Further compatibility tests of the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium with conventional insecticide products for control of sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci on poinsettia plants

The effect on spore germination of the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium following direct exposure for 24 h to the insecticides Majestik, Spray Oil, Agri-50E, Savona and Oberon for the control of both egg and second instar stages of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci , was determined. Exposure to both Agri-50E and Oberon was followed by acceptable spore germination. Infectivity rates of L. muscarium on poinsettia foliage in the presence of dry residues of the insecticides were also investigated. No significant detrimental effects on the levels of control of B. tabaci were recorded compared with fungus applied to residue-free foliage. Sequential application of the chemicals Savona, Spray Oil and Majestik with the fungus all produced mortalities of second instar B. tabaci above 90%. Incorporation of these chemicals with L. muscarium into integrated control programs for B. tabaci is discussed.     

The integrated use of chemical insecticides and the entomopathogenic nematode,Steinernema carpocapsae (Nematoda: Steinernematidae), for the control of sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The integration of chemical insecticides and infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (Wesier) (Nematoda: Steinernematidae), to control second instars of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was investigated. Using a sand bioassay, the effects of direct exposure of S. carpocapsae for 24 h to field rate dilutions of four insecticides (spiromesifen, thiacloprid, imidacloprid and pymetrozine) on infectivity to Galleria mellonella larvae were tested. Although all chemicals tested, except spiromesifen, produced acceptable nematode infectivity rates, they were all significantly less than the water control. The effect of insecticide treatment (dry residues of spiromesifen, thiacloprid and pymetrozine and soil drench of imidacloprid) on the efficacy of the nematode against B. tabaci was also investigated. Nematodes in combination with thiacloprid and spiromesifen gave higher B. tabaci mortality (86.5% and 94.3% respectively) compared to using nematodes alone (75.2%) on tomato plants. There was no significant difference in B. tabaci mortality when using the chemicals imidacloprid, pymetrozine and spiromesifen in conjunction with nematodes compared to using the chemicals alone. However, using thiacloprid in combination with the nematodes produced significantly higher B. tabaci mortality than using the chemical alone. The integration of S. carpocapsae and these chemical agents into current integrated pest management programmes for the control of B. tabaci is discussed.     

Pathogenicity of the Entomopathogenic Fungus, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lecanicillium muscarium</Emphasis>, against the Sweetpotato Whitefly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> under Laboratory and Glasshouse Conditions

The potential for using the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium to control the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci has been established in the laboratory by other studies. Laboratory studies however frequently overestimate the level of control achieved by biological control agents in the glasshouse. Before full-scale commercial or field development is considered, glasshouse trials are required to confirm laboratory results. Under both controlled laboratory and glasshouse conditions high mortality of second instar B. tabaci was recorded after application of L. muscarium. The potential of incorporating L. muscarium into integrated pest management strategies for the control of B. tabaci is discussed.     

The susceptibility of immature stages of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> to the entomopathogenic fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lecanicillium muscarium</Emphasis> on tomato and verbena foliage

Lecanicillium muscarium is a widely occurring entomopathogenic fungus. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of L. muscarium against different instars of Bemisia tabaci on tomato and verbena foliage after two incubation times (3 and 7 days). Significant reduction in B. tabaci numbers were recorded on fungus treated plants (p < 0.001). Second instar B. tabaci proved most susceptible to L. muscarium infection. There was no significant difference in mortality of B. tabaci second instars after either 3 or 7 days exposure to L. muscarium on either host plant. The importance of the speed of pest mortality following treatment and the potential of L. muscarium to be incorporated into an integrated pest management strategy for the biocontrol of B. tabaci on tomato and verbena plants are discussed.     

Effect of fungicides on growth,germination and cuticle-degrading enzyme production by Lecanicillium muscarium

Lecanicillium muscarium Zare and Gams (previously known as Verticillium lecanii) is a well-known pathogen of arthropods. The influence of six fungicides on growth, sporulation, conidial germination and cuticle-degrading enzyme production by L. muscarium was investigated under laboratory conditions. The maximum reduction in vegetative growth, sporulation and conidial germination in relation to the control treatment was observed for propiconazole, whereas mancozeb and chlorothalonil caused the lowest reduction in these parameters. Propiconazole and pyraclostrobin caused higher reduction in enzyme activities (chitinase, Pr1, Pr2 and lipase) at all three concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 µg/ml), whereas low reduction in enzyme activities was caused by chlorothalonil and mancozeb when used at 10 µg/ml. The data presented can be used for future recommendations of these fungicides in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes where L. muscarium is an important control agent.     

