Preliminary results of the pathogenicity in indigenous entomopathogenic fungi versus commercial strains for the control of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae and Plodia interpuctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (insect-tramp), in Mendoza Argen

LÓPEZ PLANTEY RODRIGO J.; BALLONI, A.; HOLGADO MIRIAM G.; PIZZUOLO, PABLO; TORRES, LAURA; FLORES, GUSTAVO E.; LUCERO G.

Mendoza

Congreso; 37th World Congress of Vine and Wine; 2014

International Organisation of Vine and Wine

The Argentine winegrowers from the affected areas with the ?European grapevine moth? are obliged to conduct phytosanitary treatments not referred at these days on the vineyard management. This action affect negatively the agroecosystem favouring the induction of others pests that none so far were not a problem. It is therefore imperative to develop new pest management alternatives against this moth. The use of entomopathogenic fungi could be a good choice to improve the control of L. botrana and other pests associated with the vine. The objective of this work was to evaluate the pathogenicity of three commercial strains of Beauveria bassiana from different origin and two indigenous entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria sp.) found in the province of Mendoza on larvae of L. botrana and Plodia interpuctella as an insect-tramp. Results indicate that at 3 days after infection, treatments with indigenous entomopathogenic fungi caused the death of larvae of both insect species. Affected larvae showed changes in their normal colour to dark brown. These results demonstrate a greater pathogenicity of indigenous entomopathogenic fungi over commercial strains and could be a useful tool in biological control for the Integrated Pest Management of the vineyard.