Identification of some native entomopathogenic fungal species and their pathogenicity against Apple Blossom Beetle, Tropinota (Epicometis) hirta (Poda, 1761) (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae) adults

• Published in: Egyptian journal of biological pest control 2022-08, Vol.32 (1), p.1-8, Article 95
• Main Authors: Uçar, Seher, Atay, Turgut, Yanar, Yusuf
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; Beetles; Biological control; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cetoniidae; Coleoptera; Conidia; Effect; Entomopathogenic fungi; Indigenous species; Insects; Life Sciences; Mortality; Orchards; Pathogenicity; Pathogens; Pests; Tropinota hirta; Virulence; Zoology
• ISSN: 2536-9342; 1110-1768; 2536-9342
• DOI: 10.1186/s41938-022-00594-8

Background Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) have more important role in biological control of the important insect pests. In the present study 15 EPF isolates, selected from the EPF culture collection, were identified using molecular methods and their effectiveness against adults of Apple Blossom Beetle (ABB) [ Tropinota (=  Epicometis ) hirta (Poda, 1761) (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae)] was investigated. To determine virulence of isolates against ABB adults, primarily a single-concentration trial was conducted at 1 × 10 7 conidia ml −1 . Furthermore, concentration-mortality trials were conducted with some isolates that were determined to have a high effect, employing concentrations of 1 × 10 6 , 1 × 10 8 , and 1 × 10 9 conidia ml −1 . For isolates tested in concentration-mortality trials, LT 30 , LT 50 and LT 90 values at a concentration of 1 × 10 8 conidia ml −1 were calculated using probit analysis. Results Molecular diagnostic tests revealed that the 13 isolates were Beauveria bassiana , 1 isolate was Clonostachys rosea , and 1 isolate was Purpureocillium lilacinum . According to the single- concentration trial data, some isolates with high efficacy were selected (GN16, GN22-1, GN29-1, HP3-1 and HP33-1) and concentration-mortality trials were established with these isolates using 1 × 10 6 , 1 × 10 8 and 1 × 10 9 conidia ml −1 concentrations. According to the results of the concentration-mortality trials, all isolates used in 1 × 10 8 and 1 × 10 9 conidia ml −1 concentrations started to show a significant effect from the 11th day, and at the end of the 17th day, the effect in all concentrations was over 90% (except 1 × 10 6 conidia ml −1 concentration of GN22-1). Conclusions According to the data obtained, all isolates used in concentration-mortality trials were effective against ABB adults. With these isolates, more detailed studies should be conducted under orchard conditions.