Bemisia tabaci: The current situation in the UK and the prospect of developing strategies for eradication using entomopathogens

Abstract The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) remains a serious threat to crops worldwide. The damaging B‐biotype is of specific economic concern because it is an effective vector of over 111 viruses from several families, particularly geminiviruses. Bemisia tabaci is regularly intercepted on plants coming into the UK where it is subjected to a policy of eradication. The UK maintains Protective Zone status against this pest. A main pathway of entry of B. tabaci into the Protected Zone involves propagating material, especially Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). With increased insecticide resistance continuously being recorded, B. tabaci is becoming more difficult to control/eradicate. Recent research involving both entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi is showing much potential for the development of control programs for this pest. Both the nematode Steinernema feltiae and the fungus Lecanicillium muscarium have been shown to be most effective against second instar B. tabaci. Fine‐tuning of the environmental conditions required has also increased their efficacy. The entomopathogens have also shown a high level of compatibility with chemical insecticides, all increasing their potential to be incorporated into control strategies against B. tabaci.     

Susceptibility of the tobacco whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) biotype Q to entomopathogenic fungi

Recently, the Q biotype of tobacco whitefly has been recognized as the most hazardous strain of Bemisia tabaci worldwide because of increased resistance to some insecticide groups requiring alternative strategies for its control. We studied the susceptibility of this biotype of B. tabaci to 21 isolates of Beauveria bassiana, three isolates of Isaria fumosorosea, one isolate of I. cateni, three isolates of Lecanicillium lecanii, one isolate of L. attenuatum, and one isolate of Aschersonia aleyrodis. These isolates were evaluated on pruned eggplant seedlings, at a concentration of 10⁸ conidia/mL (deposited at 6000±586 conidia mm^?2). The mortality based on mycosis varied from 18 to 97% after 6 days. Isaria fumosorosea isolate Pf04, B. bassiana isolates Bb06, Bb12, and L. lecanii L14 were found the most effective. Furthermore, five isolates were chosen for concentration–mortality response assays and compared to B. bassiana GHA as a standard. The numbers of nymphs infected by fungi were correlated with the spore concentration. L. lecanii L14 and I. fumosorosea Pf04 had the shortest LT₅₀ at 3.5 and 3.3 days at 6000±586 conidia mm^?2. Mortality declined and LT₅₀ values were longer as the concentration of conidia was reduced. The LD₅₀ values were calculated as 87, 147, 191, 263, and 269 conidia mm^?2 for isolates L14, GHA, AS1260, Bb13, and Pf04, respectively. These results indicated that the Q biotype of sweetpotato whitefly was susceptible to the five isolates of entomopathogenic fungi and these isolates have potential to be developed as microbial pesticides for whitefly control.     

Effects of temperature and photoperiod upon adult eclosion of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci

A series of experiments were conducted to characterize patterns of eclosion by Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to their adult stage and to determine how these patterns are influenced by certain environmental parameters. Under a constant temperature of 29.5±0.6°C and a photoperiod of 14:10LD, 90% of the adults emerged from their pupal cases between 0600 and 0930 h (with lights on occurring at 0600 h). Few emerged during hours of darkness. The peak time of adult emergence was delayed when temperatures were fluctuated. Under a series of constant temperatures, a significant inverse correlation was found between the time of median emergence (i.e., eclosion of 50% of the total number of adults) and temperature (P<0.001). No emergence was observed at temperatures below 17±0.3°C. Emergence patterns persisted under conditions of continuous light and continuous darkness, suggesting the presence of a circadian system.

