Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue seleccionar microorganismos promisorios como agentes de control biológico (ACB). Se visitaron predios florihortícolas ubicados en Buenos Aires, Argentina, de los cuales se obtuvo un total de 41 muestras de suelo. Se utilizaron las técnicas de insecto trampa y diluciones seriadas de suelo para la obtención de aislados de hongos entomopatógenos y hongos del género Trichoderma respectivamente. Se obtu vieron un total de 20 aislados, cinco pertenecientes al género Metarhizium y 15 aislados correspondientes al género Trichoderma. Los aislados fueron liofilizados y depositados como cultivos de referencia en la Colección Micológica del Centro de Estudios Parasi tológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE). Se realizaron estudios de cultivos duales de los aislados recolectados frente a los patógenos Botrytis cinerea Pers. (1797) y Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1884). Se seleccionaron 11 aislados para la realización de estudios de promoción de crecimiento en plantas de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Los aislados de Metarhizium taii Liang y Liu (1991) CEP-722, CEP-723 y de Trichoderma afroharzianum Chaverri, Rocha, Degenkolb y Druzhinina (2015) CEP-753 y CEP-754, identificados molecularmente por medio de la amplificación de las zonas ITS y TEF1α, presentaron los mejores resultados en las pruebas de cultivo dual y promoción de crecimiento. Se espera avanzar en estudios posteriores que evalúen la virulencia de cepas de hongos en insectos.

Abstract This work aimed to select promising microorganisms as biological control agents (BCA). Forty-one soil samples were obtained from florihorticultural farms located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Insect trap techniques and soil serial dilutions were used to obtain isolates of entomopathogenic fungi and fungi of genera Trichoderma, respectively. A total of 20 isolates included five Metarhizium and 15 Trichoderma. The isolates were lyophilized and deposited as reference cultures in the Mycological Collection of the Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE). We performed dual culture studies of the isolates collected against the pathogens Botrytis cinerea Pers. (1797) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1884). Eleven isolates were selected for growth promotion studies in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The isolates of Metarhizium taii Liang & Liu (1991) CEP-722, CEP-723 Trichoderma afroharzianum Chaverri, Rocha, Degenkolb & Druzhinina (2015) CEP-753 and CEP-754, molecularly identified by amplification of the ITS and TEF1α zones, presented the best results in the dual culture and growth promotion tests. Subsequent studies will evaluate virulence of fungal strains in insects.

Resumen Uno de los hongos más usado en el control de plagas, el cual tienen un amplio rango de hospedantes es Beauveria bassiana. Este entomopatógenos se ha adaptado a distintos ambientes y se puede encontrar en varios lugares, por lo que en el presente trabajo se colectaron 60 muestras de suelo en Acatlán de Pérez Figueroa, Oaxaca, por medio de Galleria mellonella utilizado como cebo para su aislamiento, en el año 2020. De este procedimiento se obtuvieron cinco aislados los cuales se evaluaron en larvas de Galleria mellonella a 24, 48, 72, 96, 120,144 y 168 h con el fin de conocer su eficacia en mortalidad y micosis. En la metodología se extrajo el ADN de los hongos y la región ITS del gen 5.8S rRNA fue amplificada por PCR, el producto fue secuenciado y las secuencias fueron comparadas con otras existentes en el centro nacional para la información biotecnológica. El resultado fue un aislado de Beauveria pseudobassiana y cuatro de Beauveria bassiana de los cuales el 11 presentó 100% de mortalidad y micosis a las 96 h a diferencia del aislado comercial y el testigo los cuales necesitaron 72 h adicionales para matar la totalidad de larvas, además de presentar 20% y 60% de micosis respectivamente. El tiempo de 96 h fue significativamente diferente (p≤ 0.05) debido a que en éste murió la mayoría de las larvas y hubo micosis. Identificar hongos entomopatógenos y realizar estudios de su efectividad en larvas facilita el inicio de nuevos experimentos en la investigacion.

Abstract One of the most commonly used fungi in pest control, which has a wide range of hosts, is Beauveria bassiana. This entomopathogen has adapted to different environments and can be found in several places, so in the present work, 60 soil samples were collected in 2020 in Acatlán de Pérez Figueroa, Oaxaca, by means of Galleria mellonella, used as bait for its isolation. Five isolates were obtained from this procedure, which were evaluated in larvae of Galleria mellonella at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h in order to know their efficacy in mortality and mycosis. In the methodology, the DNA of the fungi was extracted and the ITS region of the 5.8S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR, the product was sequenced and the sequences were compared with others existing at the National Center for Biotechnological Information. The result was one isolate of Beauveria pseudobassiana and four of Beauveria bassiana, of which isolate 11 showed 100% mortality and mycosis at 96 h, unlike the commercial isolate and the control, which needed an additional 72 h to kill all larvae, in addition to showing 20% and 60% of mycosis, respectively. The time of 96 h was significantly different (p≤ 0.05) because during this time, most of the larvae died and mycosis occurred. Identifying entomopathogenic fungi and conducting studies of their effectiveness in larvae facilitates the start of new research experiments.

