Abstract

MEJIA MALDONADO, Cindy et al. Selection and characterization of entomopathogenic fungi against Cerotoma tingomariana. Ctro. Agr. [online]. 2020, vol.47, n.4, pp. 32-41.  Epub Oct 01, 2020. ISSN 0253-5785.

Cerotoma tingomariana (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is one of the major pests that affect soybean crops, which can significantly reduce crop yield. The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), an alternative method of control, has come into the prominence. To contribute in the management of the pest, the objective of this study was to select and characterize an entomopathogenic fungus by high efficacy and tolerance to temperature, pH and UV-B radiation. Ten fungal isolates of the fungus Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp. were tested against C. tingomariana under laboratory conditions. Bv003 and Bv060 isolates were selected with mean values of LC50 were 5.6 x 104 and 5.8 x 10 5 conidia/mL, respectively. Bv003 was 10,4 times more virulent than Bv060. At greenhouse condition, efficacies 54.5 % and 79.5 % were obtained with the application of LC90 to adults of C. tingomariana, respectively. Both isolates had an optimal growth at pH range of 5-7, in contrast, the fungal growth was inhibited at temperatures above 30 °C and by exposure to UV-B radiation above 18,8 minutes. Finally, the isolate Bv003 was selected as a microorganism with the potential to be used as biopesticide for the control of C. tingomariana in soybean crops.

Keywords : Beauveria bassiana; tolerance; virulence; pH; temperature.

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