Author
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Bruck, Denny |
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Submitted to: Annual Pacific Northwest Insect Management Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 11/24/2004 Publication Date: 1/3/2005 Citation: Bruck, D.J. 2005. Metarhizium anisopliae For Black Vine Weevil Control In Container-Grown Nursery Stock. Annual Pacific Northwest Insect Management Conference. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Studies were conducted beginning the spring of 2004 to evaluate the field persistence and efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus M. anisopliae (Met52', Earth BioSciences, Fairfield, CT) for black vine weevil (BVW) control in container-grown nursery stock. Experiments were performed in cooperation with 7 nursery growers throughout the Willamette Valley. One gallon pots containing a variety of woody ornamentals were incorporated with the low (2.27 × 10E11 spores/yd3) and high (4.54 × 10E11 spores/yd3) recommended rates of Met52. Containers at each nursery were arranged in a completely randomized design with 3 replications, placed in the can yard at each respective nursery, and subjected to normal growing conditions and management practices. A container from each treatment was randomly selected each month from May-October 2004 and returned to the laboratory. At the laboratory, the media from each container was infested with 10 late instar BVW. After two weeks, the numbers of dead larvae in each treatment were determined. The mean level of BVW larval mortality at the low and high recommended rates were 82 and 88%, respectively. This study will continue through the 2005 growing season to determine the long-term persistence and efficacy of M. ansopliae at controlling BVW infestations. |
