The effect of selected pesticides on the growth of entomopathogenic fungi Hirsutella nodulosa and Beauveria bassiana

Abstract

The effect of three pesticides used in corn protection: Targa Super 05 (chizalofop-P-ethyl), Roundup 360SL (glyphosate) and Karate Zeon 050CS (lambda-cyhalothrin), on the growth of entomopathogenic fungi Hirsutella nodulosa Petch and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Fungi isolates were cultured on Sabouraud's medium with addition of pesticides at three different concentrations. H. nodulosa was more susceptible to pesticides than B. bassiana. The most inhibitory effect on tested entomopathogenic fungi showed chizalofop-P-ethyl herbicide. Lambda-cyhalothrin at the recommended field dose showed minor toxic effect on entomopathogenic fungi, which suggests the possibility of compatible use of this insecticide with biopesticides based on the tested species.