ARS | Publication request: USE OF SPRAY OILS WITH ENTOMOPATHOGENS

Submitted to: Spray Oils Beyond 2000: Sustainable Pest and Disease Management
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2002
Publication Date: October 1, 2002
Citation: INGLIS, D.G., JARONSKI, S., WRAIGHT, S.P. USE OF SPRAY OILS WITH ENTOMOPATHOGENS. SPRAY OILS BEYOND 2000: SUSTAINABLE PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT. Beattie, G. A.C. and Watson, D. M., editors. University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, Australia. 2002. p. 302-312.

Interpretive Summary: Microbial agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa) have shown considerable potential for the management of insect pests. Many entomopathogens are applied in oil-based formulations, and much of the research effort to date has focused on the mechanistic attributes of oil formulations (e.g. propagule viability, spray equipment, droplet size, droplet deposition). However, the application of entomopathogens in the field has often given inadequate suppression of pest populations. Relatively limited work has focused on the elucidation of constraints on entomopathogens in the field, and on the development and implementation of strategies to overcome these constraints. We discuss how oil formulations may be used in this context. For example, oil-based formulations have been reported to increase the adhesion of propagules to the insect integument, enhance spread of inoculum over the insect body, enhance penetration of the insect cuticle, protect propagules from ultraviolet radiation, and enhance infection under low humidity. If entomopathogens are going to provide an efficacious alternative to chemical insecticides for managing insect pests, the use of oil-based formulations within a biologically-based framework is vital. This is a major challenge facing researchers.

Technical Abstract: This chapter reviews use of spray oils with entomopathogenic microbes and identifies areas needing further research. If entomopathogens are going to provide an efficacious alternative to chemical insecticides for managing insect pests, the use of oil-based formulations within a biologically-based framework is vital.