Mycobiology.  2018 Dec;46(4):440-447. 10.1080/12298093.2018.1538073.

Dual Biocontrol Potential of the Entomopathogenic Fungus, Isaria javanica, for Both Aphids and Plant Fungal Pathogens

• Kang BR
• Han JH
• Kim JJ
• Kim YC

• KMID: 2434573
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1080/12298093.2018.1538073

Abstract

Dual biocontrol of both insects and plant pathogens has been reported for certain fungal entomopathogens, including Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillum spp. In this study, we demonstrate, for the first time, the dual biocontrol potential of two fungal isolates identified by morphological and phylogenetic analyses as Isaria javanica. Both these isolates caused mortality in the greater wax moth, and hence can be considered entomopathogens. Spores of the isolates were also pathogenic to nymphs of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), with an LCâ‚…â‚€ value of 10⁷ spores/mL 4"‰days after inoculation and an LTâ‚…â‚€ of 4.2"‰days with a dose of 10⁸ spores/mL. In vitro antifungal assays also demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of two fungi that are pathogenic to peppers, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Phytophthora capsici. These results indicate that I. javanica isolates could be used as novel biocontrol agents for the simultaneous control of aphids and fungal diseases, such as anthracnose and Phytophthora blight, in an integrated pest management framework for red pepper.

Keyword

Dual biocontrol; green peach aphid; whitefly; red pepper anthracnose

MeSH Terms

Aphids*
Beauveria
Capsicum
Colletotrichum
Fungi*
Hemiptera
In Vitro Techniques
Insects
Mortality
Moths
Nymph
Pest Control
Phytophthora
Plants*
Prunus persica
Spores