Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Sidney, Montana » Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory » Pest Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #353879
Research Project: Ecology and Management of Grasshoppers and Other Rangeland and Crop Insects in the Great Plains

Location: Pest Management Research

Title: Toxicity of biopesticide candidate Metarhizium anisopliae var anisopliae S54, neonicotinoid imidacloprid, neem extract (Azatin), and agricultural adjuvant R-11 on the crustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia Richard

Author
item CHEN, XUE DONG - University Of Florida
item JOHNSON, DAN - University Of Lethbridge
item STARK, JOHN - Washington State University Extension Service
item KAWCHUK, LARRY - Agriculture And Agri-Food Canada
item Jaronski, Stefan

Submitted to: Biopesticides International
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2018
Publication Date: 12/1/2018
Citation: Chen, X., Johnson, D., Stark, J., Kawchuk, L., Jaronski, S. 2018. Toxicity of biopesticide candidate Metarhizium anisopliae var anisopliae S54, neonicotinoid imidacloprid, neem extract (Azatin), and agricultural adjuvant R-11 on the crustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia Richard. Biopesticides International. 14(2):71-77.

Interpretive Summary: Sunlight, particularly its ultraviolet component, is a major factor in persistence of mycoinsecticides (fungi used as insecticides), which factor limits their popularity among farmers. In experiments conducted by University of Lethbridge and AAFC researchers in cooperation with ARS, Sidney MT, a series of oil carriers were evaluated for UV protection properties for a Canadian insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, which is being developed by the Canadians for the control of foliage feeding insects. Several oil carriers showed considerable promise for practical UV protection. The research underscores the use of emulsifiable oils for this fungus as well as others already commercialized or under commercial development in the U.S. and Canada.

Technical Abstract: The entomopathogen Metarhizium, including Metarhizium anisopliae var anisopliae S54, has been developed and used as an insect control agent in integrated pest control programs. The efficacy may be reduced by exposure to sunlight. This study determined the effects of formulation components on potential detrimental effects of exposure to natural sunlight on the conidial germination rate of M. anisopliae var anisopliae strain “S54” (isolated in Alberta, Canada; University of Lethbridge) in different oil carriers. Mycelial growth, number of colony forming units (CFU), and the germination rate of conidia of M. anisopliae var anisopliae S54 were assessed after exposure in 11 mixtures, including horticultural oil, mineral oil, safflower oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, Silwet (X577), and Tween 80. When exposed to natural sunlight, the strains mixed with vegetable and mineral oil carriers demonstrated some sunlight intolerance. Exposure to natural sunlight delayed the germination of surviving conidia in all 11 oil formulations but germination was greater after 48 h of incubation than after 24 h. Conclusions: Formulation in oil improves the efficacy of this fungus and may extend the application of species with lipophilic conidia in agricultural environments that have limited natural light. Significance and Impact of the Study: The tested formulations are compatible with this candidate biopesticide agent, and offer some protection from environmental factors that affect germination and growth.