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Title: A NEW METHOD TO EVALUATE THE BIOCONTROL POTENTIAL OF SINGLE SPORE ISOLATES OF FUNGAL ENTOMOPATHOGENS.

Author
item POSADA, FRANCISCO - 1275-21-00
item Vega, Fernando

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/4/2005
Publication Date: 12/6/2005
Citation: Posada, F., Vega, F.E. 2005. A new method to evaluate the biocontrol potential of single spore isolates of fungal entomopathogens.. Journal of Insect Science. 5:37.

Interpretive Summary: A large selection of fungi that are pathogenic to insects are available for biological control programs, but determining which ones are best suited for controlling the insect requires extensive bioassay tests. We have developed a new protocol for narrowing down the number of isolates that should be studied in further detail. This protocol should be useful in future studies aimed at assessing the potential use of fungi that control insects in insect pest management programs.

Technical Abstract: Fifty Beauveria bassiana strains isolated from the coffee berry borer were used to develop a new screening method aimed at selecting strains with the highest biocontrol potential. The screening method is based on spore germination, insect mortality, average survival time, mortality distribution, fungal life cycle duration, and spore production on the insect. Based on these parameters, only 11 strains merit further study. The use of a sound scientific protocol for the selection of promising fungal entomopathogens should lead to more efficient use of time, labor, and financial resources in biological control programs.