ABSTRACT Aiming to the red mite Oligonychus yothersi control in yerba-mate, the systemic action of an azadirachtin-based product (12 g of azadirachtin.L-1) was evaluated in the laboratory. To assess the activity on oviposition and mortality of the mite (1), three weekly applications of the product in an aqueous solution (30, 48, and 66 mg i.a..L-1) were performed. The applications were carried out in the soil, next to the base of yerba mate seedlings. After seven days of each application, leaves were removed for infestation with 15 adult mite females. To evaluate the activity in the development, survival, and reproduction of the progeny (2), yerba mate seedlings were irrigated with azadirachtin solution of 30 mg i.a..L-1 (recommended concentration). After seven days, leaves were removed and infested with adult females for oviposition and observation of the progeny. Reduction in fecundity (from 23.7 to 44.2%), fertility (27.4 to 48.1%), and an increase in mortality from 14.6 to 47.5% were observed in females fed on azadirachtin-treated plants. Continuous feeding on plants treated with azadirachtin solution significantly reduced oviposition, pre-oviposition period, and longevity of males. In addition, the viability of the egg-adult, and the duration of the egg-adult period increased. The potential of azadirachtin for the control of O. yothersi and its action from the irrigation of yerba mate plants was confirmed.

RESUMO: Visando incrementar a atividade do fungo Beauveria bassiana Unioeste 44 contra adultos da ampola-da-erva-mate (Gyropsylla spegazziniana), avaliou-se a associação do fungo com adjuvantes Aureo® e Assist®, para calda de aplicação. Os bioensaios foram relizados em contato direto e residual sobre insetos. Foram também avaliados in vitro os efeitos sobre alguns parâmetros biológicos do fungo. A associação fungo + adjuvantes resultou em mortalidade de 65 e 75%, sem diferença entre eles, porém, significativamente maior que a obtida com o fungo isoladamente. A mortalidade no contato residual foi menor, mas também houve vantagem na associação com adjuvantes, principalmente Assist® (48%), em relação ao Áureo® (16%). A conidiogênese nos cadáveres não foi afetada pelos adjuvantes no tratamento de contato direto. Contudo, houve incremento na conidiogênese no tratamento de associação com Assist® no contato residual. Apesar de afetarem a germinação e o crescimento do fungo, os adjuvantes foram considerados compatíveis com o fungo. Além da eficiência da associação, ambos adjuvantes não causaram fitotoxidade para a erva-mate, representando vantagens do seu uso no manejo da ampola.

ABSTRACT: Aiming to increase the activity of the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Unioeste 44) against adults of Gyropsylla spegazziniana, the combination of the fungus with adjuvants Aureo® and Assist® was evaluated for application. The bioassays were carried out in direct and residual contact with insects on yerba mate seedlings. The effects on some biological parameters of the fungus were also evaluated in vitro. The combination of the fungus and the adjuvants in direct contact resulted in mortality rates of 65 and 75% (Aureo® and Assist®, respectively), with no difference between them; however, the mortality rate was greater than that obtained with the fungus alone (47 %) (P < 0.05). Mortality from residual contact was lower, but the association with adjuvant Assist® (48%) compared to Aureo® (16%) was still advantageous. Conidiogenesis in cadavers was not affected by adjuvants in the treatment by direct contact. However, in residual contact, conidiogenesis increased with the Assist® addition. Despite affecting the germination and growth of the fungus, the adjuvants were considered compatible. In addition to the efficiency of their combination, neither adjuvant caused phytotoxicity to yerba mate seedlings, representing advantages of its use in G. spegazziniana population management.

