Compatibility of microbial control agents Serratia entomophila and Beauveria bassiana with selected fertilisers

Abstract

Microbial control agents targeting soildwelling organisms need to be compatible with commonly used fertilisers The bacterium Serratia entomophila is used as a microbial control agent for control of the New Zealand grass grub Costelytra zealandica and Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus used to control a range of insect pests These biocontrol agents were formulated into granules and applied to pots together with five fertilisers commonly used on pastures throughout New Zealand Compatibility with S entomophila was also assessed in a field trial where treatments were applied by direct drilling and surface application There appeared to be no deleterious effect from the application of the fertiliser treatments on the establishment and survival of either S entomophila or B bassiana On the contrary there was a suggestion that some nitrogenous fertilisers may lead to an increase in numbers of the bacterial biocontrol agent