Resumen En el estado de Oaxaca, México, por sus características agroecológicas, se han desarrollado y cultivado más de 24 especies de agave, que han sido aprovechadas de forma integral para la elaboración de mezcal, siendo una actividad de importancia económica. Este cultivo se ve afectado por la incidencia de Strategus aloeus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), insecto que causa daños y pérdidas de importancia económica a plantas de agaves menores de 3 años de edad. Para su control se utilizan insecticidas sistémicos; sin embargo, debido a los hábitos del insecto el control biológico es una alternativa para su manejo. En este trabajo se determinaron las pérdidas y los daños causados por adultos de S. aloeus en Agave potatorum Zucc. y A. angustifolia Haw. a partir de las observaciones en campo. En laboratorio, se evaluaron dos hongos entomopatógenos, Beauveria bassiana y Metarhizium robertsii (antes conocido como M. anisopliae), a una concentración de 1X107 conidios/insecto en emulsiones de aceite vegetal (Persea americana, Ricinus communis y Prunus dulcis) a dos concentraciones de 20 % y 40 %. El daño encontrado para A. potatorum con un tamaño de muestra de 85 plantas evaluadas fue de 79,90 %. Para A. angustifolia, con igual número de plantas, se encontró un 65,86 % de daño. Las pérdidas encontradas en 85 plantas de A. angustifolia con daños grados 4 y 5 fueron de 1 794,9 y 2 227,5 g/planta y para A. potatorum con daños grados 4 y 5 fueron de 1 631,9 y 2 119,7 g/planta. En laboratorio se necesitaron 48 horas para el 100 % de efectividad sobre adultos de S. aloeus con los tratamientos B. bassiana + P. americana al 40 % y B. bassiana + P. dulcis al 40 %.

Abstract Due to its agroecological characteristics, more than 24 species of agave have been developed and cultivated in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, which have been fully exploited for the production of mezcal, an activity of economic importance. This crop is affected by the incidence of Strategus aloeus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), an insect that causes damage and losses of economic importance to agave plants less than 3 years of age, for its control systemic insecticides are used; however, due to the habits of the insect, biological control is an alternative for its management. In this study, losses and damage caused by adults of S. aloeus on Agave potatorum Zucc. and A. angustifolia Haw. were determined from field observations. In the laboratory, two entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii (formerly known as M. anisopliae), were evaluated at a concentration of 1X107 conidia/insect in vegetable oil emulsions (Persea americana, Ricinus communis, and Prunus dulcis) at two concentrations of 20 % and 40 %. The damage found for A. potatorum with a sample size of 85 plants evaluated was 79.90 %. For A. angustifolia, with the same number of plants, 65.86 % damage was found. The losses found in 85 plants of A. angustifolia with damage grades 4 and 5 were 1 794.9 and 2 227.5 g/plant and for A. potatorum with damage grades 4 and 5 were 1 631.9 and 2 119.7 g/plant. In the laboratory, 48 hours were needed for 10 0% effectiveness on S. aloeus adults with the treatments B. bassiana + P. americana 40 % and B. bassiana + P. dulcis 40 %.

Abstract The use of fungi and bacteria with pathogenic capacity towards insects is considered a sustainable agroecological alternative for efficient pest control, as they are microorganisms of easy production in industrial scale, formulation and use. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate four entomopathogenic formulations in the control of Brevicoryne brassicae L., a key pest of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), in a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments, plus an absolute control and 4 replicates. The variables evaluated were the number of dead and live aphids per plant and the number of infested plants. The commercial formulations Biosafe, BesT-K, Metarrizo and Yurak containing strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk), Metarhizium anisopliae and Bauveria bassiana respectively, are the ones that were used by spray application to the crop in two seasons: planting, season August-December 2019 and August-December 2021. Among the results, M. anisopliae was recorded with up to 91.11 % efficiency, followed by B. bassiana with 89.50 % and Bs with 79.38 % in the reduction of populations under field conditions. In the laboratory, Btk and M. anisopliae reached 100 % mortality in a period of seven days, so it is concluded that in the medium term, entomopathogenic fungi in the field are more efficient in aphid control; however, in controlled conditions Btk is also efficient.

