The effect ofMetarhizium anisopliae (DAT F-001) concentration and exposure time on the survival of the subterranean pasture pest,Adoryphorus couloni (Col.: Scarabaeidae)

The virulence of the DAT F-001 isolate ofMetarhizium anisopliae forAdoryphorus couloni was tested by exposing final instar larvae (L3) to concentrations of 10¹ to 10⁷ spores/g in a sand-peat mix for up to 112 days at 20°±2°C. All concentrations were pathogenic to L3 larvae and survival was dependent on concentration and correlated with exposure time. The time to kill 50% of the treated larvae (LT₅₀) ranged from 18.9 days (10⁷ spores/g) to 82.7 days (10¹ spores/g). The effect of DAT F-001 on feeding by L3 larvae was determined by comparing the production and weight of frass pellets/larva/day of untreated control larvae with larvae rolled in sporulating cultures ofM. anisopliae DAT F-001 and DAT F-054 (low virulence). Exposure to, and infection byM. anisopliae DAT F-001 had minimal impact on larval feeding. L3 larvae continued to feed at the same rate as both untreated and DAT F-054 treated larvae virtually until they died.

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Résumé La virulence deM. anisopliae DAT F-001 pourA. couloni a été analysée en exposant des larves L3 à des concentrations de 10¹ à 10⁷ spores/g dans un mélange de sable et de tourbe pendant un maximum de 112 jours à une température de 20°±2°C. Toutes les concentrations sont pathogènes pour les larves L3; la survie dépendait de la concentration et est en corrélation avec le temps d'exposition. Les LT₅₀ sont compris entre 18,9 jours (10⁷ spores/g) et 82,7 jours (10¹ spores/g). L'effet de DAT F-001 sur l'alimentation des larves L3 a été évalué en comparant la production et le poids des fèces/larve/jour des larves non-traitées avec des larves roulées dans des cultures sporulées deM. anisopliae DAT F-001 et DAT F-054 (faible virulence). L'exposition àM. anisopliae DAT F-001 suivie de l'infection a peu d'effet sur l'alimentation des larves. Les larves L3 continuent à s'alimenter au même rythme que les larves non-traitées de DAT F-054, quasiment jusqu'à leur mort.

     

The influence of weather and egg contamination on the development of third-stage larvae of Cooperia oncophora on pasture.

The influence of weather and egg contamination on the dynamics of herbage contamination with infective larave of Cooperia oncophora was investigated on artificially contaminated grass plots and in a grazing experiment with 24 first-year grazing calves from May to October 1987 in Lower Saxony, Germany. On the experimental plots the larval translation was highest at the beginning of July and in the second part of September, following high mean weekly temperatures. Between July and September peak recovery of larvae from herbage occurred 4 weeks after contamination. A seasonal pattern of larval translation similar to that on the experimental plots could be demonstrated on the grazed pastures when the number of larvae per m2 of pasture had been adjusted to the previous egg output by means of a contamination index. The resulting 'relative larval density' is regarded as a good indicator for larval development on pasture. From July to September the larval population on pasture resulted mainly from the egg contamination 2-3 weeks earlier. The short persistence of the infective larvae on herbage was probably due to the frequent and heavy rainfall throughout the season, causing a passive washout of larvae into the soil. On single pastures the larval density started to increase within 1 week after the calves had first contact with these fields. The impact of the calves on the distribution of larvae is discussed.     

Potential of a Dried Rice/Mycelium Formulation of Entomopathogenic Fungi to Suppress Subterranean Pests in Small Fruits