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Zusammenfassung Um das Verständnis über den Lebenslauf von Bemisia tabaci zu ergänzen, wurde eine Serie von Experimenten durchgeführt, deren Zweck die Charakterisierung des Ausschlüpfvorgangs in das Endstadium war und die Feststellung, wie dieser Vorgang von gewissen Umweltparametern beeinflusst wird. Bei einer konstanten Temperatur von 29.5±0.6°C und einem Beleuchtungszyklus von 14: 10 LD (Licht/Dunkelheit) schlüpften 90% der Ausgewachsenen zwischen 0600 Uhr and 0930 Uhr (ab 0600 Uhr mit Licht) aus ihren Puppenhüllen aus. Wenig Ausschlüpfen geschah während der unbeleuchteten Stunden. Der Höhepunkt des Ausschlüpfens wurde bei wechselnden Temperaturen verschoben. Bei einer Serie von gleichbleibenden Temperaturen wurde eine bedeutende inverse Korrelation zwischen der medianen Ausschlüpfzeit (d.h. 50% der gesamten Ausgewachsenen schlüpften aus) und der Temperatur festgestellt (P<0.001). Kein Ausschlüpfen wurde beobachtet bei Temperaturen unter 17°C. Das Ausschlüpfschema war gleichbleibend bei dauerndem Licht oder dauernder Dunkelheit, was auf das Vorhandensein eines circadianen Systems hinweist.

     

Joint action of the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea and four chemical insecticides against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci

The strain IfB01 of Isaria fumosorosea (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) is a promising myco-insecticide candidate for control of Bemisia tabaci. Joint action of strain IfB01 and four chemical insecticides [spirotetramat (Spi), acetamiprid (Ace), imidacloprid (Imi) and thiamethoxam (Thi)] against the whitefly B. tabaci was evaluated using the cooperative virulence index (c.f.). Substantial synergistic actions were found in the mixtures of IfB01 conidia with Spi, Imi and Thi 2–4 days after treatment. The greatest synergism was recorded in the mixture of IfB01 (2.5 × 10⁶ conidia/L) and Imi (12.5 mg/L), which had a c.f. value of 184 at day 3 after treatment. Furthermore, the shorter LT₅₀ values recorded in mixtures indicated that effectiveness improved when the conidia were applied with the chemical insecticides. However, no substantial synergisms were recorded with Ace and from day 5 onwards.     

Compatibility of the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana with neem against sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, on eggplant

A study on the compatibility of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) with neem was conducted against sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), on eggplant. Initially, three concentrations of B. bassiana (10⁶, 10⁷, and 10⁸ conidia ml⁻¹) and three concentrations of neem (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0%) were used as individual treatments against B. tabaci . The highest concentration of B. bassiana yielded the highest B. tabaci egg (25.2%) and nymph mortalities (73.0%), but this was not significantly different from the mortalities caused by the 10⁷ conidia ml⁻¹ suspension. Similarly, the highest concentration of neem yielded the highest egg (27.3%) and nymph mortalities (75.5%), which was also not significantly different from the 0.5% suspension. Therefore, 0.5% neem was used along with 10⁷ B. bassiana conidia ml⁻¹ suspension as an integrated pest management program against B. tabaci . The combination of B. bassiana and neem yielded the highest B. tabaci egg (29.5%) and nymph mortalities (97.2%), and the lowest LT₅₀ (2.08 day) value. Moreover, an integrated combination of B. bassiana with neem caused 27.6 and 20.5% more nymphal mortality than individual treatments of B. bassiana and neem, respectively, 7 days post-application. Thus, a combined application of an entomopathogenic fungus and a botanical insecticide may benefit from both, and it has proven effective for the control of B. tabaci on eggplant.     