Resumen El uso de hongos y bacterias con capacidad patogénica hacia los insectos se considera una alternativa agroecológica sostenible de lucha eficiente contra las plagas por ser microorganismos de fácil producción en escala industrial, formulación y uso; entonces, el objetivo ha sido evaluar cuatro formulados entomopatógenos en el control de Brevicoryne brassicae L, plaga clave de la col (Brassica oleracea L.), en diseño de bloques completos al azar de 4 tratamientos, sumado un testigo absoluto y 4 réplicas, siendo las variables evaluadas la cantidad de pulgones muertos y vivos por planta y cantidad de plantas infestadas. Los formulados comerciales Biosafe, BesT-K, Metarrizo y Yurak que contenían cepas de Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk), Metarhizium anisopliae y Bauveria bassiana, respectivamente, son los que fueron utilizados mediante la aplicación por aspersión al cultivo en dos épocas de siembra, temporada agosto-diciembre 2019 y agosto-diciembre 2021. Entre los resultados se registró al M. anisopliae con hasta 91,11 % de eficiencia, seguida por B. bassiana con 89,50 % y Bs con 79,38 % en la reducción de las poblaciones en condiciones de campo; en laboratorio el Btk y M. anisopliae alcanzaron el 100 % de mortalidad en un lapso de siete días, por lo que se concluye que a mediano plazo los hongos entomopatógenos en campo resultan ser más eficientes en el control del pulgón, sin embargo, en condiciones controladas el Btk también es eficiente.

Resumen Dismiccoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) es una de las plagas de la piña de mayor importancia a nivel mundial, no solo por los daños directos que ocasiona, sino por ser trasmisor del virus marchitez roja de la piña. Los hongos entomopatógenos son una alternativa para el manejo de este insecto. En un experimento preliminar se evaluó la patogenicidad y la virulencia de dos aislamientos de Beauveria bassiana (BbCT, BbCa) y uno de Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma), sobre hembras adultas de D. brevipes. Posteriormente, los aislamientos más virulentos y una cepa comercial de Paecelomyces fumosoroceus (PAE-SIN), fueron evaluados en otro experimento en condiciones de invernadero, solos o en combinación con aceite de soya y aceite de neem. Los aislamientos evaluados presentaron diferente grado de virulencia; sin embargo, B. bassiana resultó ser el más virulento. El aislamiento BbCa a una concentración inicial de 1×107 conidios mL-1 fue más efectivo contra adultos de D. brevipes comparado con el control, causando mortalidad del 66% ± 6% a los 8 días pos inoculación a 26 ± 1°C. BbCa presentó la mayor virulencia con una CL50, de 3.45x107 conidios mL-1 y una CL95 de 2.29x108 conidios mL-1, bajo condiciones controladas. Sin embargo, la eficacia se incrementó para BbCa, cuando se combinó con aceite de neem, al causar el 100 % de mortalidad a los 6 días pos inoculación. En conclusión, la combinación B. bassiana (BbCa) y aceite de neem fue el mejor tratamiento, con una mortalidad de 100% de D. brevipes bajo las condiciones experimentales reportadas en este estudio.

Abstract Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important insect pest of pineapple worldwide due to the direct damage it causes and because it is a vector of mealybug pineapple wilt. Entomopathogenic fungi are an alternative management tool for this pest. A preliminary experiment evaluated the lethal effects of two isolates of Beauveria bassiana (BbCT, BbCa) and one isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) against adult female D. brevipes. Subsequently, the efficacy of the most virulent isolates and a commercial strain of Paecilomyces fumosoroceus (PAE-SIN) were evaluated under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, either alone or in combination with soybean oil or neem oil. Results showed variation amongst isolates and that B. bassiana was the most effective. Isolate BbCa at 1×107 mL-1 conidia, was the most effective against D. brevipes nymphs and adults at 26 ± 1°C, causing 66% ± 6% mortality 8 days after inoculation. BbCa was the most virulent with an LC50 of 3.45x107 mL-1 conidia and a LC95 of 2.29x108 mL-1 conidia, under controlled conditions. Efficacy of BbCa increased when combined with neem oil, causing 100% mortality 6 days after inoculation. In conclusion, a combination of B. bassiana isolate BbCa and neem oil achieved 100% mortality in D. brevipes under the experimental conditions reported in this study.

The indigenous soil-dwelling scale insect, Margarodes prieskaensis, can severely damage and even kill grapevines in the northern grape-growing regions of South Africa. There are no registered means of control, and soil applications of insecticides raise environmental concerns. Using local isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) that are better adapted to local conditions to target female margarodes could add a valuable biocontrol component to an integrated management strategy. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of a local isolate of Metarhizium pinghaense against M. prieskaensis females under field conditions. Dry conidia suspended in water and 0.05% v/v Tween 20, applied as a soil drench, achieved 19.1% and 17.7% infection of margarode females in the Northern Cape and Limpopo, respectively, in 2021. Conidia stored in canola oil, suspended in water and 0.05% v/v Tween 20 and applied as a soil drench achieved infection rates of 38.5% and 62.8%, respectively, at the same sites in 2022. These results confirm the importance of formulating conidia for protection against adverse environmental conditions to improve EPF efficacy in the field. This study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of M. pinghaense against margarode females at the soil surface and confirms the potential of this EPF for the biological control of margarodes.

