to 2022 about the control of pest ants by fungi. From 85 publications selected, 77% corresponded to laboratory studies. Beauveria and Metarhizium were the genera most used in laboratory and field studies. Most of them included Acromyrmex and Atta leaf-cutter ants (LCA), and Solenopsis fire ants. From laboratory experiments, we evaluated how ant net mortality was affected by ant and fungal species, and also by origin, concentration, and inoculation technique of the fungal strains tested. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae produced the greatest mortality, along with the inoculation spray technique and fungal strains collected from ants. There was a positive relationship between ant mortality and fungal concentration only for those studies which evaluated more than one concentration. Twenty field experimental studies were found, covering 13 pest species, mainly LCA and Solenopsis invicta. Only B. bassiana was tested on Solenopsis, M. anisopliae was mostly used for Acromyrmex, and M. anisopliae or Trichoderma were mainly used with Atta species. The median control field efficiency varied from 20% to 85% for different fungi and ant genera. When grouping all fungal species together, the median control efficiency seemed to be better for Acromyrmex (67%) than for Atta and Solenopsis (both 43%). Our review shows that, at this stage of knowledge, it is very difficult to extrapolate any result. We offer suggestions to improve and standardize laboratory and field experimental studies in order to advance more efficiently in the fungal control of pest ants.

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The agriculture is extremely important for the life of human beings. Therefore, it is needed to control the enemies that destroy vast areas of crops causing great economic losses. Chemical pesticides were the option for many decades, but the damage that they cause to environment and human health led to the idea of changing the use of these for more sustainable options such as biopesticides as a biological control. Among microbial pesticides, Serratia species have been found as suitable options to apply against several pests or pathogens. Serratia species produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with several biological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, and pesticides which can be used in sustainable agriculture. It has been reported that several Serratia species are able to suppress some crop diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora parasitica, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium dahlia, and Phytophthora capsici among others. Therefore, they have been used as biocontrol agents in agriculture. In this review, we summarized the genus Serratia describing its history and development and the metabolites it secretes, which are responsible for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. We have analyzed the insecticide capacity of several Serratia species as well antifungal properties of Serratia species against most important crops' pathogens. In conclusion, the use of Serratia as a biological control agent against plant pathogens can be a good option for a sustainable agriculture. More work is needed to assess the safety of the isolated new strains and their effectiveness against pathogens in in vivo conditions.

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Entomopathogenic fungi, widely available biological agents used to control agricultural pests, are sporadically reported to cause focal or disseminated infection in reptiles and mammals, including humans. This study summarizes the clinical presentation, histopathological and molecular findings by panfungal polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of four cases of hypocrealean fungal infections in captive common green iguanas (Iguana, iguana). One case of granulomatous pneumonia, hepatitis and serositis was related to Metarhizium flavoviride complex infection. Two disseminated fungal infection cases, with scarce inflammatory cell infiltration, were caused by Beauveria bassiana while there was one case of multifocal granulomatous and necrotizing pneumonia by Purpureocillium spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal mycosis infection due to entomopathogenic fungi in captive common green iguanas.

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BACKGROUND: The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi is known to cause natural infections in some caterpillars. In this multiyear study, we carried out laboratory, greenhouse and three field trials with the aim of developing a sustainable option for control of the fall armyworm (FAW) in maize. Association of M. rileyi with Spodoptera frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) and delivery strategies were also investigated. RESULTS: The selected isolate (CG381) was effective in the laboratory at a low concentration (~ 4 × 103 conidia cm-2 ), killing >95% of FAW larvae within 8 days. In the greenhouse assay, applications of conidia suspended in water or as dry powder in maize whorls (~ 6.3 × 106 conidia per plant) produced similar larval mortalities (88%-96%). In the field trials, conventional spraying of unformulated conidia (0.6 and 1.2 × 1012 conidia ha-1 ) caused low larval mortalities (27-31%). Simultaneous application of either unformulated or oil-based formulations of M. rileyi conidia and S. frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) to plant rows caused larval mortalities comparable with each of the pathogens applied alone. However, when a formulation containing both pathogens was sprayed directly into the whorls, the overall mortality of S. frugiperda larvae due to pathogens (mostly to M. rileyi infections) reached ~ 59%, twofold higher than the other treatments with conventional spraying, whereas in the control, the overall mortality was only 1%. CONCLUSION: Optimizing exposure of S. frugiperda larvae to an inoculum of virulent entomopathogens through directed applications to maize whorls is critical to produce satisfactory mortality levels and is promising for integrated pest management.

