Evaluation of the Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus for Microbial Control of the Silverleaf Whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii☆

摘要: Abstract Collaborative research was conducted at the USDA-ARS Subtropical Agricultural Research Center in southern Texas to assess microbial control potential of Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus against Bemisia whiteflies. Laboratory assays demonstrated capacity both pathogens infect argentifolii nymphs on excised hibiscus leaves incubated relative humidities as low 25% 23 ± 2°C (ca. 35% infection by B. P. resulted from applications 0.6–1.4 × 10 3 conidia/mm 2 leaf surface). In small-scale field trials using portable air-assist sprayers, a high rate 5 × 10 13 conidia 180 liters water/ha produced conidial densities ca. 1–2.5 lower surfaces cucurbit leaves. Multiple one isolate four isolates made this 4- 5-day intervals provided >90% large (third- fourth-instar) cucumbers cantaloupe melons. The same applied 7-day also zucchini squash, one-fourth (1.25 × 10 conidia/ha) reduced numbers >85% contrast efficacy fungal nymphs, effects adult whiteflies were minimal. results indicated that have strong for nymphal infesting crops.