Abstract
The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the gray rot fungus (Botrytis cinerea) are two important factors that cause elevated losses of productivity in vineyards globally. The European grapevine moth is one of the most important pests in vineyards around the world, not only because of its direct damage to crops, but also due to its association with the gray rot fungus; both organisms are highly detrimental to the same crop. Currently, there is no effective, economic, and eco-friendly technique that can be applied for the control of both agents. On the other hand, Metarhizium anisopliae belongs to a diverse group of entomopathogenic fungi of asexual reproduction and global distribution. Several Metarhizium isolates have been discovered causing large epizootics to over 300 insects’ species worldwide. In this study, a simple design was conducted to evaluate the potential of native M. anisopliae isolates as one of biological control agents against L. botrana and as possible growth inhibitors to B. cinerea. Entomopathogenic fungal strains were isolated from arid soils under vine (Vitis vinifera) culture. Results suggest that the three entomopathogenic strains (CEP413, CEP589, and CEP591) were highly efficient in controlling larval and pupal stages of L. botrana, with mortality rates ranging from 81 to 98% (within 4–6 days). Also, growth inhibition over B. cinerea strains resulted in percentages ranged from 47 to 64%. Finally, the compatibility of the entomopathogenic strains, with seven commercial fungicides, was evaluated. The potential of the entomopathogenic fungal strains to act as control agents is discussed.
Highlights
Agriculture is in a continuous search for intensification and expansion due in part to the ever expanding global population (FAO 2009)
Direct damage is caused by larval feeding on the inflorescence or fruits, while an indirect damage occurs when larval feeding wounds are infected with fungi such as Aspergillus, Alternaria, Rhizopus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Botrytis cinerea Pers. (Helotiales: Sclerotiniaceae), all off which affect the quality of both fresh and wine grapes (SENASICA, 2014)
Mortality percentages among control treatments ranged between 2% (L3) and 7% (L2, L5). This is the first time that the susceptibility of larval stages of L. botrana to M. anisopliae has been demonstrated
Summary
Agriculture is in a continuous search for intensification and expansion due in part to the ever expanding global population (FAO 2009). The indiscriminate use of these compounds has had negative consequences on the environment, agricultural workers’ health, crop safety, and the associated growers’ economy and has often led to increased pest problems (Cuthbertson and Murchie 2006). Negative impacts on the environment resulting from unnecessary pesticide applications include reduction of biodiversity along with the potential loss of key species such as bees and biological control agents, water and soil contamination, and even the generation of resistance in some invertebrate pest species (Cuthbertson 2004). (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is one of the most important pests in vineyards around the world. This moth is present in both North and South America and in many parts of Europe (Dagatti and Becerra 2015). The use of fungicides is increasingly discouraged due to problems of environmental pollution associated with high application rates and by the appearance of resistance in certain strains (Benito et al 2000)
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.
