Endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) alters Helicoverpa gelotopoeon`s (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) life cycle and reproductive parameters.

VIANNA M. FLORENCIA; PELIZZA, S.A.; RUSSO MARIA LETICIA; ALLEGRUCCI NATALIA; SCORSETTI ANA CLARA

Journal of Plant Protection Research

INSTITUTE OF PLANT PROTECTION - NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Año: 2018

1427-4345

Bollworms comprise the most harmful and economically relevant species of lepidopteran. Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is native to America and affects many crops. Tobacco is an industrial crop in which control of pests methods rely mainly in the application of insecticides. To develop new eco-friendly strategies against insects pests becomes important to overcome the side effects of insecticides. The utilization of fungal entomopathogens as endophytes is a new perspective that may accomplish good results. In that sense, the present study aimed to evaluate the ability of endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. to affect H gelotopoeon`s life parameters and feeding behavior on tobacco plants. B. bassiana LPSC 1215 as endophyte did not reduce the amount of vegetal material consumed by H. gelotopoeon larvae but affected the life cycle period of the plague, particularly for the larval and adult stages. Also eggs fertility was affected, since adults laid eggs that were not able to hatch. Results in this investigation provide new information on endophytic entomopathogens potential to be incorporated in IPM programs.