Efficacy of Commercially Available Entomopathogenic Agents against the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in South Africa
Wilma J. Nel,
Bernard Slippers,
Michael J. Wingfield,
Neriman Yilmaz,
Brett P. Hurley
Affiliations
Wilma J. Nel
Department of Zoology and Entomology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
Bernard Slippers
Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
Michael J. Wingfield
Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
Neriman Yilmaz
Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
Brett P. Hurley
Department of Zoology and Entomology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
The invasive ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea fornicatus, was first reported in South Africa in 2018. The beetle has now spread to eight provinces of the country and has had a devastating impact on both native and non-native tree species. This is especially true for trees located in urban and peri-urban environments. Recent predictions are that the South African E. fornicatus invasion will cost an estimated ZAR 275 billion (approx. USD 16 billion) if it continues to spread uncontrollably, justifying an urgent need for its effective management in the country. One option is biological control, which is preferred over the use of chemicals due to its lower environmental impact. We tested two broad-spectrum fungal entomopathogenic agents, Eco-Bb® and Bio-Insek, which are commercially available in South Africa, for efficacy against E. fornicatus. Initial laboratory assays yielded promising results. However, beetle infestation trials using treated pieces of woody castor bean stems showed little effect on beetle survival and reproduction.
