Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for the control of aphid pests of field vegetable crops. Four biopesticides based on the EPF Beauveria bassiana (Botanigard ES and Naturalis L), Cordyceps fumosorosea s.l. (Preferal WG), and Akanthomyces dipterigenus (Vertalec) were evaluated in a laboratory bioassay against peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae, cabbage aphid Brevicoryne brassicae, and currant-lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri. There was significant variation in the spore dose provided by the products, with Botanigard ES producing the highest dose (639 viable spores per mm2). Botanigard ES also caused more mortality than the other products. Combining Vertalec with the vegetable oil-based adjuvant Addit had an additive effect on the mortality of B. brassicae. All fungal products reduced the number of progeny produced by M. persicae but there was no effect with B. brassicae or N. ribisnigri. When aphid nymphs were treated with Botanigard ES and Preferal WG, both products reduced population development, with up to 86% reduction occurring for Botanigard ES against M. persicae. In a field experiment, Botanigard ES sprayed twice, at seven-day intervals, against B. brassicae on cabbage plants, reduced aphid numbers by 73%. In a second field experiment with B. brassicae, M. persicae, and N. ribisnigri, Botanigard ES reduced populations of B. brassicae and N. ribisnigri but there was no significant effect on M. persicae.
Highlights
Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are damaging pests of a wide range of horticultural crops [1,2].A combination of parthenogenetic reproduction, high fecundity and a short development time mean that aphid populations can build up rapidly on summer host plants [3]
It is possible that our bioassay system would have required a markedly higher dose to achieve 100% mortality at day six, or it could be that the formulation used in the commercial preparation of B. bassiana GHA enabled aphids to be killed at a lower dose than compared to unformulated spores
We found a statistically significant reduction in the number of nymphs produced by M. persicae adults following entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) treatment, but no reduction was observed for B. brassicae or N. ribisnigri
Summary
Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are damaging pests of a wide range of horticultural crops [1,2].A combination of parthenogenetic reproduction, high fecundity and a short development time mean that aphid populations can build up rapidly on summer host plants [3]. Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are damaging pests of a wide range of horticultural crops [1,2]. But not all, aphid species are vectors of plant pathogenic viruses, which can result in large yield reductions [6,7,8]. This paper concerns three different aphid pests of field vegetable crops. The peach potato aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer, 1776, is a generalist species that causes economic losses on many field-grown horticultural crops including vegetable brassicas and lettuce. It is a vector of over 100 plant viruses including in many important crops [9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