The potential of a dried rice/mycelium formulation of three species of entomopathogenic fungi ( Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces farinosus ) was assessed according to five criteria: storage life, field efficacy against two subterranean pests of cranberry, persistence and efficacy against first-instar black vine weevil larvae in potted strawberry and field persistence in a cranberry bog. The number of conidia sporulated from the formulation did not decline between 4 and 20 days. In small plot field trials, the numbers of black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.), were significantly lower in plots treated with 1000 gm - 2 of formulated M. anisopliae than in untreated plots. In similar trials, the numbers of adult cranberry girdler, Chrysoteuchia topiaria (Zeller), inside emergence cages were significantly lower on plots treated with the formulated M. anisopliae than on untreated plots. The formulation suppressed first-instar black vine weevil larvae in potted strawberry regardless of the species of entomopathogenic fungus or the post-inoculation interval. M. anisopliae was periodically isolated for up to 637 days from plots in cranberry bogs treated with the formulation. In general, the dried rice/mycelium formulation may be a useful fungal mycopesticide for the management of subterranean pests of small fruits, especially if applied at high rates to areas of serious pest infestation.     

Field evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes for the biological control of the annual bluegrass weevil,Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in golf course turfgrass

The ability of entomopathogenic nematodes to suppress larval populations of the annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis, was investigated under field conditions over a 3-year period (2006–2008). Combination of nematode species, application rate and timing produced strong numerical yet few statistically significant reductions. Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, S. feltiae Filipjev, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar applied at 2.5×10⁹ IJs/ha reduced first generation late instars between 69 and 94% in at least one field trial. Steinernema feltiae provided a high level of control (94%) to low densities (~20 larvae per 0.09 m²), but gave inadequate control for higher densities (24 and 50% suppression). No significant differences were found among treatment timings. However, applications timed to coincide with the peak of larvae entering the soil (fourth instars) generally performed better than applications made prior to (preemptive) or after the majority of the population advanced from the fourth instar. Nematode populations declined sharply between 0 and 14 days after treatment (DAT). Although nematode populations later increased (at 28 DAT), indicating an ability to recycle within hosts in the environment, they were nearly undetectable 56 DAT when the second generation host larvae were present in the soil. Applying commercially available nematode species at standard field rates cannot reliably reduce L. maculicollis immature densities on golf courses, nor will single applications suppress multiple generations. Future research will need to identify application strategies to improve biocontrol consistency.     

Selection of a Highly Virulent Fungal Isolate,Metarhizium anisopliae Ma TB 101, for Control of Taro Beetle,Papuana uninodis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Fungal isolates (31 Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae , five M. anisopliae var majus , three Beauveria bassiana and four B. brongniartii ) originating from a wide range of geographical locations, insect species and soil types were tested against Papuana uninodis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). In a first test series, spores were applied topically to third-instar larvae and adults. The most effective strain against P. uninodis larvae and adults was Ma TB 101, a M. anisopliae isolate from adult P. woodlarkiana . For adults, strain Ma FI 384, a M. anisopliae from Popillia japonica , was almost equally effective. The 11 most effective isolates (nine M. anisopliae var. anisopliae , one B. brongniartii and one B. bassiana ) with LT values of less than 6 weeks in 50 adults and/or less than 4 weeks in larvae were tested for their efficacy against adults and larvae of P. uninodis by application of spores to soil (107 spores/g). Ma TB 101 was significantly more effective against both adults and larvae (LT ca. 10 days) than all other isolates (LT > 50 50 3 weeks). Two other M. anisopliae strains, Ma F 248 from soil and Ma FI 384 from P.japonica , were more effective than most isolates in adults. The latter three M. anisopliae isolates were tested in a concentration series against third-instar larvae and adults. Mortality was concentration related. Isolates Ma F 248 and Ma FI 384 did not achieve 50% mortality within the test period at concentrations lower than 107 spores/g of soil or feed. For concentrations of Ma TB 101 from 1 107 to 2 105 spores/g the LT ranged from 13 to 30 days in adults and 12 to 24 50 days in third-instar larvae. Accordingly, concentrations causing 50% mortality (LC ) for Ma 50 TB 101 were significantly lower than for the two other M. anisopliae isolates tested.     