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Augmentative biological control (ABC) of insect pests is an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides. By performing BC, more than one control agent can be used for the same insect pest that is in different stages of its life cycle or for pests that simultaneously occur in the area. However, this relationship requires biosecurity for the control agents employed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the parasitism capacity of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 and Telenomus remus Nixon, 1937 after ingestion of biological pesticides. The entomopathogens, Baculovirus Anticarsia gemmatalis nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV), Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) var. kurstaki, Bt var. aizawai, Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae; the microbiological fungicide, Trichoderma harzianum, at concentrations recommended by the manufacturer; and a negative control (pure honey) were employed in this study. Further, forced ingestion was adopted, with the treatments mixed in honey and offered as food at two dilutions (one-part product: one-part honey and one-part product: nine parts honey). Each treatment consisted of 20 individual females for each parasitoid (T. pretiosum or T. remus). The following parameters were evaluated: female longevity, number of parasitized eggs, egg viability, and number of females and males to determine the sex ratio. For T. pretiosum, B. bassiana (1 × 1013 viable conidia 100 L H2O-1), and T. harzianum (5 × 1012 viable conidia 100 L H2O-1), the longevity of their females was reduced by the 1:1 mixture; however, this mixture did not interfere with other parameters and other biological pesticides compared to the respective controls of both dilutions. The biological pesticides did not negatively influence the parameters evaluated for T. remus. The tested products had low toxicity to the egg parasitoids, T. pretiosum and T. remus. Overall, more work is still required with parasitoids in other stages of development and with other exposure methods to confirm the selectivity of products for egg parasitoids to recommend its combined use in the field.(AU)

O controle biológico aumentativo (CBA) de insetos-praga é uma alternativa ambientalmente sustentável em relação aos inseticidas sintéticos. Com a utilização do CBA, mais de um agente de controle pode ser utilizado para um mesmo inseto-praga que se encontra em diferentes estágios do seu ciclo de vida ou para pragas que ocorrem simultaneamente na área. No entanto, essa relação necessita de biossegurança para os agentes de controle envolvidos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade de parasitismo de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 e Telenomus remus Nixon, 1937 após a ingestão de pesticidas biológicos. Os entomopatógenos Baculovírus Anticarsia gemmatalis nucleopoliedrovirus (AgMNPV), Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, o fungicida microbiológico Trichoderma harzianum nas concentrações recomendadas pelos fabricantes e um controle negativo (mel puro) foram utilizados nos bioensaios. A metodologia empregada foi de ingestão forçada, com os tratamentos misturados ao mel e oferecidos como alimento em duas diluições diferentes (1 parte do produto:1 parte de mel e 1 parte do produto:9 partes de mel). Cada tratamento constou de 20 fêmeas individualizadas de cada parasitoide (T. pretiosum ou T. remus). Os parâmetros avaliados foram: longevidade das fêmeas, número de ovos parasitados, viabilidade dos ovos e número de fêmeas e machos para determinação da razão sexual. Para T. pretiosum, B. bassiana (1×1013 conídios viáveis 100L H2O-1) e T. harzianum (5×1012 conídios viáveis 100L H2O-1) reduziram a longevidade das fêmeas na mistura 1:1, porém não interferiram nos demais parâmetros avaliados, bem como os demais produtos microbiológicos comerciais avaliados, quando comparados às respectivas testemunhas de ambas as diluições. Os pesticidas biológicos não influenciaram negativamente nos parâmetros avaliados de T. remus. Os produtos testados apresentam baixa toxicidade aos parasitoides de ovos T. pretiosum e T. remus. Ainda há necessidade de mais trabalhos com outros estágios de desenvolvimento dos parasitoides e outros métodos de exposição para confirmar a seletividade dos produtos aos parasitoides de ovos, para recomendar o uso conjunto destes no campo.(AU)

