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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #148460
Title: THE BENEFICIAL INSECT-KILLING FUNGUS, BEAUVERIA BASSIANA, CAN OVERCOME EFFECTS OF FUNGICIDE SPRAYS

Author
item Shapiro Ilan, David
item Reilly, Charles
item Hotchkiss, Michael - Mike
item Wood, Bruce

Submitted to: Pecan Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/18/2003
Publication Date: 5/15/2003
Citation: Shapiro Ilan, D.I., Reilly, C.C., Hotchkiss, M.W., Wood, B.W. 2003. The beneficial insect-killing fungus, beauveria bassiana, can overcome effects of fungicide sprays. Pecan Grower. 14(4):24-27.

Interpretive Summary: The beneficial fungus Beauveria bassiana can kill many different kinds of harmful insect pests. We are testing this fungus for its ability to control the pecan weevil. It is conceivable that fungicide sprays that are used to suppress harmful fungal diseases of pecan or other crops could impair the effectiveness of the beneficial fungus. Comparison of seven B. bassiana strains indicated some are naturally far more resistant to fungicides than others. Artificial genetic selection resulted in enhanced fungicide resistance in a commecially available strain. We conclude that application of the beneficial fungus (B. Bassiana) can be compatible with fungicide sprays because resistant strains of B. bassiana can be either found naturally or selected for.

Technical Abstract: The beneficial fungus Beauveria bassiana is pathogenic to various insect pest species. We are testing the potential of B. bassiana to control Curculio caryae, the pecan weevil. It is conceivable that fungicide sprays that are used to suppress fungal diseases of pecan or other crops could impair the effectiveness of the beneficial fungus. Comparison of seven B. bassiana strains indicated some are naturally far more resistant to fungicides than others. Artificial genetic selection resulted in enhanced fungicide resistance in a commercially available strain. Repeated fungicide exposure enhanced virulence to pecan weevil larvae in one strain of B. bassiana and did not affect virulence in another strain tested. We conclude that application of B. bassiana can be compatible with fungicide sprays because resistant strains of B. bassiana can be found either naturally or selected for.