Morphological characterization and germination of aerial and submerged spores of the entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii

Under solid-state and liquid-state cultivations, the entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii F091 produced different types of spores. The aerial spores (AS) on cooked rice formed clusters on the tips of conidiophores, while the submerged spores (SS) were dispersed in the medium. The aerial spore appeared relatively uniform in size, which was 6.1 ± 0.9 m long, and 2.2 ± 0.3 m wide. The submerged spore varied in shape and size, with a mean length of 5.0 ± 1.0 m and width of 1.9 ± 0.5 m. Under scanning electron microscopy, the AS had a tendency to have rough, brittle surface characteristics; however, the SS appeared smooth on the surface. These spores were compared in two different germination media. On SMAY (Sabouraud maltose, agar, yeast extract, and neopeptone) coated coverslips, the AS did not show germ tubes until 8 h of incubation; while the SS showed many germ tubes. However, over 90% spore germination ratio was reached for both types of spores at 18-h of incubation. In the liquid medium, the SS germinated rapidly and many spores even produced spores on the spores; while the AS germinated, grew, and branched in the submerged culture gradually, and some sporulated on the tips of the short branches, or on the mycelia until 18 h of incubation. Evidently, the germination, growth patterns of aerial or submerged spores differed greatly under the different culture conditions. The virulence of the pathogen in relation to the type of spore of V. lecanii is discussed.     

Relationship between agitation speed and the morphological characteristics of Verticillium lecanii CS-625 during spore production

Verticillium lecanii is recognized as an entomopathogenic fungus, and has high potential in the biological control of pests. In this study, it was investigated that the relationship between agitation speed in a 2.5 L stirred tank reactor (STR) at 25°C and initial pH 5.5, and the morphological characteristics of V. lecanii CS-625, such as hyphal length/width, spore length/width, and the number of tips during spore production. The agitation speed affected the hyphae patterns and the number of tips. The number of spores rapidly increased at 48 to 60 h of cultivation, and the highest spore productivity (2.5 × 10¹⁰ spore/L·h at 60 h) occurred with an agitation speed of 350 rpm and an aeration rate of 1.0 vvm. The number of tips increased in proportion to the increase in spore production during the same culture time. The highest number of tips (4.8 × 10⁸ tipJ.mL) was obtained at 72 h of cultivation. The shortest mean spore length (2.8 μm) was obtained at 60 h of cultivation. Therefore, it was determined that the increased number of tips and decreased mean spore length were closely related to the production of V. lecanii spores.     

Production,formulation and application of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana for insect control: current status

This review summarizes the progress and achievements made in the last decade in mass production formulation and application technology of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Reports published on relevant research from Belgium, Canada, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia (former), France, Germany, Great Britain, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, USA and USSR (former) regarding this topic have been covered. Much of the non‐English language literature, particularly that from Eastern European and Chinese sources, has not been translated and is inaccessible to most English or other western language readers. We have done this translation and through this review provide technological details about mass production of B. bassiana in China. Various aspects of B. bassiana growth, substrate use, production of mycelia, conidiospore and blastospores, process technologies associated with separation, drying and milling, formulation, storage and ‘shelf‐life’, and field efficacy are reviewed. Data are presented on: a modified diphasic production technology developed in China during the 1980s; comparisons between submerged fermentation, which usually produces blastospores, and those producing conidia; the use of mycelial preparations pelletized with alginate or gelatinized with cornstarch or cornstarch‐oil; and data on low or ultra‐low volume sprays of emulsifiable or oil conidial suspensions and dust formulations. B. bassiana has proved to be competitive with chemical insecticides for the annual protection of 0.8–1.3 million hectares against forest and farm insect pests in China. It is hoped that this review will help to bridge the language gap between eastern and western scientists in microbial control using B. bassiana.     

Localized migration and dispersal by the sweet potato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci

Laboratory populations of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, have been shown to consist of both migratory and trivial flying morphs. The behavior of these forms as part of the process of short-range migration was examined under field conditions. Insects were marked in a field of melons using fluorescent dust during two consecutive growing seasons. During the first growing season, passive traps used to collect living whiteflies, were placed along 16 equally spaced transects radiating from the field to a distance of up to 1.0 km. Wind out of the north-east consistently carried migrating whiteflies to traps placed along transects in the south-western quadrant because cold air drainages dictate wind direction during early morning hours in the desert South-west. For this reason, during the second season traps were laid out over fallow ground in a rectangular grid extending 2.7 km to the south-west of the marked field. If dispersal was entirely passive, patterns could be described using a diffusion model. Statistical examination of the data, howèver, demonstrated that the distribution on all days was patchy. Geostatistical techniques were used to describe the observed patchiness. Traps in the immediate vicinity of the marked field caught more whiteflies than the daily median. Large numbers were also collected from near the periphery of the grid. White-flies were far less prevalent in the grid's center. As a result, the distribution of captured whiteflies can be described as bimodal. These patterns confirm behavior observed in the laboratory, i.e., a portion of the population are trivial fliers that do not engage in migration and are consequently captured in traps near the field, and a portion initially respond to cues associated with skylight, ignoring cues provided by the ground, and fly for a period of time before landing in distant traps. During both years movement out of the field had an exaggerated directional component on 13 of 14 days.     

