Potential for the Use of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana in the Biological Control of Cryptolestes ferrugineus and Acanthoscelides obtectus

Abstract

In this study, the effectiveness of different conidial suspensions of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) on stored product pests Acanthoscelides obtectus (Bean Seed Beetle) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Rusty Grain Beetle) (Coleoptera, Laemophloeidae) was aimed to be determined. For this purpose, suspensions of B. bassiana isolate at concentrations of 106, 107, and 108 conidia/ml were used, with sterile water as a negative control and a recommended Declare (EC 25 g/l) as a positive control. The application was set up in three replicates, with 10 adults in each replicate, and applied using the spraying method. To calculate the percentage of mortality, Petri dishes were regularly checked every 24 hours from the application, and the numbers of live and dead adults were recorded. According to the obtained data, it was determined that B. bassiana isolate was effective against C. ferrugineus at a rate of 80% and against A. obtectus at a rate of 56.67% after 168 hours. Among the applied suspensions, the most effective suspension was recorded at 108 conidia/ml. As a result, the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana (ET 10) isolate used as a biological control agent, is considered a promising biological control agent against the storage pests C. ferrugineus and A. obtectus.