Lethal Effects of Two Different Isolates of Entomopathogen Fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) on Myzus persicae

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the effectivity of LD.2016 and M6-4 isolates of entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana on Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In this context, the doses of 106, 107 and 108 conidi.ml-1 for isolates were used. Experiments for each dose and control group were set up to be 50 repeats. The aphids reached the 2nd or 3rd nymph period were dipped in the spore suspension of the entomopathogen for five seconds. To calculate the mortality on the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th days after the application the living individuals were recorded. LT50 values of LD.2016 and M6-4 isolates were 6.19 and 5.5 days, respectively at 108 conidi.ml-1 dose. Based on the obtained data, it is observed that mortality was increased while the doses were raised at the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th days after the application. On the 9th day after application, the percentage mortality values of individuals exposed to 107 conidi.ml-1 doses of LD.2016 and M6-4 isolates were found to be 58% and 70%, respectively. Percentage mortality of individuals exposed to 108 conidi.ml-1 doses of LD.2016 and M6-4 isolates was 98% and 92%, respectively. The highest effects of both isolates were found at the doses of 108 conidi.ml-1. As a result, it is thought that the isolates of entomopathogen B. bassiana, less harmful to humans and the environment, can be used as a biological control agent in the controlling of the pest.

Keywords

• pepper
• biological control
• integrated pest management
• mortality
• aphid