Laboratory assessment for biological control of Tribolium confusum du Val., 1863 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) by entomopathogenic fungi

Abstract

This research was carried out at the Plant Protection Department, Agricultural Faculty, Ataturk University (Erzurum, Turkey) in 2016. The objective of this study is to determine using as biological control agent against Tribolium confusum du Val., 1863 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults of seven entomopathogenic fungal treatments, Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces farinosus, Isaria fumosorosea, Isaria farinosa, Lecanicillium muscarium (2 isolates) and an extract of L. muscarium, under laboratory conditions (25±1°C and 75±1% RH). Fungal isolates at two different concentrations (1x105 and 1x107 conidia/mL) were sprayed on the tested adult insects in Petri dishes. The results demonstrated that the mortality rates of T. confusum adults treated with seven entomopathogenic fungi varied from 34.6 to 100% after 10 days of treatment. The entomopathogenic fungi isolates at both 1x105 and 1x107 conidia concentration caused in high mortality levels of T. confusum adults. In conclusion, it was observed that tested seven entomopathogenic fungi isolates might have a potential effect to biological control of this stored-product pest.