Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungal products for biological control of spotted wing drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) under laboratory conditions

Authors

  • Elena M Rhodes Entomology and Nematology Dept. University of Florida
  • Pasco B. Avery Indian Research and Education center, University of Florida
  • Oscar E. Liburd Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida

Keywords:

Drosophila suzukii, spotted wing drosophila, entomopathogenic fungi, blueberries

Abstract

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a major pest of bushberries, caneberries, and other thinskinned fruits around the world. Current control programs rely solely on the use of frequent insecticide applications. Entomopathogenic fungi have shown some efficacy for tephritid fruit flies and D. suzukii. In this study, formulated products BotaniGard ES (Beauveria bassiana), and PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria fumosorosea) were evaluated for efficacy on adult D. suzukii in laboratory fruit-dip studies. Blueberry fruits were dipped in high and low label rates of each fungal suspension before exposure to D. suzukii. Mortality was assessed at 24, 48, 72, and 168 h (1 wk) after D. suzukii release. After 1 wk exposure, the remaining live flies, dead flies, and fruit were removed from containers. The live flies were discarded whereas dead flies were placed in separate containers and checked for mycosis after 1 wk. Fruits were placed in small solo cups with lids and checked after 2 wk for emergence of D. suzukii. The high rate of BotaniGard ES caused significant mortality after 24 h and both rates of BotaniGard ES reduced emergence from fruit compared with the control. BotaniGard ES may be useful in rotation with other effective compounds, but further research under field conditions is needed to confirm this finding.

 

 

Sumario

La mosca drosophila del ala manchada, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, es una plaga importante de arbustos de bayas, cañas de bayas y otras frutas de piel fina por todo el mundo. Los programas de control actuals dependen únicamente del uso de aplicaciones frecuentes de insecticidas. Los hongos entomopatógenos han demostrado cierta eficacia contra las moscas de la fruta tefrítidas y D. suzukii. En este estudio, se evaluaron los productos formulados BotaniGard ES (Beauveria bassiana) y PFR-97 20% WDG (Isaria fumosorosea) para determinar su eficacia contra los adultos de D. suzukii en estudios de inmersión de frutas en el laboratorio. Se sumergió la fruta del arándano en cada suspensión de hongo según la tasa alta y baja indicada en la etiqueta antes de la exposición a D. suzukii. Se evaluó la mortalidad a las 24, 48, 72 y 168 horas (1 semana) después de la liberación de D. suzukii. Después de una semana de exposición, se eliminaron los restos las moscas vivas, moscas muertas y frutas de los contenedores. Se eliminaron las moscas vivas mientras las moscas muertas se colocaron en recipientes separados que fueron revisados para la micosis después de 1 semana. Las frutas se colocaron en tasas pequeñas individuales con tapas que fueron revisadas después de 2 semanas para la emergencia de D. suzukii. La alta tasa de BotaniGard ES causó una mortalidad significative después de 24 horas y ambas tasas de BotaniGard ES redujeron la emergencia de la fruta en comparación con el control. BotaniGard ES puede ser útil en rotación con otros compuestos efectivos, pero se necesita más investigación en condiciones de campo para confirmar este hallazgo.

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Published

2019-04-27

Issue

Vol. 101, No. 3 (September 2018)

Section

Scientific Notes

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