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Entomopathogenic fungi are naturally occurring microorganisms that attack insect pests, making them exceptional allies when developing biocontrol strategies. A particular aspect of the ecology of these fungi is that they interact not only with insects but also with plants, being able to colonize them endophytically without causing symptoms of disease. The objectives of this study were to determine the endophytic capacity of different species of entomopathogenic fungi in tobacco plants by means of foliar spraying, to evaluate the persistence in planta of the entomopathogens and the effect of endophytes on consumption by coleopteran pests. A total of 24 strains were analyzed to test endophytic capacity at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post inoculation. A significant effect of the strains was found. On days 7, 14 and 21, the strain that showed the highest colonization percentages was B. bassiana LPSc 1215, and at day 28 B. bassiana strains LPSc 1215 and LPSc 1212 exhibited the best endophytic capacity, maintaining elevated colonization percentages. Choice test results indicated that D. speciosa fed indiscriminately on colonized and non-colonized leaves. The results indicate that B. bassiana LPSc 1215 constitutes a strain that would merit further investigation for the purpose of pest management in tobacco cultivation.

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We aimed to evaluate the selectivity of entomopathogenic fungi to larvae of Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). For this purpose, Beauveria bassiana (strain ESALQ PL63), Metarhizium anisopliae (strain ESALQ E9) and Metarhizium rileyi (strain UFMS 03) were assessed at different concentrations (1 × 107, 1 × 108 and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1). The control treatment consisted of distilled water and Tween80 0.01. The treatments were applied with a Potter spray tower using two different methodologies: direct application (DA) and dry film (DF). Up to 96 h after application, no treatment provided a larval mortality above 3%. After 120 h, only B. bassiana induced significant mortality in all instars, with rates of 26%, 17% and 10% for first, second and third instar larval periods, respectively. There was no difference regarding to the application method or concentration of conidia. The percentage of individuals that revealed changes in the length of the larval and pupal periods varied among different treatments with entomopathogenic fungi and control treatments, application methodologies and concentrations. Despite B. bassiana revealing a higher mortality than M. anisopliae and M. rileyi on larvae of C. externa, these three entomopathogenic fungi may be used in association with C. externa for sustainable pest management.

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The tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world; nevertheless, it is affected by biotic and abiotic factors that reduce its productivity. The whitefly is globally considered as the main pest under protected crop conditions, where biologic control using endophytic fungi emerges as a sustainable alternative. We evaluated the indirect effects of five native endophytic strains of Beauveria bassiana on the reproduction of greenhouse whiteflies and the growth of tomatoes. The plant growth substrate was inoculated with five strains of this endophyte and the resulting plants were then exposed to whiteflies afterwards. The effect that endophytic strains had on phosphate solubilization, iron siderophore production, plant height, and plant biomass were evaluated. The evaluated endophytes reduced the number of eggs per cm2 on leaflets compared to the control and behaved similarly to the commercial synthetic insecticide. Leaflets inoculated with strains RGM-557, RGM-644 and RGM-731 showed fewer nymphs than the control and those treated with insecticide. RGM-557 and RGM-731 produced the greatest plant heights; RGM-731 obtained the greatest plant biomass. Our study provides evidence that native endophytic strains of B. bassiana have a biocontrol effect on whiteflies and could be used to promote tomato growth.