ABSTRACT The lesser mealworm (LMW) is the most important pest in poultry production. Insects are associated to avian pathogens, mainly Salmonella. Its control is based on chemical insecticide, with limited efficacy in population reduction. Also, insect populations are resistant to the main active ingredients used. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a mineral dust that has activity against the LMW when used in dust application. No information is available about DE liquid preparation against this insect. Thus, bioassays were conducted aiming to develop a strategy for DE liquid preparation to this insect control. In laboratory the ideal concentration for poultry house experiment was estimated and the effect of insect contact with poultry litter or chicken feed after application was checked. In the poultry house, DE liquid preparation (10% in water, 1 L·m–2) was applied on the dirt soil of a cleaned and empty poultry house. In the control poultry house, a chemical insecticide was used (cypermethrin 15 g + chlorpyriphos 25 g + piperonyl butoxide 15 g) (1 L·m–2). DE at all concentrations was efficient mainly when insects were dried for 24 h before contact with a substrate. In poultry house, both treatments obtained similar results at 15 days after treatment (94% of reduction of insect population). At 45 days after treatment, the insect population with DE treatment increased 39% while the insect population remained 17% smaller than the initial population with a chemical insecticide. DE liquid preparation has potential to be used as a safe treatment in LMW population management, as a shock treatment.

Abstract This paper describes a methodology to evaluate Alphitobius diaperinus (Darkling beetle) population in order to estimate the effectiveness of control methods, consisting of direct sample collections from the poultry litter in 18 points, counting of adults and larvae, and subsequent comparison of the values obtained before and after of control strategies. It allows estimating the total population, population in a known area, as well to analyze the variations in different points all over the aviary. The method has shown to be very versatile, being indicated for population studies and efficacy evaluations, once it has already been validated in different experimental conditions.

ABSTRACT Gyropsylla spegazziniana is one of the most important pest of yerba mate by sap-sucking that lead to leaves deformation and there are no insecticides registered for its control. The present study describes a new technique to be used in bioassays with the insect. Galls were collected from infested yerba mate plants. In the laboratory, the galls were partially opened and distributed in plastic containers. The emerged adults were transferred to plastic containers with the perforated bottom and a central opening in the lid, and subjected to spraying. After that, insects were transferred to yerba mate seedlings in plastic cages and maintained in laboratory to daily assessment. The use of a lid with central opening prevented the insects escaping, and avoiding the previous anesthetic to spraying. The mortality was less than 10% after 10 days. The technique was considered adequate for maintenance and performance of laboratory bioassays.

RESUMO: Terra de diatomáceas (TD) é um pó inerte proveniente da moagem de rochas de depósitos de algas diatomáceas fossilizadas rico em dióxido de sílica. Apresenta-se como um pó fino e altamente higroscópico e é recomendado para uso em aviários de frango de corte como condicionador ambiental, com ação secundária na redução populacional do cascudinho (Alphitobius diaperinus). Este estudo visou avaliar, em laboratório, a atividade inseticida de um novo produto comercializado no Brasil como condicionador ambiental de aviários (Poultry Sec®, Vet Science Bio Solution, Maringá, Paraná, Brasil), bem como caracterizá-lo. O experimento foi conduzido adicionando-se o produto na ração de frango (1, 2 and 3 g TD/kg ração), e também com a aplicação dele na cama de aviário (86 e 172 g TD/m2). Os insetos adultos foram mantidos nos recipientes com as misturas em 26°C no escuro por 10 dias. Amostras do produto foram também analisadas em microscópio óptico visando à contagem e medição das frústulas e identificação das espécies presentes no produto. Quando aplicado sobre a cama, o produto causou entre 83 e 85% de mortalidade. Foram estimados 1,2 × 106 indivíduos/g do produto, distribuídos em nove gêneros diferentes, com predominância de Brachysira Kützing (40%).

ABSTRACT: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an inert powder obtained from milling the fossilized deposits of diatoms. Mainly composed of silica dioxide, DE is highly hygroscopic and is recommended for use in poultry houses as an evironmental conditioner, with a secondary action being the reduction of lesser mealworm populations Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). This study aimed to characterize and assess the insecticidal activity of a new environmental conditioner for poultry houses (Poultry Sec®, Vet Science Bio Solution, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil) in the laboratory. The study was conducted by adding DE to poultry feed (1, 2 and 3 g DE/kg feed), as well as by applying the DE to the poultry litter (86 and 172 g DE/m2), with A. diaperinus adults (26°C in the dark for 10 days). DE samples were analyzed by optical microscopy to measure and count the frustules and to identify the genera of the components. The insecticidal action of the product was observed. When applied to the litter, the DE caused between 83 and 85% mortality. With respect to the qualitative analysis of the diatoms, we estimated the concentration of 1.2 × 106 individuals/g of the product, distributed in nine distinct genera, with Brachysira Kützing being the predominant genus (40%).

