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Title: The Entomophaga grylli (Fresenius) Batko species complex (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) infecting grasshoppers in Ilheus (Bahia) Brazil: notes and new records

Author
item SANCHEZ, S. E. - UNIV. ESTAD SANTA CRUZ
item Humber, Richard
item FREITAS, A. - UNIV. ESTAD SANTA CRUZ

Submitted to: Manejo Integrado De Plagas Y Agroecologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2009
Publication Date: 5/1/2011
Citation: Sanchez, S.M., Humber, R.A., Freitas, A.L. 2011. The Entomophaga grylli (Fresenius) Batko species complex (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) infecting grasshoppers in Ilheus (Bahia) Brazil: notes and new records. Manejo Integrado De Plagas Y Agroecologia. 24(2):71-81.

Interpretive Summary: The fungal pathogens affecting grasshoppers in South America have received comparatively little attention despite the importance of these insects as pests throughout many parts of that continent. This study presents results of studies on field collections of a fungus closely related to Entomophaga grylli (a group of closely related species that are among the most important and effective naturally occurring fungal pathogens of grasshoppers and locusts around the world). This study does describe Brazilian outbreaks of Entomophaga from a diverse set of grasshopper species in the heavily agricultural eastern state of Bahia, where these insects can cause major damage to a wide range of crops. The morphologies of these fungi are characterized and illustrated. This report represents the most detailed study of these grasshoppers from any sites in South America.

Technical Abstract: Fungi from the Entomophthoraceae (Zygomycotina; Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) belonging to the Entomophaga grylli species complex have been found in the state of Bahia, Brazil, to affect populations of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) of the species Rhammatocerus brasiliensis Bruner, Rhammatocerus brunneri Giglio Tos, Abracris dilecta Walker, Abracris flavolineata De Geer, and an unidentified species from the subfamily Ommatolampinae (Acrididae). It is impossible to say at this time whether the Brazilian collections represent a known (previously described) taxon or a new and undescribed member of this species complex. These new findings of the E. grylli complex expand the knowledge of the Entomophthorales in Brazil and open opportunites for further studies of these grasshopper pathogens that cause natural epizootics that, on many occasions, have significantly reduced populations of diverse acridids throughout the world.