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Plant parasitic nematodes have become one of the main problems in the tomato cultivation. Among these, Meloidogyne enterolobii presents great challenges to the farmer, since it is a polyphagous species and difficult to control. The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) present as potential for biological control of this pathogen. The objective of the study was to evaluate the interference of EPNs S. brazilense, S. feltiae, S. rarum, H. amazonensis and H. bacteriophora on hatching and mortality of M. enterolobii. 500 eggs of this nematode and 1.000 infective juveniles of each EPN species were placed in a plastic pot totaling 25 mL of suspension and kept in an incubator at 25°C. The number of juveniles hatched in the suspension was counted every 2 days, until 10 days. After 10 days of evaluations, the remaining suspension (15 mL) containing M. enterolobii and EPNs was inoculated into Rutgers tomato seedlings. The suspension contained approximately in 300 eggs of M. enterolobii occasional juveniles and 600 IJ of each nematode species. Sixty days after inoculation were evaluated gall indexes, egg mass indexes, total number of eggs and juveniles of M. enterolobii and reproductive factor was calculated. In the mortality experiment, 500 infective juveniles of M. enterolobii and 1.000 juveniles of each EPN species were placed in a plastic pot totaling 25 mL of suspension. The evaluation of juvenile mortality was performed by counting of the mobile and immotile nematodes, by adding two drops of NaOH to the nematode suspension. It was verified that on the 10th day all ENPs provided reduction in the hatching of M. enterolobii. In the pot experiment it was found thato gall index, egg mass indexm, nematodes total number and reproduction factor were significantly reduced in treatments with all species of EPNs tested. However, in the mortality test, only EPNs S. brazilense and S. rarum provided mortality on the second day and H. bacteriophora affected mortality on the 4th day. In the other evaluations, there was no statistical difference. The results highlight the potential of the use of EPNs in programs of integrated management of M. enterolobii in tomato.

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Immune priming in invertebrates occurs when the first contact with a pathogen/parasite enhances resistance after a second encounter with the same strain or species. Although the mechanisms are not well understood, there is evidence that priming the immune response of some hosts leads to greater pro-oxidant production. Parasites, in turn, might counteract the host attack with antioxidants. Virulent pathogen strains may therefore mask invertebrate immune priming. For example, different parasite species overexpress catalase as a virulence factor to resist host pro-oxidants, possibly impairing the immune priming response. The aim of this study was firstly to evaluate the specificity of immune priming in Tenebrio molitor when facing homologous and heterologous challenges. Secondly, homologous challenges were carried out with two Metarhizium anisopliae strains (Ma10 and CAT). The more virulent strain (CAT) overexpresses catalase, an antioxidant that perhaps impairs a host immune response mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Indeed, T. molitor larvae exhibited better immune priming (survival) in response to the Ma10 than CAT homologous challenge. Moreover, the administration of paraquat, an ROS-promoting agent, favoured survival of the host upon exposure to each fungal strain. We propose that some pathogens likely overcome pro-oxidant-mediated immune priming defences by producing antioxidants such as catalase.

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Immune priming in invertebrates refers to an improved immune response (and therefore a better chance of survival) upon a second encounter with a specific pathogen. Although the existence of immune priming has been evaluated in invertebrate hosts, the ability of a particular entomopathogen species or strain to influence the occurrence of immune priming has not been thoroughly evaluated. The aim of the current study was to compare the occurrence of immune priming in Tenebrio molitor larvae after homologous challenges (a dual exposure to similar entomopathogens) with Serratia marcescens, Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae. Larvae presented more effective immune priming (measured as survival rates) when exposed to M. anisopliae or B. thuringiensis than when exposed to S. marcescens. We hypothesize that the toll pathway may help T. molitor survive these enemies and that the IMD pathway may be expressed to a lesser degree in this species, which may explain why they succumb to Gram-negative bacteria. This and other recent evidence suggest that the occurrence of immune priming in these organisms must not be ruled out until this phenomenon is tested with different entomopathogens.

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Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) is a global pest of citrus that transmits the bacteria associated with the disease, Huanglongbing. Entomopathogenic fungi and the parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) are important biological control agents of this pest and likely to interact in D. citri populations. As a basis for interaction studies, we determined the susceptibility of nymphs and adults of D. citri and adults of the parasitoid T. radiata to six fungal isolates from the species Beauveria bassiana s.l. (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (isolates B1 and B3), Metarhizium anisopliae s.s. (Metsch.) (Ma129 and Ma65) and Isaria fumosorosea Wize (I2 and Pae). We conducted experiments evaluating infection levels in all three insect groups following inoculation with a series of conidial concentrations (1 × 104-1 × 108 conidia mL-1). Results showed that D. citri nymphs and T. radiata were more susceptible to fungal isolates than D. citri adults. Overall, B. bassiana and M. anisopliae isolates caused the greatest infection compared with I. fumosorosea isolates in all three groups of insects. Isolates B1 (B. bassiana) and Ma129 (M. anisopliae) infected a greater proportion of adults and nymphs of D. citri, respectively. Both isolates of B. bassiana caused greater infection in T. radiata compared with isolates of the other fungal species. We propose that isolates B1 and Ma129 are the strongest candidates for control of D. citri. Our results represent the first report of entomopathogenic fungi infecting T. radiata, and the basis for future studies to design a biological control programme that uses both agents more efficiently against D. citri populations.