Evaluation of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch) Sorok. to target larvae and adults of Capnodis tenebrionis (L.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in soil and fiber band applications

The aim of this work has been to evaluate in the laboratory the potential of entomopathogenic fungi against adults and larvae of Capnodis tenebrionis (L.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) through fiber band application and a potted plant bioassay with soil application, respectively. Our previous findings revealed that Metarhizium anisopliae EAMa 01/58-Su isolate was the most virulent against neonate larvae of the buprestid. In the present work, M. anisopliae EAMa 01/58-Su isolate has been also shown to be highly virulent against adult beetles by immersion in a conidial suspension; thus it was selected to accomplish our objectives. When adult beetles were stimulated to climb 100 x 200 mm non-woven commercial fiber bands impregnated with conidia of M. anisopliae EAMa 01/58-Su isolate, total mortality rates varied from 85.7% to 100.0%; whereas no significant correlation was detected between the time needed to cross the band (mean value 648.7+/-22.4s) and the time of death, with mean average survival time ranging between 10.3 and 16.0 days, compared to 28 days of the controls. Potted seedlings (5-6 months old) of cherry plum (Prunus myrobalana Lois.), a commonly used apricot rootstock, were used to study the efficacy of soil treatment with M. anisopliae EAMa 01/58-Su isolate against neonate C. tenebrionis larvae. The soil inoculation with M. anisopliae EAMa 01/58-Su isolate had a significant effect on the mean number of dead larvae recovered from the roots, with mean mortality ranging from 83.3% to 91.6%; whereas no significant differences were detected between the three fungal doses. In all cases, dead larvae found within roots exhibited external signs of fungal growth. Hence, it may be possible to use M. anisopliae EAMa 01/58-Su isolate in a biocontrol strategy targeting both adults and larvae of C. tenebrionis.     

感染水椰八角铁甲的绿僵菌的分子鉴定及致病力测定

在室内饲养的水椰八角铁甲Octodonta nipae(Maulik)种群中,发现有大量甲虫被病原菌感染致死.对死虫体表的病原真菌进行分离鉴定,并依据ITS序列分析鉴定,确定该病原真菌为金龟子绿僵菌小孢变种(Metarhizium anisopliae var.anisopliae).经室内致病力测定,接种浓度分别为1...     

A new bioassay method reveals pathogenicity of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana against early stages of Capnodis tenebrionis (Coleoptera; Buprestidae)

We used a newly developed bioassay method to demonstrate for the first time the potential of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to be used for the control of neonate larvae of Capnodis tenebrionis, a major threat to stone-fruit orchards in several countries. Four B. bassiana and four M. anisopliae isolates were all pathogenic for neonate larvae of C. tenebrionis; mortality rates 10 days after inoculation by dipping in a suspension with 10(8)conidia/ml varied from 23.5% to 100%. Three of the four M. anisopliae isolates caused 100% mortality. In most cases, postmortem hyphal growth and sporulation of M. anisopliae or B. bassiana was observed covering the larvae in their galleries. The eight isolates were also evaluated for pathogenicity to C. tenebrionis eggs at the same dosage. Only two B. bassiana isolates caused significant egg hatching reduction of 84.5% and 94.5%. Our results indicate that M. anisopliae and B. bassiana may be considered as promising for a new approach to prevent larval infestations by C. tenebrionis.     