Resumen Los hongos macroscópicos, dada su extraordinaria diversidad y capacidad de adaptación a diversos sustratos, desempeñan funciones ecológicas cruciales en los ecosistemas. No obstante, su desarrollo está fuertemente condicionado por la interacción de factores ambientales. La comprensión de esos factores y su impacto en la distribución de los hongos es esencial para entender su dinámica ecológica. Con el fin de conocer cómo se distribuyen estos organismos bajo ciertos factores topográficos, se llevó a cabo un análisis de la riqueza de macromicetos en un bosque tropical caducifolio en la costa de Oaxaca, considerando los hábitos eco-nutricionales y el sustrato donde se desarrollan, en respuesta a la altitud, pendiente y orientación del terreno. El estudio consistió en realizar una revisión de una base de datos de campo de 251 muestras biológicas que representan 169 especies de hongos macroscópicos registradas en la Unidad de Manejo Ambiental para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre "Jardín Botánico-Puerto Escondido". La revisión permitió determinar la forma de vida (parásita, mutualista micorrícica, saprobia) y las preferencias de sustrato (lignícola, humícola, terrícola, parásito entomopatógeno) de cada uno de los especímenes. Para conocer las características topográficas de los sitios donde fueron recolectados los ejemplares, se diseñaron mapas de altitud, pendiente y exposición solar en los cuales se posicionaron las coordenadas geográficas registradas en la base de datos de cada una de las muestras de estudio. Los resultados revelan un predominio de la forma de vida saprobia en este bosque tropical caducifolio, con una marcada preferencia por sustratos edáficos. Además, más del 50% de las especies analizadas mostraron una tendencia por coexistir en laderas con pendientes medianas y suaves, orientadas hacia el norte y a altitudes que oscilan entre los 120 y 140 m. El estudio resalta las complejas interacciones entre la diversidad de macromicetos, sus preferencias nutricionales en relación con la altitud, pendiente y orientación del terreno. Se provee información relevante que puede ser utilizada en estrategias de manejo y conservación de recursos, ubicando los sitios con mayor riqueza de especies dentro de la zona de estudio.

Abstract Macrofungi, with their extraordinary diversity and ability to adapt to various substrates, play crucial ecological roles in ecosystems. However, their development is strongly influenced by the interaction of several environmental factors. Understanding these factors and their impact on the distribution of fungi is essential to understand their ecological dynamics. To obtain data how these organisms are distributed under certain topographic factors, an analysis of the species richness of macrofungi was carried out in a tropical deciduous forest on the coast of Oaxaca, taking both the eco-nutritional habits and substrate on which, they develop in response to altitude, slope and terrain orientation. A review was conducted of a field database of 251 biological samples representing 169 species of macrofungi registered in the Environmental Management Unit for the Conservation of Wildlife "Jardín Botánico-Puerto Escondido". The review was used to assigned a life form (parasitic, mutualistic micorrhiza, saprotrophic) and substrate preferences (lignicolous, humicolous, terricolous, entomopathogenic parasite). To understand the topographic characteristics of the collection sites, maps of altitude, slope and solar exposure were designed in which the geographical coordinates recorded in the database for each study sample were plotted. The results reveal a predominance of saprotrophic life form in this tropical deciduous forest, with a marked preference for edaphic substrates. In addition, more than 50% of the species analyzed show a tendency to coexist on moderate to gentle slopes, oriented to the north, and at altitudes ranging from 120 to 140 m. This study highlights the complex interactions between the diversity of macroscopic fungi, their nutritional preferences and their relationship with altitude, slope, and terrain orientation. Relevant information is provided that can be used in resource management and conservation strategies, by identifying sites within the study area with the greatest species richness.