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Here we report the presence of the entomopathogenic nematode Rhabditis (Rhabditoides) regina affecting white grubs (Phyllophaga sp. and Anomala sp.) in Mexico and R. regina-associated bacteria. Bioassays were performed to test the entomopathogenic capacity of dauer and L2 and L3 (combined) larval stages. Furthermore, we determined the diversity of bacteria from laboratory nematodes cultivated for 2 years (dauer and L2-L3 larvae) and from field nematodes (dauer and L2-L3 larvae) in addition to the virulence in Galleria mellonella larvae of some bacterial species from both laboratory and field nematodes. Dauer and non-dauer larvae of R. regina killed G. mellonella. Bacteria such as Serratia sp. (isolated from field nematodes) and Klebsiella sp. (isolated from larvae of laboratory and field nematodes) may explain R. regina entomopathogenic capabilities. Different bacteria were found in nematodes after subculturing in the laboratory suggesting that R. regina may acquire bacteria in different environments. However, there were some consistently found bacteria from laboratory and field nematodes such as Pseudochrobactrum sp., Comamonas sp., Alcaligenes sp., Klebsiella sp., Acinetobacter sp., and Leucobacter sp. that may constitute the nematode microbiome. Results showed that some bacteria contributing to entomopathogenicity may be lost in the laboratory representing a disadvantage when nematodes are cultivated to be used for biological control.

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Impact of UV-radiation in entomopathogens in aquatic environments remains little investigated. The present study reports on the effect of UV-A on the larvicidal activity of Leptolegnia chapmanii zoospores in Aedes aegypti; on the production of zoospores in larvae killed by the pathogen and then exposed to UV-A; and on the activity of these zoospores against healthy larvae. Whereas the virulence of free zoospores in A. aegypti larvae was affected by a UV-A exposure time longer than 10min, production of zoospores in larvae and their virulence were not hampered at a maximal 8h exposure of dead larvae to UV-A. Findings suggest that dead larvae and zoosporangia provide a certain protection to zoospores against UV-A and emphasize the susceptibility of free encysted zoospores to such radiation.

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: This study evaluated whether different strains of Brevibacillus laterosporus could be used to control larvae of the blowfly Chrysomya megacephala , a pest that affects both human and animal health.

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Plutella xylostella L. is the most important worldwide pest of cruciferous plants and indiscriminate use of insecticides has led to the resistance of the species to different groups. This research was conducted to compare the toxicity and persistence of two strains of Bacillus thuringiensis to P. xylostella larvae. Concentrations between 125 and 500g 100L-1 of water of the commercial products were evaluated and compared to the insect growth inhibitor diflubenzuron and to the neurotoxic pyrethroid deltamethrin. The efficacy of the insecticides was compared between treated plants kept indoor greenhouse and outdoor. Third instar larvae were more susceptible to B. thuringiensis than first instar ones. Agree and Dipel showed similar control rates of third instars until 10 days after treatment, but on the 15th day, Agree was significantly more efficient than Dipel. Both B. thuringiensis formulations showed a reduction in mortality after 10 days when the treated plants were exposed to natural weather conditions in comparison to the same treatments kept inside greenhouse. Dimilin (100g 100L-1 of water) and deltamethrin (30ml of commercial product 100L-1 of water) were not efficient to control third instar larvae of P. xylostella. This inefficiency cannot be attributed to a resistant population of P. xylostella since the larval population used in the experiments was not subjected to insecticide pressure, once the crop was organically cultivated all year round. The results showed that both formulations of B. thuringiensis are sound alternatives for the control of the diamondback moth in organically conducted cruciferous crops, considering the high residual control provided under subtropical weather conditions.

