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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #242496
Title: Control of arthropod pests of tropical tree fruit with entomopathogens

Author
item DOLINSKI, CLAUDIA - Universidade Estadual De Santa Cruz
item Lacey, Lawrence

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2011
Publication Date: 11/24/2011
Citation: Dolinski, C., Lacey, L.A. 2011. Control of arthropod pests of tropical tree fruit with entomopathogens. In Microbial Insectides: Principles and Applications (J.F. Borgio, K. Sahayaraj, and I.A. Susurluk). pp 433-472. Nova Science Publishers, Hauppauge, NY.

Interpretive Summary: A multitude of insects and mites attack fruit crops throughout the tropics. The traditional method for controlling most of these pests is the application of broad spectrum chemical pesticides. Growing concern over the negative environmental effects of pesticides has encouraged development of alternatives to broad spectrum chemical pesticides. Insect-specific pathogens have been developed as alternatives to chemical pesticides for control of a wide variety of insect and mite pests of a number of crops including tropical fruit. Scientists at the USDA-ARS Laboratory in Wapato, WA and the Norte Fluminense State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have reviewed the literature on microbial control of tropical and subtropical fruit pests and provide suggestions for inclusion of insect pathogens into integrated pest management of fruit pest insects. This publication will provide information to researchers and growers for development of insect control options that are safe for applicators, the food supply and the environment.

Technical Abstract: A plethora of arthropods attack fruit crops throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. The predominant method for controlling most of these pests is the application of broad-spectrum chemical pesticides. Growing concern over the negative environmental effects has encouraged development of alternative control methods within an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy.. Inundatively and inoculatively applied microbial control agents (virus, bacteria, fungi, and entomopathogenic nematodes) have been developed as alternative control methods of a wide variety of arthropods including tropical fruit pests. These appear to be ready made components for IPM in that they are safe for applicators, natural enemies of pest species and the food supply. The majority of the research and applications in tropical fruit agroecosystems has been conducted in citrus, banana, coconut and oil palms, and mango. Successful microbial control initiatives of citrus pests and mites have been reported. Microbial agents can provide effective control of several key pests of tropical fruit.