RESUMO Um dos grandes desafios a serem superados é manter e aumentar a produtividade de hortaliças, como o jambu (Acmella oleracea), utilizando processos naturais e organismos vivos que estimulem a produção vegetal, com menos resíduos tóxicos no meio ambiente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o crescimento de plantas de A.oleracea, por meio de respostas biométricas e fisiológicas, após a aplicação dos fungos entomopatogênicos Beauveria bassiana e Metarhizium anisopliae e do promotor de crescimento Trichoderma asperellum, sob sistemas de plantio protegido e não protegido, nas estações chuvosa e seca da Amazônia. Dois ensaios foram conduzidos simultaneamente, em blocos casualizados, em uma área comercial de agricultura periurbana no município de Ananindeua, Pará, Brasil, em canteiros suspensos protegidos e não protegidos. Os isolados fúngicos de M. anisopliae, B. bassiana e T. asperellum promoveram o crescimento em plantações de jambu, em sistemas de plantio protegido e desprotegido, em ambos os ciclos de cultivo. No entanto, M. anisopliae se igualou aos resultados obtidos com o promotor de crescimento T. asperellum e se destacou por favorecer maior desempenho em todas as variáveis de crescimento avaliadas, principalmente no sistema de cultivo protegido e no período chuvoso amazônico. Além disso, as plantas de A. oleracea apresentaram melhor crescimento em todos os tratamentos, em sistema de plantio protegido, nos dois períodos avaliados. Portanto, plantas de A. oleracea tratadas com fungos como M. ansiopliae, B. bassiana e T. asperellum apresentaram maior crescimento, biomassa e trocas gasosas. hortaliças Acmella oleracea, , oleracea) vegetal ambiente Aoleracea A A.oleracea fisiológicas Amazônia simultaneamente casualizados Ananindeua Pará Brasil M B T desprotegido entanto avaliadas amazônico disso tratamentos avaliados Portanto ansiopliae gasosas

ABSTRACT A great challenge to overcome is how to maintain and increase the productivity of vegetables, such as jambu (Acmella oleracea), by using natural processes and living organisms that stimulate plant production and release fewer toxic residues into the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of A. oleracea, based on biometric, and physiological responses, following the application of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae and the growth promoter Trichoderma asperellum, under protected and unprotected planting systems, in the rainy and dry seasons of the Amazon. Two trials were conducted simultaneously, in randomized blocks, in a commercial area of peri-urban agriculture in the municipality of Ananindeua, Pará state, Brazil, in protected and unprotected hanging beds. Metarhizium anisopliae, B. bassiana, and T. asperellum isolates promoted growth in jambu in protected and unprotected plantation systems, in both crop cycles. Of note, M. anisopliae matched the results obtained with the growth promoter T. asperellum and stood out for favoring greater performance in all of the evaluated growth variables, especially in the protected cultivation system and in rainy season. In addition, A. oleracea grew better in all treatments in a protected planting system and in both evaluated periods. Therefore, A. oleracea treated with M. anisopliae, B. bassiana, or T. asperellum presented better growth, produced more biomass, and exhibited superior gas exchange. vegetables Acmella , oleracea) environment biometric responses systems Amazon simultaneously blocks periurban peri urban Ananindeua state Brazil beds B T cycles note M variables season addition periods Therefore biomass exchange

RESUMO O ácaro do coco (Aceria guerreronis - Eriophyidae) ataca os frutos do coqueiro, habita a região meristemática e causa perdas na produção de frutos. A principal medida de controle é por meio de produtos químicos. Sucessivas aplicações podem causar a resistencia dos ácaros, neste sentido, faz-se necessária a busca por alternativas ecológicas que auxiliem em um manejo sustentável, pois consumidores procuram produtos oriundos de técnicas mais saudáveis. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar um isolado fúngico entomopatogênico e avaliar o controle sobre o ácaro A. guerreronis, presente em áreas comerciais no município de Santa Izabel do Pará, Brasil, Amazônia Oriental. A eficiência dos fungos sobre os ácaros, foi testada através de seis tratamentos: água (controle), acaricida químico e fungos dos gêneros Purpureocillium, Metarhizium, Beuaveria e Trichoderma, na concentração de 108 conídios mL-1, e aplicados sobre os cachos. Os resultados demonstraram que houve redução de ácaros nos frutos, sendo os tratamentos à base de B. bassiana e P. lilacinum, os mais eficientes, demonstrando que esses fungos possuem ação acaricida e podem ser uma alternativa economicamente viável e ecológica para o controle de ácaros fitófagos no cultivo de coqueiro na Amazônia. Aceria Eriophyidae químicos sentido fazse faz se sustentável saudáveis Pará Brasil Oriental controle, , (controle) Purpureocillium Metarhizium Trichoderma 10 mL1, mL1 mL 1, 1 mL-1 cachos B P lilacinum eficientes (controle mL-