Larvas de Plutella xylostella L. são as principais pragas de crucíferas cultivadas e o uso excessivo e indiscriminado de inseticidas tem levado a resistência da espécie para diferentes grupos de inseticidas. Este trabalho foi conduzido para comparar a toxicidade de duas formulações de Bacillus thuringiensis para larvas de primeiro e terceiro ínstar de P. xylostella. Concentrações entre 125 e 500g 100L-1 de água do produto comercial foram avaliadas e comparadas com o inibidor do crescimento diflubenzuron e com o piretroide deltametrina. A eficiência dos inseticidas foi comparada em plantas tratadas e mantidas dentro e fora da casa de vegetação. Larvas de terceiro ínstar foram mais suscetíveis a B. thuringiensis do que larvas de primeiro ínstar. Agree e Dipel apresentaram taxas de controle semelhantes até 10 dias após a aplicação, porém após 15 dias, Agree foi significativamente mais eficiente do que Dipel. Ambas as formulações apresentaram uma redução na mortalidade larval quando as plantas foram expostas às condições climáticas em comparação aos mesmos tratamentos mantidos em casa de vegetação. Dimilin (100g 100L-1 de água) e deltametrina (30ml de produto comercial 100L-1 de água) não foram eficientes para o controle de lagartas de terceiro ínstar de P. xylostella. Tal ineficiência não pode ser atribuída a um possível efeito de resistência da população de P. xylostella a esses produtos, uma vez que a colônia da espécie utilizada nos experimentos não estava sujeita à pressão de seleção, por se tratar de uma população coletada em área conduzida organicamente durante todo o transcorrer do ano. Os resultados mostram que as duas formulações de B. thuringiensis são alternativas viáveis para o controle de P. xylostella em cultivo orgânico de crucíferas, tendo em vista o expressivo controle residual observado para as condições climáticas dos subtrópicos.

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Plutella xylostella L. is the most important worldwide pest of cruciferous plants and indiscriminate use of insecticides has led to the resistance of the species to different groups. This research was conducted to compare the toxicity and persistence of two strains of Bacillus thuringiensis to P. xylostella larvae. Concentrations between 125 and 500g 100L-1 of water of the commercial products were evaluated and compared to the insect growth inhibitor diflubenzuron and to the neurotoxic pyrethroid deltamethrin. The efficacy of the insecticides was compared between treated plants kept indoor greenhouse and outdoor. Third instar larvae were more susceptible to B. thuringiensis than first instar ones. Agree and Dipel showed similar control rates of third instars until 10 days after treatment, but on the 15th day, Agree was significantly more efficient than Dipel. Both B. thuringiensis formulations showed a reduction in mortality after 10 days when the treated plants were exposed to natural weather conditions in comparison to the same treatments kept inside greenhouse. Dimilin (100g 100L-1 of water) and deltamethrin (30ml of commercial product 100L-1 of water) were not efficient to control third instar larvae of P. xylostella. This inefficiency cannot be attributed to a resistant population of P. xylostella since the larval population used in the experiments was not subjected to insecticide pressure, once the crop was organically cultivated all year round. The results showed that both formulations of B. thuringiensis are sound alternatives for the control of the diamondback moth in organically conducted cruciferous crops, considering the high residual control provided under subtropical weather conditions.

Larvas de Plutella xylostella L. são as principais pragas de crucíferas cultivadas e o uso excessivo e indiscriminado de inseticidas tem levado a resistência da espécie para diferentes grupos de inseticidas. Este trabalho foi conduzido para comparar a toxicidade de duas formulações de Bacillus thuringiensis para larvas de primeiro e terceiro ínstar de P. xylostella. Concentrações entre 125 e 500g 100L-1 de água do produto comercial foram avaliadas e comparadas com o inibidor do crescimento diflubenzuron e com o piretroide deltametrina. A eficiência dos inseticidas foi comparada em plantas tratadas e mantidas dentro e fora da casa de vegetação. Larvas de terceiro ínstar foram mais suscetíveis a B. thuringiensis do que larvas de primeiro ínstar. Agree e Dipel apresentaram taxas de controle semelhantes até 10 dias após a aplicação, porém após 15 dias, Agree foi significativamente mais eficiente do que Dipel. Ambas as formulações apresentaram uma redução na mortalidade larval quando as plantas foram expostas às condições climáticas em comparação aos mesmos tratamentos mantidos em casa de vegetação. Dimilin (100g 100L-1 de água) e deltametrina (30ml de produto comercial 100L-1 de água) não foram eficientes para o controle de lagartas de terceiro ínstar de P. xylostella. Tal ineficiência não pode ser atribuída a um possível efeito de resistência da população de P. xylostella a esses produtos, uma vez que a colônia da espécie utilizada nos experimentos não estava sujeita à pressão de seleção, por se tratar de uma população coletada em área conduzida organicamente durante todo o transcorrer do ano. Os resultados mostram que as duas formulações de B. thuringiensis são alternativas viáveis para o controle de P. xylostella em cultivo orgânico de crucíferas, tendo em vista o expressivo controle residual observado para as condições climáticas dos subtrópicos.

