Use of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycetes: Moniliales) and Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) to control Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) under laboratory and semi-field conditions

Abstract

Abstract The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the vector of the pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus that causes Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease, the serious threats to citrus industry worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycetes: Moniliales) and Isaria fumosorosea (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) in controlling the adult citrus psyllid of D. citri under laboratory and semi-field conditions. Bioassays were performed by exposing the adults to the EPF at the concentration of (1 × 108 conidia/ml). The results showed that both EPF had the potential to control the adult citrus psyllid, giving 64–74% mortality rate in the laboratory and 61–72% under semi-filed conditions. These results support the use of both EPF as effective biopesticides for integrated management of the Asian citrus psyllid, D. citri.

Keywords

• Diaphorina citri
• Citrus
• Entomopathogenic fungi
• Microbial control