ABSTRACT The coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis - Eriophyidae) attacks coconut fruits, inhabits the meristematic region, and causes losses in fruit production. Chemicals are the main control measures but successive applications can cause resistance in mites. In this sense, it is necessary to search for ecological alternatives that assist in sustainable management, as consumers seek products grown using more eco-friendly techniques. This study aimed to identify an entomopathogenic fungal isolate and evaluate its ability to control the mite A. guerreronis, which is present in commercial areas in the municipality of Santa Izabel do Pará, Brazil, in the Eastern Amazon. The efficiency of fungi on mites was tested using six treatments: water (control), chemical acaricide, and fungi of the genera Purpureocillium, Metarhizium, Beuaveria, and Trichoderma; the treatments were applied to the bunches at a concentration of 108 conidia mL-1. The results demonstrated a reduction in mites on fruits, with the B. bassiana and P. lilacinum treatments being the most successful. This study demonstrates that these fungi have acaricidal action and may present an economically viable and ecological alternative for controlling phytophagous mites in coconut cultivation in the Amazon. Aceria Eriophyidae fruits region production sense management ecofriendly eco friendly techniques A Pará Brazil Amazon control, , (control) acaricide Purpureocillium Metarhizium Beuaveria Trichoderma 10 mL1. mL1 mL 1. 1 mL-1 B P successful (control mL-

RESUMO Atualmente, os sistemas de cultivo agrícola adotam o manejo integrado de pragas (MIP) como modelo de sucesso para o controle de pragas. O uso de fungos entomopatogênicos tem aumentado no manejo integrado devido ao seu grande potencial em reduzir as populações de pragas agrícolas sem causar danos à saúde humana e aos ecossistemas. Beauveria bassiana e Metarhizium anisopliae são as espécies de fungos mais utilizadas no controle biológico, contando com muitos isolados comercializados no mundo. Helicoverpa armigera é uma praga de importância agrícola, causadora de prejuízos associados a diversas culturas. Assim, esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial virulento de Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae e Metarhizium rileyi no controle biológico dos estágios larvais de H. armigera. Os resultados indicaram que em diferentes concentrações (1 × 107, 1 × 108 e 1 × 109 con.mL-1) e métodos de aplicação (DA ou DF) B. bassiana (cepa ESALQ PL63), M. anisopliae (cepa ESALQ E9) e M. rileyi (cepa UFMS 03) causaram baixa mortalidade e não foram virulentos ao primeiro, terceiro e quinto ínstares de H. armigera. A mortalidade pelo tratamento com B. bassiana (cepa ESALQ PL63) foi confirmada por conidiogênese em todos os cadáveres. Dada a importância de H. armigera como praga agrícola e a biodiversidade de fungos entomopatogênicos no Brasil, novas investigações sobre a virulência de cepas fúngicas são necessárias para aprimorar o manejo integrado de pragas através do controle microbiano, o potencial para novas cepas e o entendimento das relações entre microrganismos e os mecanismos de defesa dos hospedeiros. Atualmente MIP (MIP ecossistemas mundo culturas Assim H ( 107 10 con.mL1 conmL1 conmL con.mL con mL con.mL-1 DA DF B cepa PL63, PL63 PL , M E9 E 03 primeiro cadáveres Brasil microbiano hospedeiros mL1 con.mL- PL6 0

ABSTRACT Currently, agricultural cropping systems have adopted integrated pest management (IPM) as a successful model for pest control. The use of entomopathogenic fungi in IPM has increased because of their great potential for reducing arthropod pest populations without causing harm to human health and ecosystems. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae stand out among the most used fungi in biological control, with many isolates commercialized worldwide. Helicoverpa armigera is an agriculturally important pest in Brazil and worldwide, causing damage to several crops. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biological control potential of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and M. rileyi on H. armigera. The results indicated that the entomopathogenic fungi B. bassiana (strain ESALQ PL63), M. anisopliae (strain ESALQ E9), and M. rileyi (strain UFMS 03), applied using different methods (direct application and dry film) and concentrations (1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 conidia mL-1), resulted in low mortality and no virulence in first-, third-, and fifth-instar larvae of H. armigera. The death of all individuals subjected to treatment with B. bassiana (strain ESALQ PL63) was confirmed by conidiogenesis. Considering the importance of H. armigera as an agricultural pest and the biodiversity of entomopathogenic fungi in Brazil, further investigations on the virulence of fungal strains are necessary to improve the integrated management of lepidopteran pests through microbial control, explore the potential of new strains, and understand the relationships between microorganisms and host defense mechanisms. Currently (IPM ecosystems worldwide crops context M H B strain PL63, PL63 PL , E9, E9 E E9) 03, 03 03) direct film ( 107 108 10 mL1, mL1 mL mL-1) first, first first- third, third third- fifthinstar fifth instar conidiogenesis mechanisms PL6 0 mL-1 mL-

