The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, and the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii, are common pests of a number of important greenhouse crops. Several species of entomopathogenic fungi have been shown to be effective against aphids on a variety of greenhouse crops, and commercial formulations based on Verticillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana are being sold in Europe and the U.S., respectively. Identification of additional effective strains, particularly those tolerant of lower humidities, would broaden the arsenal available to growers. In a series of laboratory assays, we assessed the efficacy of isolates of several genera of entomopathogenic Hyphomycete fungi against M. persicae and A. gossypii. Mortality and impact on adult fecundity were measured and compared to that associated with commercially-available formulations of entomopathogenic fungi. Implications for biological control are discussed.
Back to Display Presentations, Subsection Ce. Insect Pathology and Microbial Control
Back to Posters
Back to The 2002 ESA Annual Meeting and Exhibition