Abstract
Research highlights: The pine-tree lappet moth, Dendrolimus pini, can cause serious needle defoliation on pines with outbreaks occurring over large geographical areas. Under laboratory conditions, the promising potential of the naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana was tested against D. pini larvae as a biological control method. Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the most effective concentration and treatment dose of B. bassiana conidial suspension and how it affected the survival and feeding behavior of the pest. Materials and methods: The first experiment applied the fungal suspension directly on the back of selected larvae, and in the second experiment, sporulating cadavers obtained in the first experiment were placed into Petri dishes with healthy individuals. Different doses per larvae [µL] and spore suspension concentration [spores/µL]) were used. The second experiment was designed to investigate the horizontal transmission of fungi by exposing individual caterpillars to a cadaver covered in B. bassiana mycelia. Mortality rates were analyzed by Chi-squared tests using absolute values for total mortality and B. bassiana- attributed mortality. The lethal time and feeding-disruption speed were analyzed with parametric and non-parametric tests with the aim to determine whether statistically significant differences were observed between treatments. Results: Analysis of lethal time revealed that the 20 µL dose and 7.9 × 104 concentration yielded highest mortality, but also the average dieback rate of 9.4 days was significantly faster compared to all other treatments. In order to see whether insects stopped feeding after infection with B. bassiana, larvae weight loss was examined. Results showed that effective treatments induced change in the feeding behavior of infected larvae. The feeding disruption caused by the 20 µL treatment occurred on average 5.5 days after exposure or 3.9 days before the final dieback of larvae.
Highlights
Pine-tree lappet moth, Dendrolimus pini L. (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae) is considered one of the most important harmful insect species in pine forests in Europe
The second experiment was designed to investigate the horizontal transmission of fungi by exposing individual caterpillars to a cadaver covered in B. bassiana mycelia
In order to see whether insects stopped feeding after infection with B. bassiana, larvae weight loss was examined
Summary
Pine-tree lappet moth, Dendrolimus pini L. (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae) is considered one of the most important harmful insect species in pine forests in Europe. (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae) is considered one of the most important harmful insect species in pine forests in Europe. Western Europe to Middle Asia (China and Asian Russia) and was recorded in North Africa, with the highest activity recorded in Central Europe [1]. This forest pest is spreading to the north and south of the continent due to climate change [2]. Each female moth lays their eggs (150–300 eggs) on pine
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