RESUMO: Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos de produtos Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® e Planta Clean® no desenvolvimento da calcinose branca em Bombyx mori. Os produtos foram testados em duas etapas: efeitos sobre a biologia e produção de seda pela lagarta (1) e, em seguida, em função do seu potencial na prevenção/no controle da calcinose branca (2). Os produtos foram pulverizados sobre as folhas de amoreira (tratamento preventivo) e sobre o tegumento das lagartas (tratamento curativo). Na primeira etapa, os produtos foram aplicados durante quatro dias consecutivos, em uma das alimentações do dia. Planta Clean® - tratamento curativo - e Soil-Set® - tratamento preventivo - causaram mortalidade em 63,3 e 30% das lagartas, respectivamente. O fungo Beauveria bassiana foi inoculado na concentração 5 × 107 conídios/mL sobre folhas e insetos. Os produtos foram aplicados três horas após o fungo, em uma aplicação, e também por quatro dias em outro grupo. Um grupo de lagartas pulverizadas apenas com fungo serviu como controle. Biogermex® - tratamento curativo aplicado uma e quatro vezes - foi o mais eficiente, reduzindo a mortalidade em 25 e 26,7% respectivamente, em relação ao grupo controle. Nenhum dos produtos avaliados atuou de forma preventiva contra muscardina branca.

ABSTRACT: This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the products Biogermex®, Agro-mos®, Soil-Set® and Planta Clean® on the development of white muscardine in Bombyx mori. Products have been tested at two stages for effects on biology of caterpillars and on silk production (1), and then they were evaluated to know their potential in the prevention/control of white muscardine (2). Products were sprayed on mulberry leaves (preventive treatment) and also on the integument of silkworms (curative treatment). At the first stage, the products were applied on four consecutive days, in one of the daily feeds. Planta Clean® - curative treatment - and Soil-Set® - preventive treatment - caused mortality in 63.3% and 30% of silk worms, respectively. The fungus Beauveria bassiana was inoculated at the concentration 5 × 107 conidia/mL on the leaves and insects. The products were applied three hours after application on the fungus, in a single application, and also for four days in the other groups. A group of silkworms sprayed only with the fungus served as control. Biogermex® - curative treatment applied once and for four times - was the most effective, reducing mortality by 25 and 26.7%, respectively, as compared with the control group. None of the evaluated products acts preventively against white muscardine.

RESUMO: O ácaro Oligonychus yothersi é uma das principais pragas da cultura da erva-mate. Seus danos levam à queda das folhas e redução da produção. Não há acaricidas registrados para uso na erva-mate e por isso foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e a campo para avaliar o efeito da azadiractina (Azamax(r), 250mL 100L-1), visando ao controle da espécie na cultura da erva mate. Em laboratório, o produto foi aplicado em discos de folha de erva-mate antes (contato residual) e depois (contato direto) da infestação com 15 fêmeas adultas recém-emergidas do ácaro vermelho. A ação do produto no comportamento do ácaro foi avaliada em arenas com folhas de erva-mate tratadas e não tratadas, registrando-se o número de ácaros em ambas as áreas. Além disso, a ação ovicida foi avaliada, aplicando-se o produto sobre ovos e registrando a sua eclosão. No campo, foram realizadas duas aplicações do produto (1L de calda planta-1), espaçadas sete dias. Avaliou-se o número de ácaros vivos, aos 7, 14 e 21 dias após a primeira aplicação, em folhas coletadas aleatoriamente. Observou-se ação acaricida (86,6 e 91,4% de mortalidade após 24h, respectivamente, por contato residual e direto; repelência (62% dos indivíduos abandonando a área tratada) e ação ovicida (redução de 98,9% na eclosão). Na lavoura de erva-mate, a redução populacional do ácaro foi de 59.6% aos 14 dias após a primeira aplicação do produto. Os resultados demonstram o potencial de emprego da azadiractina para o controle de O. yothersi na cultura da erva-mate.

