The consumption and survival rate of Lilioceris cheni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on air potato leaves exposed to Cordyceps javanica (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae)

Authors

  • Eutychus M. Kariuki University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945-3138, USA
  • Erika E. Lovo University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945-3138, USA
  • Terri Price University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945-3138, USA
  • Vraj Parikh University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945-3138, USA
  • Emily B. Duren University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945-3138, USA
  • Pasco B. Avery University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945-3138, USA
  • Carey R. Minteer University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center, 2199 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945-3138, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3661-7518

Abstract

PFR-97 20% WDG (PFR-97) is a broad-spectrum entomopathogenic fungal biopesticide that contains the active ingredient Cordyceps javanica (Frieder. & Bally) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora (Hypocreales: Cordy‑ cipitaceae). This biopesticide is labelled for controlling aphids, psyllids, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies in various crops, but also can infect certain chrysomelid species. Pest control activities applying PFR-97 in 1 agroecosystem may inadvertently drift and affect biological control agents purposefully released in another ecosystem. Therefore, our goal was to determine if PFR-97 was compatible when applied near Lilioceris cheni Gressitt and Kimoto (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a chrysomelid biological control agent for the invasive air potato. The consumption and survival rates of adult beetles after exposure to PFR-97 were investigated via leaf bioassays. Thirty L. cheni adults were provisioned individually with a Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) leaf sprayed with either a C. javanica suspension at the concentration of 106, 105, 103, or 102 blastospores per mL‑1 or sterile distilled water (control) for 72 h. Untreated leaves were provided every 3 d for an additional 18 d and leaf consumption was determined. Results showed the survival and leaf consumption of the L. cheni adults did not differ among treatments and control. Overall, our study demonstrated that any inadvertent exposure of L. cheni adults to C. javanica via spray drift is unlikely to impact the performance of the adult biological control agents.

Sumario

PFR-97 20% WDG (PFR-97) es un bioplaguicida fungifero entomopatógeno de amplio espectro que contiene el ingrediente activo Cordyceps javanica (Frieder. & Bally) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Este biopesticida está etiquetado para el control de áfidos, psílidos, araña rojas, trips y mosca blancas en varios cultivos, pero también puede infectar a ciertas especies de crisomélidos. Las actividades de control de plagas que aplican PFR-97 en 1 agroecosistema pueden derivar inadvertidamente y afectar a los agentes de control biológico liberados intencionalmente en otro ecosistema. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo fue determinar si PFR-97 era compatible cuando se aplicaba cerca de Lilioceris cheni Gressitt and Kimoto (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), un agente de control biológico de crisomélidos para la papa aérea invasora, Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae). Se investigaron mediante bioensayos en hojas las tasas de consumo y sobrevivencia de escarabajos adul‑ tos después de la exposición a PFR-97. Se suministraron treinta adultos de L. cheni individualmente con una hoja de D. bulbifera rociada con una suspensión de C. javanica a una concentración de 106, 105, 103, or 102 blastosporas por mL‑1 o agua destilada estéril (control) durante 72 h. Se proporcionaron hojas sin tratar cada 3 días durante 18 días adicionales y se determinó el consumo de hojas. Los resultados mostraron que la sobrevivencia y el consumo de hojas de los adultos de L. cheni no difirieron entre los tratamientos y el control. En general, nuestro estudio demostró que es poco probable que cualquier exposición inadvertida de adultos de L. cheni a C. javanica a través de la dispersión del rocío afecte el desempeño de los agentes de control biológico para adultos.

Key Words: air potato leaf beetle; entomopathogenic fungus; biological control; spray drift

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Published

2022-10-07

Issue

Vol. 105, No. 3 (September 2022)

Section

Scientific Notes

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