Endophytic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae , confer control of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in two tomato varieties

摘要: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important pest of tomatoes that reduces yield and fruit quality resulting in losses up to 100%. has developed resistance chemical insecticides, therefore necessitating alternative control measures. entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana Metarhizium anisopliae have been exploited extensively for biological the insect pests economic importance. potential B. (Bals.) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) (BbC1) M. (Metchn.) Sorokin Clavicipitaceae) (M150) persist as endophytic EPF two tomato varieties, Matina Harzfeuer, which spread within host tissues protect plants against larval attack S. was evaluated. Tomato seedlings were inoculated by dipping roots either BbC1 or M150 spore suspensions (108 spores/ ml). qPCR analyses revealed presence both > 65% tested samples. Second-instar larvae introduced onto fungal DNA non-inoculated plants, 14 days after inoculation. Treating with resulted reducing weights slowing development Spodoptera. Larvae fed on M150-treated significantly reduced than those treated Harzfeuer plants. variety conferred enhanced level larvae, further aggravated through dietary stress slow reduce weight. These results may serve production systems integrated management programs.