昆虫病原线虫对烟苗的保护效果

小地老虎Agrotis ypsilon是危害烟草的重要害虫.为了实现该害虫的绿色防控,本研究测定了小地老虎幼虫对不同食物(小白菜、蕹菜、人工饲料和麸皮)取食的偏好性,评价添加鲜叶类诱食剂时昆虫病原线虫Steinernema carpocapsae All粉剂、S.feltiae SN虫尸剂、绿僵菌Metarhizium anisopliae和化学农药敌杀死(溴氰菊酯)对小地老虎的防控而实现对移栽期烟苗的保护效果.结果表明,尽管不同时间不同食物吸引的小地老虎幼虫数量有差异,但是这些幼虫对鲜叶类蔬菜(小白菜和蕹菜)具有偏好性.当每株烟苗存在2头小地老虎4龄幼虫时,未添加幼虫诱食剂的情况下,昆虫病原线虫粉剂处理后的烟苗死亡率为56.7％,显著低于绿僵菌处理的74.2％、昆虫病原线虫虫尸剂处理70.0％和对照78.3％,但高于敌杀死(溴氰菊酯)处理的烟苗死亡率37.5％;添加诱食剂后,昆虫病原线虫粉剂处理后烟苗的死亡率为40.8％,显著低于绿僵菌62.5％和昆虫病原线虫虫尸剂67.6％处理和对照62.5％,但与敌杀死(溴氰菊酯)处理的烟苗死亡率39.2％,差异不显著.当每株烟苗存在3头小地老虎4龄幼虫时,不论是否添加小地老虎幼虫诱食剂,昆虫病原线虫粉剂处理后的烟苗死亡率显著低于绿僵菌、昆虫病原线虫虫尸剂处理和对照,但与敌杀死(溴氰菊酯)处理的烟苗死亡率差异不显著.同样,添加幼虫诱食剂后,昆虫病原线虫粉剂处理的烟苗死亡率为36.7％,显著低于未加入小地老虎幼虫诱食剂的处理71.7％.因此,烟苗周围存在2头或3头小地老虎4龄幼虫的情况下,S.carpocapsae All线虫粉剂对刚移栽烟苗具有明显保护作用,在烟苗周围添加小地老虎幼虫诱食剂能显著降低烟苗的被危害率,为烟田小地老虎幼虫防控提供了有效的方法.     

Is there a relationship between N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase activity of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin (Hyphomycetes) isolates from peridomestic areas in Central Brazil and larvicidal effect on Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera,Culicidae)?

Abstract:  The larvicidal effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin (Hyphomycetes) isolated in peridomestic areas in Central Brazil was tested in Aedes aegypti (L.) (Dipt., Culicidae), which is worldwide the primary vector for the viruses that cause human dengue and yellow fever. Highest susceptibility of larvae was found after application of suspended ungerminated conidia. However, conidia, which were found on the larval cuticle and in the gut did not germinate in live or dead larvae. Mortality dropped when testing germinating conidia or supernatants, which originated from chitin-amended minimal medium (MM) inoculated conidia and cultures up to 72 h. Paralysis of larval movement was observed a few hours after application, especially of untreated conidia. Isolates showed a high variability of total protein production and N -acetyl- β - d -glucosaminidase activity after 48 and 72 h incubation in MM. No relationship between enzyme levels and insecticidal activity could be detected. The results indicate that toxic compounds emitted by ungerminated conidia on the cuticle or in the gut are involved in the activity of M. anisopliae against A. aegypti larvae.     

Mortality of eggs, larvae and pupae and larval dispersal of the cabbage moth, Mamestra brassicae, in white cabbage in south-eastern Norway

The mortality of eggs, larvae and pupae and larval dispersal of the cabbage moth, Mamestra brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was investigated in a series of small-scale field experiments in white cabbage, Brassicae oleracea var. capitata (L.), and in the laboratory during 1990–1992 in south–eastern Norway. The highest mortality was found in young larvae and in hibernating pupae. In 1990, larval mortality in the first instar was 80% (range 9–97% for the individual cohorts). Most larvae died within the first 1–3 days after hatching. The dispersal activity during these days was high, and failure to establish feeding sites and predation were probably the main mortality causes. Pupal mortality during winter was 90% on average for 1990–1993 (range 81–100%). The main mortality factor was probably unfavourable weather conditions, and indications of cold stress were found. The impact from parasitoids and diseases was generally low. Trichogramma semblidis (Aurivillius) (Trichogrammatidae) was reared from M. brassicae eggs in very low numbers in 1991. Larval parasitism increased from < 1% in 1990 to almost 24% in 1992, and was almost totally caused by the braconids Microplitis mediator (Haliday) and Aleiodes (Aleiodes) sp. Predation of frozen larvae on the soil surface was 75% on average (range 63–96%) during 1990–1992 in first instar larvae and decreased gradually with larval age. The consumption rates of Philonthus atratus (Gravenhorst) (Staphylinidae) and the carabids Bembidion tetracolum (Say), Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger) and Harpalus rufipes (Degeer) on M. brassicae eggs and larvae were investigated in non-choice experiments in the laboratory. A preliminary survival model based on estimates of the mortality factors identified in this study is presented.     

