engleski

Laboratory treatment of Oak Lace Bug (Corythucha arcuata), (Hemiptera: Tingidae) with entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) is well-known soil borne entomopathogenic fungus and commercially available biocontrol agent worldwide. Since there is a continuous need for reducing the use of chemical insecticides and increasing biological control methods against insect pests, research which are aimed at developing entomopathogenic fungi as an alternative strategy for control of a variety of economically-important pests are becoming increasingly important. The aim of this laboratory experiment was application of B. bassiana spore suspension on healthy adults of C. arcuata, previously put in the moss where one part of population usually overwinter. Oak Lace Bug (Corythucha arcuata), (Hemiptera: Tingidae) is a leaf sucking insect first recorded in Croatia in summer 2013, in the eastern part in lowland stands of Spačva basin. To date, this pest is causing summer yellowing and intensive chlorotic damages of pedunculate oak leaves (Quercus robur L.) throughout Croatia and other neighbouring countries. Mortality of specimens and occurrence of B. bassiana was inspected, and the results showed 51 % an average mortality with 47 % of mycosis value on C. arcuata adults within one week period. Our laboratory studies have confirmed that this method of B. bassiana application has a potential for use against invasive C. arcuata, and more studies with higher doses and concentrations, as well as field treatments will be conducted.

biological control, integrated pest management, invasive species, oak, Spačva basin

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