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Title: Comparative efficacy of oil- versus aqueous-based formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana applied against melon aphid, Aphis gossypii

Author
item FILOTAS, MELANIE - ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRI
item SANDERSON, JOHN - CORNELL UNIVERSITY
item Wraight, Stephen

Submitted to: IOBC/WPRS Bulletin (Abstract for Conference Proceedings)
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/9/2008
Publication Date: 8/25/2008
Citation: Filotas, M.J., Sanderson, J.P., Wraight, S.P. 2008. Comparative efficacy of oil- versus aqueous-based formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana applied against melon aphid, Aphis gossypii. IOBC/WPRS Bulletin (Abstract for Conference Proceedings). 32:63-66.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Oils are known to act as highly effective spray stickers and have been claimed to improve efficacy of fungal pathogens under dry conditions. Oil formulation is thus considered one of the most promising technologies for improving efficacy of mycoinsecticide spray applications. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of oil vs. water formulation on the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana conidia applied against Aphis gossypii under relatively dry conditions. In laboratory tests, formulation in emulsifiable oil did not significantly increase virulence of the fungus nor increase its capacity to infect aphids under dry conditions compared to unformulated fungus. Nevertheless, the oil formulation was consistently more effective than a wettable powder. The results support a hypothesis that oils function primarily as spray stickers, improving the efficiency of spray applications.