Morphophysiological characterization of entomopathogenic fungi for the biological control of Oncideres impluviata

Abstract

Biological control is a useful tool for insect pests control due to the many advantages set out and further to reduce the environmental risks caused by chemical control techniques. However, there is a gap in the scientific literature that describes microorganisms' morphophysiology used in this control method, especially in Oncideres impluviata, the main pest insect of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.). Thus, this study aimed to perform morphophysiology characterization of isolates of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae as a potential alternative for the biological control of twig girdler of black wattle. So, five isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (three isolates of Beauveria bassiana and two of Metarhizium anisopliae) were used. Also, mycelial growth, sporulation, staining was evaluated. Additionally, a dimensional characterization of conidia in different culture media (BDA, V8CaCO3, and complete medium) was carried out. Beauveria bassiana isolates showed better mycelial growth in the V8CaCO3 medium and greater sporulation in the complete culture medium; the aerial mycelium presented a white color in all isolates. These results allow producing preliminary information regarding the use of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of the twig girdler of black wattle.

Keywords:
Black acacia annoyant; Beauveria bassiana; Metarhizium anisopliae