Role of entomopathogenic fungi in the control of Tetranychus evansi and Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), pests of horticultural crops

Abstract

The spider mites Tetranychus urticae Koch and Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard are important pests of horticultural crops. They are infected by entomopathogenic fungi naturally or experimentally. Fungal pathogens known to cause high infection in spider mite populations belong to the order Entomophthorales and include Neozygites spp. Studies are being carried out to develop some of these fungi as mycoacaricides, as stand-alone control measures in an inundative strategy to replace the synthetic acaricides currently in use or as a component of integrated mite management. Although emphasis has been put on inundative releases, entomopathogenic fungi can also be used in classical, conservation and augmentative biological control. Permanent establishment of an exotic agent in a new area of introduction may be possible in the case of spider mites. Conservation biological control can be achieved by identifying strategies to promote any natural enemies already present within crop ecosystems, based on a thorough understanding of their biology, ecology and behaviour. Further research should focus on development of efficient mass production systems, formulation, and delivery systems of fungal pathogens.

Characterisation and evaluation of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin strains for their temperature tolerance

“…The ability of the entomopathogens to adapt to a wide temperature range and survive at high temperatures is a critical factor affecting their success in the field and has been employed as a criterion for the selection of the isolates as biological control agents (Soper and Ward 1981; Maniania et al 2008). Keeping this in mind, it is very essential to screen the entomopathogenic fungi isolated from different sources for their temperature tolerance.…”

“…Keeping this in mind, it is very essential to screen the entomopathogenic fungi isolated from different sources for their temperature tolerance. Entomopathogenic fungi in general, have the optimum radial growth at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C (Ekesi et al 1999; Maniania et al 2008). However, different strains vary in their tolerance to higher temperatures.…”

Effect of fungal infection on reproductive potential and survival time of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

“…As long-term reliance of spider mite control on chemical acaricides has caused resistance and public concerns of residues in agroproducts (Herron et al 1998;Guo et al 1998;Meng et al 2000;Zhao et al 2001;He et al 2003), new solutions have been sought. One of the suggested strategies is microbial control of spider mites by fungal agents (Chandler et al 2000; Van der Geest et al 2000;Maniania et al 2008).…”

Effects of adjuvant and conidial concentration on the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana for the control of the two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae

“…The use of entomopathogenic fungi is being explored (Faria and Wraight 2001;Inglis et al 2001;Irigaray et al 2003;Feng et al 2004;Wekesa et al 2006;Chandler et al 2005;Maniania et al 2008). Among these fungi, Beauveria bassiana [Bb] (Balsamo) Vuillemin is widely distributed in nature (St. Leger et al 1992).…”