First reports of Zoophthora radicans (Entomophthoraceae) and Metarhizium rileyi (Clavicipitaceae) as pathogens of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Argentina

MANFRINO, ROMINA G.; GUTIERREZ, A. C.; CLAUDIA C. LOPEZ-LASTRA

REVISTA MEXICANA DE BIODIVERSIDAD

INST BIOLOGIA

Lugar: México; Año: 2018 vol. 89 p. 619 - 624

1870-3453

Plutella xylostella (L.), diamondback moth (DBM), is considered among the 20 most resistant arthropods in theworld. Entomopathogenic fungi are important mortality factors of Lepidoptera in the field. However, in Argentinaentomopathogenic fungi as mortality factors of P. xylostella have not been identified. The aim of this study was to identifyand isolate fungal pathogens of Plutella xylostella in Santa Fe, Argentina. The prevalence and seasonality of fungalinfections were also investigated. Zoophthora radicans (Bref.) A. Batko (Entomophthoromycota: Entomophthorales)and Metarhizium rileyi (Farl.) Kepler, Rehner & Humber (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) as fungal pathogens of Plutellaxylostella L. are reported for the first time in Argentina. The pathogens were identified from larvae, pupae and adultsof P. xylostella on cauliflower and on cabbage. Zoophthora radicans was the predominant fungal pathogen, while M.rileyi was recorded from only one infected larva.Keywords: Diamondback moth; Fungal pathogens; Prevalence; Seasonality