西花蓟马高毒力虫生真菌筛选及其生防应用潜力的研究进展

西花蓟马是一种外来入侵的世界性害虫,对农林业危害巨大。查阅国内外相关文献,综述了当前防治西花蓟马的虫生真菌的种类、高毒力菌株的筛选及防治现状。现已知西花蓟马的寄生病原真菌有5种,包括蜡蚧轮枝菌(半知菌:丝孢目)、球孢白僵菌(半知菌:丝孢目)、金龟子绿僵菌(半知菌:丝孢目)、玫烟色棒束孢(半知菌:束梗孢目)和小孢新接霉。其中,球孢白僵菌、金龟子绿僵菌在西花蓟马的生物防治中应用最广,具有良好的开发应用潜力,部分防效好的虫生真菌已申请专利及实现工厂化生产。     

Effect of host plant on susceptibility of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)

We determined host plant effect on susceptibility of whitefly Bemisia tabaci to the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana under controlled conditions. Insects were reared on cucumber, eggplant, tomato or cabbage. Fungal suspensions of 1×10⁴, 10⁵, 10⁶, 10⁷ and 10⁸ conidia/mL were applied on second-instar nymphs. Nymphal survival significantly differed among different host plant species on which the nymphs were reared. Ten days after inoculation with 1×10⁸ conidia/mL, percent survival was 4.2±0.7, 9.6±0.4, 13.4±0.8, and 24.3±0.9% on cucumber, eggplant, tomato and cabbage, respectively. Average survival times of nymphs were also significantly influenced by host plant species. After inoculation with 1×10⁸ conidia/mL, survival times were 4.8±0.15, 6.0±0.11, 5.7±0.13, and 6.2±0.08 days for nymphs reared on cucumber, eggplant, tomato, and cabbage, respectively. Virulence also differed depending on host plant species; 10 days after inoculation, LC₅₀ values were 4.6×10⁴, 1.6×10⁵, 4.2×10⁵ and 2.1×10⁶ conidia/mL on cucumber, eggplant, tomato and cabbage, respectively. Nymphs on cucumber showed highest susceptibility.     

Influence of commercial fungicides on the germination,growth and virulence of four species of entomopathogenic fungi

The influence of 15 commercially available fungicides on the germination, growth and virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Isaria fumosorosea, and Lecanillium longisporum was evaluated. The influence of the fungicides on conidial germination was dependant on the fungicide type and dose. Most fungicides retarded conidial germination of all the fungi tested at 10× and at the recommended rate of application, however, their toxicity declined at lower concentrations. Most of the fungicides inhibited mycelial growth of B. bassiana, whereas L. longisporum growth was unaffected. Only two and eight fungicides influenced mycelial growth of I. fumosorosea and M. anisopliae, respectively. None of the fungicides influenced the virulence of B. bassiana and L. longisporum, however, tolylfluanid and azoxystrobin reduced the virulence of M. anisopliae and I. fumosorosea, respectively. These studies clearly show that certain fungicides have the potential to inhibit germination of entomopathogenic fungi in vitro but appear to have little or no effect on their virulence against target insects.     