Cover crop and conidia delivery system impacts on soil persistence of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) in sugarbeet

The sugarbeet root maggot, Tetanops myopaeformis (Röder), is a major North American pest of sugarbeet, Beta vulgaris L. Previous research suggests that moderate T. myopaeformis control is possible with the entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sorok. We conducted a three-year (2002–2004) experiment to assess impacts of oat, Avena sativa L. and rye, Secale cereale L., cover crops on persistence of corn grit-based granular or spray formulations of M. anisopliae isolate ATCC 62176 (i.e. MA 1200) applied at 8×10¹² viable conidia/ha in sugarbeet. More colony forming units (CFUs) were detected immediately after application [0 days after treatment (DAT)] in spray plots than granule-treated plots. However, 76–92% declines in CFUs per gram of soil occurred in spray plots within 30 DAT. Substantially (i.e. 83–560%) more rainfall occurred in June 2002 than during June of any other year. Subsequently, 71–670% increases in CFU concentrations occurred by 60 DAT in M. anisopliae granule-treated plots with oat or rye cover crops that year. CFU density increases were higher in cover crops in 2002, but no significant cover crop effects were detected. Conidia persisted for up to 30 DAT in M. anisopliae spray plots and 60 DAT in granule-treated plots in 2002; however, no increases occurred in the years with less June rainfall. Trends suggest that M. anisopliae aqueous sprays result in greater conidia concentrations than granules at sugarbeet plant bases in June during T. myopaeformis oviposition and larval establishment on host plants. Increases are possible when delivering conidia via granules, but high post-application rainfall could be necessary for conidia production.     

Biocontrol agents against the leafminer,Liriomyza trifolii in faba bean fields

Effect of entomopathogenic fungi formulations, Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, in controlling Liriomyza trifolii (Burg.) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), compared with botanical insecticide, Nimbecidine against L. trifolii was studied. Investigated compounds were applied twice at 15?days interval between sprays. The percentage reduction in larvae population and crop yield was estimated. Results showed that M. anisopliae was the most efficient compound among the other entomopathogenic fungi. Also, there were no significant differences between Nimbecidine and Bio-Magic (M. anisopliae). However, Nimbecidine and Bio-Magic caused 69.9 and 68.9% reduction in live larvae population after two applications. Also, Nimbecidine and Bio-Magic plots achieved 14.7 and 10.0?kg dry weight seeds/100 plants, respectively, compared to 5.7?kg dry weight seeds/100 plants in control plots. Nimbecidine and Bio-Magic were considered promising compounds in controlling L. trifolii and it could be exploitation in the integrated pest management programme of faba bean crop.     

感染松墨天牛的金龟子绿僵菌菌株的初步筛选

松墨天牛是松材线虫病的主要媒介昆虫,本文对分离自松墨天牛的6株金龟子绿僵菌,以及从光肩星天牛、大蜡螟、伊藤厚丝角叶蜂和土蝽上分离的各1个菌株,共10个菌株的产孢情况、孢子萌发率进行研究;在此基础上选出金龟子绿僵菌1291、1349和2049三个菌株及球孢白僵菌F-263菌株,采用成虫跗节接种法和幼虫浸渍法进行室内松墨天牛及大蜡螟的毒力测定比较。结果表明,供试绿僵菌菌株对松墨天牛幼虫在接种15天后的感染僵虫率为76.9％～93.1％(1×10⁷孢子/mL);成虫在接种20天后的僵虫率亦达57.9％～75.0％(6.5×10⁵～3.4×10⁶孢子/成虫);2049菌株表现尤其突出;对应的球孢白僵菌F-263对幼虫和成虫的僵虫率分别是96.3％(1×10⁷孢子/mL)和55％(9.7×10⁵孢子/成虫)。但这3个金龟子绿僵菌菌株对大蜡螟的毒力较低,存在较明显的寄主专化性。这3个菌株今后在防治松墨天牛方面具有较大开发应用价值。     