Abstract Fungi are the most important entomopathogens in the natural regulation of insect populations. They have a wide distribution and significant advantages as biological control agents. Prospecting for new native strains of entomopathogenic fungi in the Pampas region has not yet been carried out. The main objectives of this study were isolating and identifying strains of different species of entomopathogenic fungi that naturally infect grasshopper species in the Pampas region and determining, through laboratory tests, their virulence and pathogenicity on nymphs of the pest grasshopper Dichroplus maculipennis. Furthermore, whether the phylogenetic relationships between Beauveria bassiana isolates would be associated with virulence and pathogenicity or geographical distribution. Thirty-four isolates of entomopathogenic fungi were obtained from different grasshopper species corresponding to eleven sites in three counties in the center of Buenos Aires province. There were 31 isolates of B. bassiana and 3 of Metarhizium genus. These isolates scored 66.6% (LPSc 1443) and 100% (LPSc 1441, LPSc 1445, and LPSc 1476) of mortality against third-instar nymphs of D. maculipennis, and these last cause death at 4.86 ± 0.20, 4.80 ± 0.17 and 5 ± 0.15 MST days, respectively. An association between phylogenetic relationships and geographical distances in B. bassiana was found. populations agents out determining tests maculipennis Furthermore Thirtyfour Thirty four province B genus 666 66 6 66.6 1443 100 1441 1445 1476 thirdinstar third instar D 486 4 86 4.8 020 0 20 0.20 480 80 017 17 0.1 015 15 days respectively found 66. 144 10 147 48 8 4. 02 2 0.2 01 1 0. 14

Abstract Musca domestica L. is a cosmopolitan pest usually reaching high population levels, causing substantial economic losses and also acting as a vector for many diseases. The use of entomopathogenic fungi as a replacement of the chemical insecticides is a possibility already studied. In this study, we isolated three strains of Beauveria bassiana from naturally infected M. domestica individuals and tested their potentiality to act as a biological control agent. The finding of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungal infections indicates that these fungi are well-adapted to the local environment and can survive and thrive under natural conditions, making them promising candidates for biological pest management. L levels diseases studied study M agent welladapted well adapted conditions management

RESUMEN Los barrenadores del tallo del género de Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) han sido reconocidos por ser la plaga de mayor impacto en el cultivo de caña de azúcar, en el que causan importantes pérdidas económicas. Para su control, una cepa colombiana de Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill (aislamiento Bv062) que demostró alta virulencia frente a larvas de D. saccharalis (Fabricius), fue utilizada para el desarrollo de un bioinsecticida formulado como un concentrado emulsionable (CE). Con el fin de integrar este bioinsecticida en un esquema de manejo integrado de plagas, es necesario evaluar su compatibilidad con los agroquímicos utilizados comúnmente en el cultivo de caña de azúcar. Para tal fin se evaluó el efecto in vitro de 11 agroquímicos (fungicidas, insecticidas y herbicidas) sobre la germinación y actividad insecticida de conidios formulados. Inicialmente el CE y los agroquímicos fueron ajustados al doble de la concentración recomendada y mezclados en proporción 1:1, se incubaron durante dos horas, y se determinó el porcentaje de germinación. Los conidios expuestos a los agroquímicos fueron también purificados y utilizados para un bioen-sayo frente a larvas de segundo instar de D. saccharalis. El CE resultó ser compatible con los herbicidas e insecticidas evaluados, manteniendo una germinación y eficacia superior al 80%. Por el contrario, el CE fue incompatible con todos los fungicidas evaua-dos. Estos resultados permiten sugerir recomendaciones de aplicación del bioplaguicida a base de B. bassiana Bv062, junto con insecticidas y herbicidas empleados en el cultivo de caña, pero se recomienda no aplicarlo de manera simultánea con fungicidas como el benomil y del grupo de triazoles. Se recomienda validar estos resultados en condiciones de campo.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane stem borers of the genus Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) have been recognized as the pest of the greatest impact on sugarcane crops causing significant economic losses. For its control, a colombian strain of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill (code Bv062) that showed a high virulence against D. saccharalis (Fabricius) larvae was used for a biopesticide development, formulated as emulsifiable concentrate (EC). In order to include the EC into an integrated pest management (IPM) scheme, it is necessary to evaluate its compatibility with the agrochemicals commonly used in sugarcane crops. For this purpose, the in vitro effect of 11 agrochemicals (fungicides, insecticides and herbicides) on the germination and insecticidal activity of Bv062 formulated conidia was evaluated. Initially, the EC and agrochemicals were adjusted to double the recommended concentration and mixed in a 1:1 ratio. The mixes were incubated for two hours, and the germination percentage was calculated. The conidia exposed to the agrochemicals were also purified and used for a bioassay against second instar larvae of D. saccharalis. The EC was compatible with the herbicides and insecticides, maintaining germination and efficacy higher than 80%. In contrast, EC was incompatible with all the fungicides evaluated. These results allow us to suggest recommendations for the application of the biopesticide based on B. bassiana Bv062 with insecticides and herbicides used in sugarcane crops, but it is not recommended to apply it simultaneously with fungicides such as benomyl and the triazole group. It is recommended to validate these results under field conditions.

