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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411165
Research Project: IPM Method for Control of Insect Pests and Transmitted Diseases of Orchard Crops

Location: Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research

Title: Persistence of three biopesticides containing entomopathogenic fungi under tree canopy conditions in Florida, USA

Author
item SIRMANS, SKYLAR - University Of Florida
item AVERY, PASCO - University Of Florida
item CICERO, JOSEPH - University Of Florida
item Hunter, Wayne
item CAVE, RONALD - University Of Florida
item CARRILLO, DANIEL - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Biocontrol Science and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/2024
Publication Date: 12/22/2024
Citation: Sirmans, S., Avery, P.B., Cicero, J., Hunter, W.B., Cave, R.D., Carrillo, D. Persistence of three biopesticides containing entomopathogenic fungi under tree canopy conditions in Florida, USA. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 35(2):159–171. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2024.2433534.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2024.2433534

Interpretive Summary: Development and evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi for management of Ambrosia beetle vectors of the disease Laurel Wilt in Avocado. The three commercially available entomopathogenic fungus-based biopesticides contained either Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium brunneum or Beauveria bassiana. Avocado bark plug samples were removed from the cut tree bolts at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment (DAT). The persistence of each was evaluated under laboratory and field conditions for fungi viability. Results indicated that B. bassiana had the greatest average number of Colony Forming Units, CFU, at 21 DAT compared to the two other fungi treatments. The average number of CFU after 21 days from highest to lowest was Beauveria > Metarhizium > Cordyceps. In summary, all of the entomopathogenic fungus-based products persisted for at least 21 days on the bark of avocado bolts. Further analyses is planned to evaluate fungal efficacy under field conditions in avocado groves.

Technical Abstract: This investigation assessed the entomopathogenic fungal spore persistence on avocado tree bolts over time under simulated field conditions. The three commercially available entomopathogenic fungus-based biopesticides contained either Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium brunneum or Beauveria bassiana. Dry bolts previously sprayed with one of the biopesticides, were hung under fruit tree canopies and assessed over time. Avocado bark plug samples were removed from the bolts at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment, DAT to determine the persistence of each. The mean number of colony forming units, CFU, observed per product were compared. Results indicated that B. bassiana had the greatest average number of CFU at 21 DAT compared to the two other fungi treatments. The average number of CFU after 21 days from greatest to lowest was B. bassiana > M. brunneum > C. javanica. All the entomopathogenic fungus-based products persisted for 21 DAT on the bark of avocado bolts. Further evaluations will be tested under field conditions in avocado groves.