Effect of temperature and poultry litter in Beauveria bassiana (bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch) virulence against the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

This study was carried out to evaluate the influence of temperature and poultry litter on germination vegetative growth virulence and conidial production of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) isolates on larvae and adults of the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) (Panzer). The vegetative growth and conidial production were evaluated on culture media. Virulence was studied submerging larvae and adults in a conidial suspension (1 x 10(8) conidia/ml). All the experiments were carried out in growth chamber (26 degrees C and 32 degrees C and 14h photophase). Fungus-killed insects were daily collected and used for microscopic conidial counts. The poultry litter effect was evaluated by submerging the insects in a fungal suspension (10(8) conidia/ml) and then transferring them to cups containing poultry litter (new and used). B. bassiana isolates were more sensitive than M. anisopliae to high temperature because conidia viability, vegetative growth and virulence were negatively affected (P < 0.05). The conidial production was higher to B. bassiana in 26 degrees C (7 to 11 x 10(8) conidia/larval cadaver and 8 x 10(8) conidia/adult cadaver) (P < 0,05). Larval stage was about 10 times more sensitive to M. anisopliae at 26 degrees C than adults stage. Regarding B. bassiana, differences on sensitivity between larval stages and adults were not observed at this temperature. However, at 32 degrees C, larval stage was more sensitive for CB116 and UEL50 isolates. Mortality was higher when larvae and adults (15.7 and 66.7% respectively) were treated by B. bassiana and maintained on new poultry litter at 26 degrees C) (P < 0.05).     

The cryopreservation of some large ciliate entodiniomorphid protozoa taken from the rumen

M.H.P. FUNGARO, M.L.C. VIEIRA, A.A. PIZZIRANI-KLEINER AND J.L. DE AZEVEDO. 1996. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used in order to analyse the relationships among 13 isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae . Six of them were isolated from Deois flavopicta (Stal) (Hemiptera—Homoptera: Cercopidae) in different regions of Brazil. The other seven were isolated from soil in Paraná State in Southern Brazil. The isolates were grouped by cluster analysis using Dice similarity index. The results show that isolates of M. anisopliae var. anisopliae are extremely diverse (47% similarity) but those isolated from D. flavopicta present only a moderate degree of variation (82% similarity) when compared with the wide diversity (31% similarity) found in the group isolated from soil. These results suggest that M. anisopliae var. anisopliae has developed host specificity.     

Potential of a Dried Mycelium Formulation of an Indigenous Strain of Metarhizium anisopliae Against Subterranean Pests of Cranberry

We demonstrated that a dried mycelium formulation of an indigenous strain of Metarhizium anisopliae has good potential as an effective biopesticide against the black vine weevil (BVW), Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.), and the cranberry girdler (CG), Chrysoteuchia topiaria (Zeller). The formulation was produced at moderate sized batches scales (~ 100g product per batch) using inexpensive and easily obtainable equipment (< US$1000). Levels of conidiation were consistent among production batches and storage intervals with the product remaining viable for long time periods at 4&#176;C, in one case for more than a year. Levels of contamination by yeasts and other benign fungi were also consistent. Fewer BVW and CG were found in small plots treated with the dried mycelium formulation than in untreated plots, but differences were not always significant. A waxmoth ( Galleria mellonella ) bait bioassay demonstrated the formulation remained viable in the soil over long time periods (> 7 months). Percentage of M. anisopliae infected waxmoth larvae was significantly affected by rate.     