RESUMO

Plutella xylostella L. is the most important worldwide pest of cruciferous plants and indiscriminate use of insecticides has led to the resistance of the species to different groups. This research was conducted to compare the toxicity and persistence of two strains of Bacillus thuringiensis to P. xylostella larvae. Concentrations between 125 and 500g 100L-1 of water of the commercial products were evaluated and compared to the insect growth inhibitor diflubenzuron and to the neurotoxic pyrethroid deltamethrin. The efficacy of the insecticides was compared between treated plants kept indoor greenhouse and outdoor. Third instar larvae were more susceptible to B. thuringiensis than first instar ones. Agree and Dipel showed similar control rates of third instars until 10 days after treatment, but on the 15th day, Agree was significantly more efficient than Dipel. Both B. thuringiensis formulations showed a reduction in mortality after 10 days when the treated plants were exposed to natural weather conditions in comparison to the same treatments kept inside greenhouse. Dimilin (100g 100L-1 of water) and deltamethrin (30ml of commercial product 100L-1 of water) were not efficient to control third instar larvae of P. xylostella. This inefficiency cannot be attributed to a resistant population of P. xylostella since the larval population used in the experiments was not subjected to insecticide pressure, once the crop was organically cultivated all year round. The results showed that both formulations of B. thuringiensis are sound alternatives for the control of the diamondback moth in organically conducted cruciferous crops, considering the high residual control provided under subtropical weather conditions.

Larvas de Plutella xylostella L. são as principais pragas de crucíferas cultivadas e o uso excessivo e indiscriminado de inseticidas tem levado a resistência da espécie para diferentes grupos de inseticidas. Este trabalho foi conduzido para comparar a toxicidade de duas formulações de Bacillus thuringiensis para larvas de primeiro e terceiro ínstar de P. xylostella. Concentrações entre 125 e 500g 100L-1 de água do produto comercial foram avaliadas e comparadas com o inibidor do crescimento diflubenzuron e com o piretroide deltametrina. A eficiência dos inseticidas foi comparada em plantas tratadas e mantidas dentro e fora da casa de vegetação. Larvas de terceiro ínstar foram mais suscetíveis a B. thuringiensis do que larvas de primeiro ínstar. Agree e Dipel apresentaram taxas de controle semelhantes até 10 dias após a aplicação, porém após 15 dias, Agree foi significativamente mais eficiente do que Dipel. Ambas as formulações apresentaram uma redução na mortalidade larval quando as plantas foram expostas às condições climáticas em comparação aos mesmos tratamentos mantidos em casa de vegetação. Dimilin (100g 100L-1 de água) e deltametrina (30ml de produto comercial 100L-1 de água) não foram eficientes para o controle de lagartas de terceiro ínstar de P. xylostella. Tal ineficiência não pode ser atribuída a um possível efeito de resistência da população de P. xylostella a esses produtos, uma vez que a colônia da espécie utilizada nos experimentos não estava sujeita à pressão de seleção, por se tratar de uma população coletada em área conduzida organicamente durante todo o transcorrer do ano. Os resultados mostram que as duas formulações de B. thuringiensis são alternativas viáveis para o controle de P. xylostella em cultivo orgânico de crucíferas, tendo em vista o expressivo controle residual observado para as condições climáticas dos subtrópicos.

