The Effect of Beauveria Bassiana on Brazilian Poplar Moth Condylorrhiza Vestigialis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

The Effect ofBeauveria Bassianaon Brazilian Poplar MothCondylorrhiza Vestigialis(Lepidoptera: Crambidae)The Brazilian poplar moth is the most important pest of poplar plantations in Brazil. This research evaluated the effect ofBeauveria bassianaBals. (Vuill.) on the mortality and development ofCondylorrhiza vestigialisGuen. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The aim was to develop alternative methods for management of this pest. The pathogens were sprayed on poplar leaves and consequently, the pathogens reached the caterpillars.Bacillus thuringiensisvar.kurstakiBerliner was sprayed as the standard treatment. The spray for the control was distilled water. Both pathogensB. bassianaandB. thuringiensisaffected insect development with increase mortality at each stage of the insect cycle, reaching a satisfactory control level. Microbial control of Brazilian poplar moth withB. bassianais promising. Tests with other strains and species of pathogens, mainly under field conditions, were also encouraging. This is the first report about the action ofB. bassianaagainstC. vestigialis.