Laboratory evaluation of Beauveria bassiana as a biological control of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Two commercially available formulations of Beauveria bassiana were applied to Blueberries and Blackberries, after which fertile Drosophila suzukii adults were introduced.  The berries and insects were placed in 32 oz. containers with moisture wicks, and incubated at 100% humidity and at 23° C for 48 hours.  After which live insects were removed, eggs were counted, and berries were incubated in test tubes for 14 days, allowing for eggs to mature into a second generation of adults, which were then counted.  Testing demonstrated that SWD adults exposed to treated berries were significantly more likely to succumb to B. bassiana infection leading to death than untreated controls.