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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #88850
Title: TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCY OF INSECT TO BEAUVARIA BASSIANA.

Author
item Martin, Phyllis
item Schroder, Robert

Submitted to: American Society of Microbiologists Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Beauvaria bassiana is a fungus with broad spectrum insecticidal activity. As a biocontrol agent used against Colorado potato beetle (CPB), this fungus has performed erratically in various field studies. This inconsistent performance has been attributed to formulation problems, UV sensitivity, and humidity. In a multi site test, B. bassiana controlled CPB in both Poland and the Czech Republic, but not in Maryland. Control was measured by reduction in populations of beetles. One of the major differences among these sites was temperature variation. In Poland,the mean temperature ranged from 5C to 23C, and in the Czech Republic the average temperature ranged from 6.7C to 18.7C. In Maryland, temperatures at time of application exceeded 45C at plant level. This led us to examine B. bassiana growth in vitro. While B. bassiana grew in the laboratory from 16-30C,the formulated product did not germinate at temperatures above 27C. Germination and subsequent growth of the fungi are critical factors in the infection and control of CPB. As a consequence of inability to germinate at high temperatures, B. bassiana would not be expected to effectively control pest insects in climates with hot summers. This fungus, however, may be suitable for insect control in early spring or in cool temperature climates.