Resumen Se evaluó la compatibilidad, patogenicidad, eficiencia e interacción de Metarhizium robertsii (antes M. anisopliae) con el insecticida lufenuron para el control de Nezara viridula. Se realizaron dos bioensayos en el laboratorio. En el primero se probó el efecto de dos concentraciones de lufenuron sobre la germinación, unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC), crecimiento vegetativo y producción de conidios de M. robertsii. En el segundo, se determinó la patogenicidad a través de las concentraciones letales CL y los tiempos letales TL de M. robertsii así como su eficacia e interacción asociada a lufenuron, en la mortalidad de N. viridula. Los resultados indican que M. robertsii y lufenuron, en las concentraciones más bajas, son compatibles, sin embargo, altas concentraciones del insecticida pueden reducir la germinación y el número de UFC. Mayores concentraciones de M. robertsii aumentan el porcentaje de mortalidad de las ninfas de N. viridula y disminuyen el tiempo de letalidad. Las interacciones de las combinaciones de M. robertsii y lufenuron son eficientes y tienen efectos aditivos, mostrando su potencial para su uso de forma integrada en el control de ninfas de N. viridula.

Abstract The compatibility, pathogenicity, efficiency, and interaction of Metarhizium robertsii (formerly M. anisopliae) with lufenuron on Nezara viridula control were evaluated. Two bioassays were conducted in the laboratory. The first bioassay tested the effect of two concentrations of lufenuron on germination, colony forming units (CFU), vegetative growth and conidia production of M. robertsii. In the second bioassay, the pathogenicity through lethal concentrations (LC) and lethal time (LT) on M. robertsii as well as their efficiency and interaction associated with lufenuron on the mortality of N. viridula was determined. The results indicate that M. robertsii and lufenuron, in lower concentrations are compatible, however, high concentrations of the insecticide may reduce the germination and CFU number. Higher concentrations of M. robertsii increase the percentage mortality of N. viridula nymphs and reduce the lethal time. The interactions of M. robertsii with lufenuron are efficient with additive effects and show potential for use in integrated management of N. viridula nymphs.

Resumen Las hormigas cortadoras Ysaú (Atta sexdens) son insectos sociales compuestas por una reina, soldados, obreras, jardineras y zánganos, formando un nido bien organizado y de difícil manejo y/o control. En Paraguay, en la última década, se ha convertido en una plaga invasora importante tanto para los cultivos forestales como agrícolas. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue la de identificar los hongos entomopatógenos (HE) en la zona de influencia de nidos, localizados en parcelas silvopastoril comercial de Urochloa brizantha MG-5 y Eucalyptus sp. La metodología para aislar HE fue el uso insectos trampas o cebos a base de hormigas reinas, colectadas e instalada en época de vuelo nupcial de los nidos de hormigas. Se utilizaron muestras de suelo de las parcelas silvopastoril y raíces de gramíneas (U. brizantha). También se aislaron de insectos muertos colectados. Los datos generados sobre la incidencia de insectos micosados se sometieron a análisis de varianza y las medias se sometieron a la prueba de Tukey. La comparación de las poblaciones de hormigas cortadoras de hojas se realizó mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis para muestras independientes, cuyos resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencias significativas entre nidos para la variable hormigas micosados por hongos (H=2,463; p>0,05) y para la variable, muertos por otras causas (H=3,806; p>0,05). Los hongos entomopatógenos identificados fueron Beauveria bassiana y Metarhizium sp. aisladas de hormigas cortadoras de micorrizas obtenidas del área de influencia de nidos en un sistema silvopastoril.

Abstract Ysaú leaf cutter ants (Atta sexdens) are social insects made up of a queen, soldiers, workers, gardeners and drones, forming a well-organized nest that is difficult to manage and/or control. In Paraguay, in the last decade, it has become an important invasive pest for both forestry and agricultural crops. The objective of this research was to identify entomopathogenic fungi (HE) in the area of influence of nests, located in commercial silvopastoral plots of Urochloa brizantha MG-5 and Eucalyptus sp. The methodology to isolate HE was the use of insect traps or baits based on queen ants, collected and installed during the nuptial flight season of the ant nests. Soil samples from the silvopastoral plots and grass roots (U. brizantha) were used. They were also isolated from collected dead insects. The data generated on the incidence of fungal insects were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were subjected to Tukey's test. The comparison of the populations of leaf-cutter ants was carried out using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test for independent samples, whose results showed that there were no significant differences between nests for the fungal ants variable (H=2,463; p>0,05) and for the variable, deceased from other causes (H=3,806; p>0,05). The entomopathogenic fungi identified were Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium sp. isolated from mycorrhizal cutter ants obtained from the area of influence of nests in a silvopastoral system.