Pathogenic Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi of the Genus Lecanicillium Against Hemiptera

Abstract

The virulence of the species of the entomopathogenic fungi Lecanicillium psalliotae (strain Vl 78), L. dimorphum (Vl 79) and L. pissodis (ARSEF 8057) against bean aphid Megoura viciae Buckt and greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood has been compared with the virulence of well-studied species L. muscarium (Vl 21, Vl 72), L. lecanii (Vl 5), L. longisporum (Vl 13). Species L. longisporum (Vl 13), L. muscarium (Vl 72), L. psalliotae (Vl 78) had a virulence of more than 80% against bean aphid, other strains showed the virulence less than 60%. All strains except L. longisporum (Vl 13) had a high virulence about 75–100% against the greenhouse whitefly. As appeared, the species L. psalliotae (Vl 78) has the perspectives against the both insect species. Its virulence corresponds to the similar level of mortality caused by the well-studied species L. muscarium.