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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #294924
Title: Evaluation of commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungi to manage the redbay ambrosia beetle, vector of Laurel wilt, a lethal disease affecting avocados in Florida

Author
item CARRILLO, D - University Of Florida
item PASCO, A - University Of Florida
item NAVARRETE, J - University Of Florida
item DUNCAN, R - University Of Florida
item Rooney, Alejandro - Alex
item Dunlap, Christopher
item Jackson, Mark
item Behle, Robert
item CAVE, R - University Of Florida
item CRANE, J - University Of Florida
item PENA, J - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2014
Publication Date: 11/13/2014
Citation: Carrillo, D., Pasco, A.B., Navarrete, J., Duncan, R.E., Rooney, A.P., Dunlap, C.A., Jackson, M.A., Behle, R.W., Cave, R., Crane, J., Pena, J.E. 2014. Evaluation of commercial formulations of entomopathogenic fungi to manage the redbay ambrosia beetle, vector of Laurel wilt, a lethal disease affecting avocados in Florida [abstract]. Entomological Society of America. Poster D0352.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB), Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) vectors the fungal pathogen, Raffaelea lauricola, which causes laurel wilt (LW), a lethal disease of trees in the family Lauraceae, including the most commercially important crop in this family, avocado, Persea americana. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of RAB to infection and subsequent death by exposure to four commercial strains of entomopathogenic fungi. RAB females were exposed separately to two strains of Isaria fumosorosea (Ifr3581®) and PFR 97® 20% WDG (PFR), one strain of Metarhizium brunneum (Met F52®), and one strain of Beauveria bassiana (Bb, BotaniGard® ES). RAB females were dipped in fungal spore solutions and their lethal times (LT50) determined. Contact with any of the biopesticides resulted in death of all RAB females within a few days. LT50s of RAB females exposed to the different entomopathogenic fungi ranged from 2.92 days (BotaniGard) to 4.75 days (PFR). BotaniGard and Met F52 killed RAB females faster, followed by Ifr 3581 and PFR. No significant differences were observed in the mortality of beetles that were dipped in fungal spore solutions and then offered avocado logs as substrate, compared to beetles that were allowed to walk on logs previously treated with the different fungi. Beetles were able to bore into the logs and construct galleries but were found dead inside the galleries few days after exposure to the entomopathogens. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi to control RAB infestations under field conditions.