Comparison of an Organophosphate Insecticide with a Mycoinsecticide for the Control of Oedaleus senegalensis (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and Other Sahelian Grasshoppers at an Operational Scale

Operational scale field trials were conducted in 1996 and 1997, in the east of the Niger Republic, on 50 and 800 hectare plots, to compare the efficacy of an oil based formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (flavoviride) var. acridum (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) with fenitrothion for the control of Sahelian grasshoppers. The Senegalese Grasshopper Oedaleus senegalensis Krauss was the most abundant species in the trials. M. anisopliae was applied at 5 x 1012 spores ha-1 at volume application rates of 2 and 0.5 l ha-1 in successive years. Fenitrothion was applied at 220 g/ha-1 at 1.25 and 0.22 l ha-1 volume application rates. Ultra low volume equipment mounted on a vehicle (1996) or a fixed wing aircraft (1997) was used for application. The M. anisopliae treatment reduced the grasshopper population significantly after 7 days and by 93% within 16 days. Fenitrothion caused a population reduction of more than 90% shortly after application, but due to immigration, the grasshopper population recovered to the initial level within 16 days. Grasshoppers treated with the fungus and given the opportunity to thermoregulate in the sun died more slowly than grasshoppers incubated in the shade. The survival of spores in the spray residue of the M. anisopliae plots assessed by exposing grasshoppers to the sprayed vegetation at intervals and monitoring disease levels during subsequent laboratory incubation, showed the spray residue to remain highly infective, for three weeks after spraying. At the end of the 1997 season, egg pod density and viability in the plot treated with the fungus was reduced compared with both untreated and the fenitrothion plots. Compared with the existing practice of large-scale treatment of grasshopper infestations with fenitrothion, use of M. anisopliae would not only be safer to mammals and less damaging to non-target organisms, but also be more effective in the long-term control of grasshoppers.     

The capability of the predacious fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora (Hyphomycetales) to reduce numbers of infective larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi (Trichostrongylidae) in cow pats and herbage during the grazing season in Denmark

Artificially prepared cow pats containing Ostertagia ostertagi eggs were deposited on two pasture plots in May, June and July 1986. Half of the cow pats, placed on one plot, were inoculated with 2000 conidia per gram faeces of the predacious fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. On the other plot fungus-free control cow pats were placed at the same time. In the faeces generally fewer infective O. ostertagi larvae developed in the inoculated than in the control cow pats. On the herbage around the control cow pats deposited in May, June and July a maximum concentration of infective larvae was found at the same time on the 6th of August 1986. At that time the herbage larval infectivity around inoculated cow pats deposited in May, June and July was subject to a reduction of 48%, 89% and 46%, respectively, compared with fungus-free control cow pats. This experiment indicates that a concentration of 2000 A. oligospora conidia per gram faeces results in a significant lowering of the herbage larval infectivity during the grazing season in Denmark.     

Assessment of sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on oriental fruit Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Sublethal effects of the insect growth regulator methoxyfenozide were examined in oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck), in laboratory and field studies. In laboratory studies, oriental fruit moth larvae reared on diet amended with 0.1 ppm methoxyfenozide developed at the same rate as larvae reared on untreated diet, and paired moths reared as larvae from the same treated or untreated diets exhibited similar fecundity and fertility. Population growth differences over multiple generations were used to examine sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on population dynamics in the field. Multiple single-tree cages were placed over apple (Malus spp.) trees treated with two applications of methoxyfenozide (70 g [AI] /ha) and nontreated trees. Cages were infested at a single time point with virgin male and female oriental fruit moth adults, and population growth was evaluated by egg counts, shoot infestation, fruit damage, and larval counts over a 12-wk period. Significantly fewer eggs, larvae, and damaged fruit were found on methoxyfenozide-treated compared with nontreated trees in 2001. Observed population differences may have been a result of direct mortality to eggs and larvae of the first generation rather than sublethal effects. In 2002, no differences were observed between treatments, but a heavy rain event shortly after the early infestation impacted the experiment. A late moth release treatment was tested in 2002 to examine the effects of residual methoxyfenozide 55 d after initial application. Significantly fewer eggs were found in the methoxyfenozide treatment compared with the control, but no differences existed among treatments in shoot infestation, percentage of damaged fruit, or larval populations. It was concluded direct mortality of eggs and larvae exposed to methoxyfenozide rather than sublethal effects were most important in reduction of subsequent generations.