RESUMO

Para subsidiar a utilização de táticas de manejo integrado para o inseto-praga Tibraca limbativentris, avaliou-se a compatibilidade in vitro entre o isolado CG 891 de Metarhizium anisopliae e os agrotóxicos utilizados na cultura do arroz irrigado. Os parâmetros avaliados foram crescimento vegetativo, esporulação e germinação em pré e pós-contato do fungo, com duas doses de fipronil, tiametoxam, fenitrotiona, carbofurano, pirazossulfurom-etílico, bentazona, clomazona, glifosato e quincloraque; e uma dose de triciclazol e azoxistrobina. Reduções significativas no crescimento vegetativo e esporulação de M. anisopliae foram observadas para fenitrotiona, carbofurano e azoxistrobina. Observou-se redução na germinação em pré-contato para o agrotóxico azoxistrobina. O valor percentual da germinação alterou a classificação dos agrotóxicos com relação a sua seletividade sobre o entomopatógeno. No entanto, os resultados mostram que in vitro os agrotóxicos fenitrotiona, carbofurano, glifosato e azoxistrobina são prejudiciais ao isolado CG 891 de M. anisopliae.

Searching for integrated control strategies for the insect-pest Tibraca limbativentris, the in vitro compatibility between isolated CG 891 of Metarhizium anisopliae and several pesticides used in the culture of irrigated rice was evaluated. The followings parameters were studied: vegetative growth, sporulation and the germination viability in pre- and post-contact of the fungus for two concentrations of fipronil, thiametoxan, fenitrothion, carbofuran, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, bentazon, clomazone, glyfosate and quinclorac and one concentration of tricyclazole and azoxystrobin. Significant reductions in the vegetative growth and sporulation of M. anisopliae were observed for fenitrothion, carbofuran and azoxystrobin. The germination in pre-contact was affected by azoxystrobin. The percentage of germination changed the classification of pesticides in relation to its selectivity on the fungus. However, the results show that in vitro, the pesticides fenitrothion, carbofuran, glyfosate and azoxystrobin are harmful to isolated CG 891 of M. anisopliae.

RESUMO

Searching for integrated control strategies for the insect-pest Tibraca limbativentris, the in vitro compatibility between isolated CG 891 of Metarhizium anisopliae and several pesticides used in the culture of irrigated rice was evaluated. The followings parameters were studied: vegetative growth, sporulation and the germination viability in pre- and post-contact of the fungus for two concentrations of fipronil, thiametoxan, fenitrothion, carbofuran, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, bentazon, clomazone, glyfosate and quinclorac and one concentration of tricyclazole and azoxystrobin. Significant reductions in the vegetative growth and sporulation of M. anisopliae were observed for fenitrothion, carbofuran and azoxystrobin. The germination in pre-contact was affected by azoxystrobin. The percentage of germination changed the classification of pesticides in relation to its selectivity on the fungus. However, the results show that in vitro, the pesticides fenitrothion, carbofuran, glyfosate and azoxystrobin are harmful to isolated CG 891 of M. anisopliae.

Para subsidiar a utilização de táticas de manejo integrado para o inseto-praga Tibraca limbativentris, avaliou-se a compatibilidade in vitro entre o isolado CG 891 de Metarhizium anisopliae e os agrotóxicos utilizados na cultura do arroz irrigado. Os parâmetros avaliados foram crescimento vegetativo, esporulação e germinação em pré e pós-contato do fungo, com duas doses de fipronil, tiametoxam, fenitrotiona, carbofurano, pirazossulfurom-etílico, bentazona, clomazona, glifosato e quincloraque; e uma dose de triciclazol e azoxistrobina. Reduções significativas no crescimento vegetativo e esporulação de M. anisopliae foram observadas para fenitrotiona, carbofurano e azoxistrobina. Observou-se redução na germinação em pré-contato para o agrotóxico azoxistrobina. O valor percentual da germinação alterou a classificação dos agrotóxicos com relação a sua seletividade sobre o entomopatógeno. No entanto, os resultados mostram que in vitro os agrotóxicos fenitrotiona, carbofurano, glifosato e azoxistrobina são prejudiciais ao isolado CG 891 de M. anisopliae.