ABSTRACT: The red mite Oligonychus yothersi is one of the main pests of yerba mate in Brazil The damage this mite causes leads to leaf drop and decreased production. There are no registered acaricides for use in yerba mate; thus, laboratory and field experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of azadirachtin (Azamax(r), 250mL 100L-1) for the control of the red mite in yerba mate. In the laboratory, azadirachtin was applied to yerba mate leaf disks before (residual contact) and after (direct contact) infestation with 15 newly emerged red mite adult females. The effect of azadirachtin on mite behavior was evaluated in arenas with treated and untreated yerba mate leaves, and the number of mites in both areas was recorded. Ovicidal action was evaluated by applying azadirachtin to eggs and recording egg hatching. In the field, two applications of the product were performed (1L spray liquid plant-1) with a 7-day interval. The numbers of living mites were evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days following the first application on randomly collected leaves. It was observed 86.6 and 91.4% of mortality following 24h of residual and direct contact, respectively. Repellent (62% of individuals leaving the treated area) and ovicidal (98.9% decrease in egg hatching) effects were also observed. The mite population in the yerba mate crop field had decreased by 59.6% at 14 days after the first application of azadirachtin. The results show the potential of azadirachtin for the control of O. yothersi in yerba mate in Brazil.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do extrato de tabaco no controle do besouro cascudinho [Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)] de aviário. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tempos de contato (21/2, 5, 71/2 e 10 min) e quatro concentrações do extrato de tabaco (0, 25, 50 e 75% de diluição). O tempo de contato e as diluições do extrato foram independentes; entretanto, o tempo de contato exerceu maior influência na mortalidade do inseto. O extrato de tabaco tem potencial inseticida no manejo de aviários, mas testes de toxicidade devem ser realizados com as aves.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of tobacco extract on the control of the mealworm beetle [Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)] in aviaries. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, using four contact times (21/2, 5, 71/2, and 10 min) and four tobacco extract concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75% dilution). The contact time and the dilution of the extract were independent; however, contact time had greater effect on insect mortality. The tobacco extract has insecticide potential in the management of aviaries, but toxicity tests should be performed on the birds.

RESUMO: Um dos principais problemas enfrentados pelos sericicultores em todo o mundo são entomopatógenos que causam grandes perdas na produção. Destaca-se a doença calcinose branca, causada pelo fungo Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae). Doenças fúngicas são facilmente disseminadas, já que os conídios são transportados pelo ar. Além disso, as condições de temperatura e umidade nos barracões são favoráveis ao surgimento e à manutenção do fungo, aumentando sua incidência. Práticas de higiene como a desinfecção do barracão e de utensílios são recomendadas, no entanto a contaminação das lagartas ainda é frequente. Dessa forma, esse artigo reuniu trabalhos voltados para a pesquisa de produtos antimicrobianos alternativos para o uso em sericicultura.

ABSTRACT: Entomopathogens are the most important problem from sericulture all over the world, and cause heavy loss to silkworm crops. Calcinosis is a common disease of silkworm, caused by the pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae). Fungal diseases of silkworm are easily spread by spores which are carried through the air. Also, temperature and humidity inside the silkworm rearing rooms are favorable to disease development. Practice hygiene measures during silkworm rearing such as disinfection of rearing houses and appliances are recommended. However, contamination is frequent. This paper presents related research on promising antimicrobiotic products for their use in sericulture industry.

