Pathogenicity of three entomopathogenic fungi against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

N. A. Soliman,Sherihan M. Al-amin,Amira E. Mesbah,Ali M.A. Mahmoud,Ahmed M. A. Ibrahim

doi:10.1186/s41938-020-00235-y

Abstract

The use of pesticides against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) as a tool to control the pest has become an obstacle to the fresh agricultural products export to many countries that restrict pesticides residues. The effectiveness of three local strains of entomopathogenic fungi: Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, and Paecilomyces lilacinus against the adult and immature stages of C. capitata was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Obtained results showed that M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were superior in its pathogenicity and potential to kill the pest than P. lilacinus. These results may be important to be used for the control of the pest in IPM program.

Highlights

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the economic horticultural pests in Egypt and Mediterranean basin due to its ability to infest wide range of fruits
Beauveria bassiana and M. anisopliae are highly virulent against the Mediterranean fruit fly and can infect adults, larvae, or pupae via different routes of exposure (Castillo and Moya 2000; Ekesi et al 2002, 2003; Dimbi et al 2003; Konstantopoulou and Mazomenos 2005; Quesada-Moraga et al 2006)
Elaboration of rearing The Mediterranean fruit fly C. capitata was obtained from the rearing laboratory of Horticultural Pest Department, Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt

Summary

Introduction

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the economic horticultural pests in Egypt and Mediterranean basin due to its ability to infest wide range of fruits. Ceratitis capitata attacks more than 300 different hosts and leave negatively economic impact (Papadopoulos et al 2001). Many investigations revealed that EPF have a significant role as biological control agents against different. Soliman et al Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control (2020) 30:49 tephritids (Soliman et al 2014). Beauveria bassiana and M. anisopliae are highly virulent against the Mediterranean fruit fly and can infect adults, larvae, or pupae via different routes of exposure (Castillo and Moya 2000; Ekesi et al 2002, 2003; Dimbi et al 2003; Konstantopoulou and Mazomenos 2005; Quesada-Moraga et al 2006)

Methods

Results

Conclusion