Abstract
Fungal virulence is multifaceted and dependent on multiple abiotic factors. The present study represents an investigation of the effect of one such abiotic factor, that of the grain type, on the insecticidal action of three entomopathogenic fungal species, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschinkoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Isaria fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on larvae of the three very common and destructive stored product pests: the khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). To this end, we selected four different grains, i.e., Triticum aestivum L. (Poales: Poaceae), Oryza sativa L. (Poales: Poaceae), Arachis hypogaea L. (Fabales: Fabaceae) and Vicia faba L. (Fabales: Fabaceae). Bioassays were carried out in the lab, where experimental grains were sprayed with 1 mL of conidial suspension (108 conidia/mL) from each isolate. Mean mortality, median survival time and weight loss of seeds were estimated for each species. Our results suggest that the differences in the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi were dependent both on the isolates and the grain. The grain type as a factor is equally important to other abiotic factors.
Highlights
The most common strategy for controlling insect pests in storage facilities is the application of residual or fumigant chemical insecticides [1,2]
Our results suggest that the differences in the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi were dependent both on the isolates and the grain
Entomopathogenic fungi are microorganisms which are ubiquitous in nature and, as such, they are safe for the environment and of low toxicity to mammals [11,12,13]
Summary
The most common strategy for controlling insect pests in storage facilities is the application of residual or fumigant chemical insecticides [1,2]. This has led to the occurrence of many problems such as environmental pollution, various dangers for applicators and consumers and emergence of pest resistance [3,4]. Entomopathogenic fungi are microorganisms which are ubiquitous in nature and, as such, they are safe for the environment and of low toxicity to mammals [11,12,13]. They are able to develop on the cadavers, continuing to release
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