ABSTRACT: The effects of six diets on biological parameters of Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and its susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Bb) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) were studied. The diets included a standard diet (bean pods+soybeans, peanuts and sunflower) and diets in which the bean pods were combined with only one type of grain, either soybean, peanut, sunflower, pea or sesame seeds. The best performance was that of insects fed on standard diet, which had the shortest development period and 49.5% of egg-to-adult viability. The insects fed the pea diet exhibited less than 30% viability and 11% of adults had wing deformations. The finite rate of increase values for the treatment groups were: standard: 1.091; soybean: 1.077; peanut: 1.071; sunflower: 1.076; pea: 1.058; and sesame: 1.065. The susceptibility to Ma (55%) was greater than Bb (40%) only for insects fed on the sesame diet. Considering the effects of diet on susceptibility to both fungal species comparatively among the diet-treatment groups, the stink bugs fed the restrictive diets were more susceptible compared with those fed the standard diet. We concluded that diet composition affects the biological parameters of E. heros and differentially affects their susceptibility to Bb and Ma fungi.

RESUMO: O estudo teve por objetivo adequar o ínstar do hospedeiro Ascia monuste orseis ao parasitismo de Cotesia glomerata e avaliar o desempenho do parasitoide. Foram oferecidas às fêmeas de C. glomerata lagartas de 2o, 3o, 4o e 5o ínstares de A. monuste orseis , permitindo-se o parasitismo por duas horas. Subsequentemente, acompanhou-se o desenvolvimento das lagartas que foram alimentadas com seções foliares de couve-manteiga. Foram avaliados: a duração de cada ínstar das lagartas, o peso da pupa com quatro dias de idade e a porcentagem de lagartas parasitadas e de mortalidade. Em relação ao parasitoide, foram avaliados: porcentagem de parasitismo; número de parasitoide por hospedeiro; porcentagem de emergência; razão sexual; peso médio da pupa; número de parasitoide por lagarta; período ovo-pupa (POP); período pupal (PP); período ovo-adulto (POA). Os resultados indicaram que o segundo ínstar do hospedeiro A. monuste oreseis é o mais apropriado para o parasitismo de C. glomerata por proporcionar maior porcentagem de parasitismo e maior número de descendentes por hospedeiro.

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to adapt the instar of host Ascia monuste orseis to the parasitism of Cotesia glomerata and evaluate the parasitoid performance. Females of C. glomerata were exposed to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instars larvae of A. monuste orseis , allowing parasitism for two hours. Subsequently, the development of caterpillars that were fed with leaf sections of kale was monitored. The duration of each caterpillar instar, the weight of four days-old pupae, the percentage of parasitized caterpillars and mortality were assessed. Despite parasitoids, the following parameters were assessed: percentage of parasitism; number of parasitoids per host; percentage of emergence, sex ratio; average weight of the pupae, number of parasitoids per caterpillar; period egg-pupae; pupal period; and period egg-adult. The results indicated that the second instar of host A. monuste oreseis is the most suitable for the parasitism of C. glomerata for providing highest percentage of parasitism and a larger number of offspring per host.

RESUMO: O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito in vitrodas soluções homeopáticas Arsenicum album 24CH;Calcarea carbonica 30CH; Kali iodatum100CH; Phosphorus 3CH; Silicea 30CH;Staphysagria 6, 30 e 100CH; Spodoptera frugiperda 30CH; Sulphur 100 e 200CH eThuya occidentalis 200CH sobre parâmetros biológicos do fungo Metarhizium anisopliae. As soluções medicamentosas foram diluídas em água destilada (esterilizada) (0,1%) e pulverizadas sobre o fungo previamente inoculado no meio de cultura BDA. Os parâmetros biológicos avaliados foram: germinação de conídios, unidades formadoras de colônias, crescimento vegetativo, produção de conídios e atividade inseticida contra lagartas deDiatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). As soluções não afetaram os parâmetros avaliados. Todos os tratamentos foram considerados compatíveis ao M. anisopliae .