Influence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lecanicillium attenuatum</Emphasis> on the development and reproduction of the cotton aphid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphis gossypii</Emphasis>

The activity of entomopathogens on insect pests has been investigated for many species but the influence of entomopathogenic fungi on factors other than mortality relating to population increase has not been frequently studied. The influence of Lecanicillium attenuatum CS625 (=Verticillium lecanii CS625) on development and reproduction of cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) was investigated. A conidia suspension of the isolate was applied onto first instar nymphs. Increased spore concentration did not significantly affect each nymphal stage, total nymphal period, pre-reproductive period and the age of first larviposition. A significant dose effect on reduction of life span, reproductive period and fecundity was observed in 1st and 3rd instars after spore application. When conidia were applied to 1st instars, life span was significantly reduced to 10.8 and 8.4 days at 1 × 10⁴ and 1 × 10⁸ conidia/ml, respectively from 12.2 days in the control. During the life span, total fecundity was 41 ± 7.3, 26 ± 0.8 and 22 ± 5.7 nymphs per female at 1 × 10⁴, 1 × 10⁶ and 1 × 10⁸ conidia/ml, respectively compared with 51 ± 2.0 nymphs per untreated female. Reproduction period was also significantly shortened with increasing spore concentration. Application of spores to 3rd instars showed a similar trend. However, daily fecundity of individual aphids was not affected by spore dose. It was concluded that the isolate of L. attenuatum is able to affect populations of cotton aphid by reducing life span and total fecundity as well as by killing the aphids directly.     

Microbial control of cotton pests: use of the naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus sp. (BC 639) in the management of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and beneficial insects on transgenic cotton crops

The commercial adoption of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton (Bollgard II®) reduced the use of insecticides to control Helicoverpa spp. However, the ineffectiveness of the Bt toxin against sucking pests such as silverleaf whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) resulted in a marked increase in B. tabaci populations and in the use of insecticides to control this pest. The effect of the entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus sp. BC 639 on B. tabaci and beneficial insects (predominantly predatory insects) was studied in commercial cotton field trials. The results showed that oil-based extracts of the entomopathogenic fungus BC 639 control the number of B. tabaci adults and nymphs in commercial transgenic cotton crops. The BC 639 fungus caused 60.0%, 67.2%, and 68.8% mortality in adults, and 54.6%, 62.3%, and 51.7% in nymphs at 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment, respectively, relative to the unsprayed controls. The effect of BC 639 at concentrations of 125, 250, and 500?ml/ha on low-density B. tabaci (～10 nymphs/leaf) did not differ significantly from that of the commercial insecticide (pyriproxifen). However, at higher densities (>50 nymphs per leaf), low concentrations of BC 639 (125 and 250?ml/ha) were not as effective as 500?ml/ha BC 639 in successfully controlling the pest. A simple graphic analysis suggested that the more B. tabaci nymphs per leaf, the fewer adults per leaf, and that once the number of nymphs increased to ～70 per leaf, a negative feedback regulatory effect reduced the survivorship of the nymphs and adults and/or caused the emigration of the adults from the contaminated leaves in search of new resources. Therefore, the ability of BC 639 to control B. tabaci adults and nymphs with minimal effects on predatory insects indicates its potential utility in supplementing integrated pest management programmes for cotton crops.     

Time-dose-mortality modelling and virulence indices for six strains of Verticillium lecanii against sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

Bioassays of six strains of Verticillium lecanii (Zimmermann) Viégas were conducted with the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. For inoculation, batches of third‐instar whitefly nymphs on sweetpotato seedlings were immersed in conidial suspensions of five dosages at concentrations from 10³ to 10⁷ conidia/ml. Each dosage was used to inoculate 150–250 nymphs. The nymphs were maintained at 25°C, under 95% RH, photo phase of 16 : 8 (L : D) and observed daily for mortality. The resulting data were analysed over 8 days by a complementary log‐log (CLL) time‐dose‐mortality model, based on the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, analysing the time‐dose trends for five concentrations of six strains of V. lecanii simultaneously. The parameters from the model were used to estimate the virulence indices (the values of LC₅₀) of six strains against B. tabaci. Based on the time‐dose‐mortality relationships fitted and the virulence indices, the virulence of the six strains of V. lecanii for B. tabai was compared. Results indicated that the strain Vl6063 imported from Canada and the domestic strains V3450 and Vp28 derived from B. tabaci and a scale insect, respectively, were more virulent than the others with LC₅₀ values of 2.57 × 10⁵, 6.03 × 10⁵ and 6.03 × 10⁵, respectively.