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of homeopathic solutions Arsenicum Album 24CH; Calcarea carbonica 30CH; Kali iodatum 100CH;Phosphorus 3CH; Silicea 30CH;Staphysagria 6, 30 and 100CH; Spodoptera frugiperda 30CH; Sulphur 100 and 200CH andThuya occidentalis 200CH on biological parameters of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae . The solutions were diluted in sterile distilled water (0.1%) and were sprayed on the previously inoculated fungus on PDA culture medium. Germination, colony forming units, vegetative growth, conidial production and insecticidal activity of the fungus against larvae of Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were evaluated. Homeopathic solutions did not affect negatively the parameters evaluated. Thus, all treatments were considered compatible to the fungusM. anisopliae.

RESUMO:O objetivo deste estudo foi registrar a primeira ocorrência natural e patogenicidade da associação entre Beauveria bassiana e Protortonia navesi na cultura da mandioca. Para isso, ninfas e adultos de P. navesi infectados foram coletados em amostragens realizadas quinzenalmente, na área do Instituto Agronômico do Paraná, em Marechal Cândido Rondon, de janeiro a dezembro de 2012. Amostras foram analisadas e, utilizando-se meio de cultura seletivo de aveia, foi isolado o fungo a partir dos cadáveres, sendo identificado como Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., armazenado na Coleção de Fungos Entomopatogênicos do Laboratório de Biotecnologia Agrícola, sob o código Unioeste 78. Para comprovar sua patogenicidade, foi adotado o postulado de Koch, aplicando-se o fungo (109conídios/mL) sobre ninfas e adultos de P. navesi obtidos da criação de laboratório. Após 10 dias de incubação, verificou-se 18% de mortalidade confirmada, sendo considerada baixa a atividade sobre a cochonilha P navesi.

ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was to record the first natural occurrence and pathogenicity of the association between Beauveria bassiana and Protortonia navesi in the cassava crop. Infected P. navesi nymphs and adults were collected in samples fortnightly in the Agronomic Institute of Paraná, in Marechal Cândido Rondon, from January to December 2012. Samples were analyzed at the Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology. The entomopathogenic fungus was isolated from corpses using selective oatmeal culture medium, and multiplied for sporulation being identified as Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. The fungus was stored in the Collection of Entomopathogenic Fungi Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, identified as Unioeste 78. To prove the pathogenicity of the found isolate, bioassays were performed following the postulate of Koch, the fungi suspension was sprayed (109conídios mL), on nymphs and adults of P. navesiobtained from laboratory rearing. After 10 days of incubation there was 18% mortality confirmed, being considered low actgivity on mealybugs Protortonia.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a patogenicidade, em condições de laboratório, de 49 isolados dos fungos entomopatogênicos das espécies Beauveria bassiana e Metarhizium anisopliae, contra lagartas de Spodoptera frugiperda. Lagartas de 3oínstar foram imersas em suspensões de 1 × 109conídios/mL de cada um dos isolados por 10 segundos. Posteriormente, foram individualizadas em placas de Petri com dieta artificial, sendo incubadas a 26 ± 1°C e 12 horas de fotofase, e avaliadas, diariamente, durante dez dias. Os isolados de B. bassianamostraram-se mais eficientes, com destaque para o Unioeste 26, que provocou 44,5% de mortalidade e gerou a maior quantidade de conídios nos testes de produção do fungo. Apesar da porcentagem de mortalidade baixa, tais estudos evidenciam potencial dos fungos entomopatogênicos como promissores agentes de controle de S. frugiperda.

This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity, under laboratory conditions, of 49 isolates of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. Insects (3rd instar caterpillars) were immersed in 1 × 109 conidia/mL suspensions of each of the isolates for 10 seconds. After that, caterpillars were individually placed in Petri dishes with artificial diet and incubated at 26 ± 1°C and 12 hours of photophase, and they were evaluated daily for ten days. The B. bassiana isolates were more efficient, mainly Unioeste 26 strain, which reached 44.5% mortality and generated the greatest number of conidia in production testing of the fungus. Despite the low mortality percentage, these studies showed the potential of entomopathogenic fungi as promising agents for the control of S. frugiperda.