ABSTRACT Rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) limits rice (Oryza sativa) grain yields worldwide. The objective of this investigation was to morphologically, biochemically, and molecularly characterize six bacterial isolates, BRM 32109, BRM 32110, BRM 32111, BRM 32112, BRM 32113, and BRM 32114, and to determine their potential as antagonists to M. oryzae. Morphological characterization was based on colony formation and color, Gram staining, and fluorescent pigment production. Biochemical studies were based on cellulase, chitinase, phosphatase, indoleacetic acid, and siderophore production, as well as biofilm formation. The molecular identification used specific primers for PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA region, followed by sequencing. The antagonism studies involved three experiments, which had randomized designs. Two of them were conducted in laboratory conditions, pairing bacterial colonies and M. oryzae, using bacterial filtrates, and the third was conducted in greenhouse conditions. BRM 32111 and BRM 32112 were identified as Pseudomonas sp., BRM 32113 as Burkholderia sp., BRM 32114 as Serratia sp., and BRM 32110 and BRM 32109 as Bacillus spp. BRM 32112, BRM 32111, and BRM 32113 inhibited the colony of M. oryzae by 68%, 65%, and 48%, respectively. The bacterial suspensions of the BRM 32111, BRM 32112, and BRM 3212 filtrates suppressed leaf blast by 81.0, 79.2, and 66.3%, respectively. BRM 32111 and BRM 32112 were determined to be antagonists of M. oryzae and were found to solubilize phosphate, produce siderophores and cellulose, form biofilms, and suppress leaf blast. These isolates should be further investigated as potential biological control agents for leaf blast control. | RESUMO A brusone (Magnaporthe oryzae) limita a produção do arroz (Oryza sativa), no Brasil e no mundo. Os objetivos foram caracterizar seis isolados bacterianos morfológica, bioquímica e molecularmente, e determinar seu potencial como antagonistas a M. oryzae. Utilizaram se os isolados bacterianos BRM 32109, BRM 32110, BRM 32111, BRM 32112, BRM 32113 e BRM 32114. Avaliou-se o formato e a cor das colônias, coloração de Gram e produção de pigmentos fluorescentes. Identificou-se a produção de celulase, quitinase, fosfatase, ácido indolacético, sideróforo e formação de biofilme. A identificação molecular foi realizada utilizando-se oligonucleotídeos iniciadores específicos para amplificação por PCR da região 16S rRNA, seguidos de sequenciamento. Os dois ensaios envolvendo antagonismo foram realizados em laboratório, em delineamento inteiramente casualizados, um com cultivo pareado entre isolado de bactérias e M. oryzae, e outro com filtrados bacterianos. Um terceiro ensaio em casa de vegetação para avaliar a supressão da brusone. Identificou-se Pseudomonas sp. (BRM 32111 e BRM 32112), Burkholderia sp. (BRM 32113), Serratia sp. (BRM 32114) e Bacillus spp. (BRM 32110 e BRM 32109 ). Os isolados BRM 32112, BRM 32111 e BRM 32113 inibiram o crescimento da colônia de M. oryzae em 68, 65 e 48%, respectivamente. As suspensões bacterianas BRM 32111, BRM 32112 e seu filtrado suprimiram a brusone foliar em 81,0, 79,2 e 66,3%, respectivamente. BRM 32111 e BRM 32112 são antagonistas ao fungo M. oryzae, solubilizam fosfato, produzem sideróforos, celulase e biofilme e suprimiram a brusone foliar, mostrando-se potenciais agentes biológicos para o controle da brusone foliar.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to assess the effects of the release and establishment of the exotic parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and its interspecific competitive relationship with native fruit fly parasitoids in organic and conventional orchards in Maceio, State of Alagoas, Brazil. The exotic parasitoids were reared in the Radio-Entomology Laboratory of the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, and released (112,350 individuals between five and eight days old) in orchards from June 8 to July12, 2013.Fruit samples were collected randomly every week during one year to assess the D. longicaudata recaptured from plants and fallen fruits on the ground, which were taken to the Entomology Laboratory of the CECA-UFAL, classified and individually placed in plastic containers, containing a layer of 1 cm of sand for pupation of the host larvae. The pupae, obtained after 10 days, were placed in Petri dishes with a layer of sand until the emergence of adults, which were then kept in plastic microtubes, containing ethanol 70%. The release of exotic parasitoids did not displace native species. The same species were found before and after the release in both cultures: Doryctobracon areolatus, Asobara anastrephae, Utetes anastrephae and Opius bellus (Braconidae), Aganaspis pelleranoi (Figitidae) and individuals of the Pteromalidae family. One year after the last release, 44 individuals of the exotic parasitoid were found, showing its establishment in the studied areas. | RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou conhecer os efeitos da liberação, do estabelecimento e das relações de competitividade interespecífica entre o parasitoide exótico Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) e as espécies de parasitoides nativos de moscas-das-frutas em pomar orgânico e convencional no município de Maceió, Alagoas. A criação do parasitoide exótico foi realizada no Laboratório de Radioentomologia do Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura da Universidade de São Paulo (CENA/USP), em Piracicaba-SP. Foram liberados 112.350 indivíduos entre cinco e oito dias de idade, no período de 08 de junho a 12 de julho de 2013. Foram realizadas coletas de frutos semanalmente durante um ano, de forma aleatória, para avaliar a recaptura de D. longicaudata em plantas e em frutos caídos no solo, sendo estes encaminhados para o Laboratório de Entomologia do CECA-UFAL, onde os mesmos passaram por triagem e individualização em recipientes plásticos contendo uma camada de 1 cm de areia para pupação das larvas do hospedeiro. Após dez dias, os pupários obtidos foram acondicionados em placas de Petri com uma camada de areia até a emergência dos adultos, sendo estes conservados em microtubos plásticos contendo álcool 70%. A liberação do parasitoide exótico não deslocou as espécies nativas, sendo obtidas as mesmas espécies antes e após a liberação em ambos os cultivos: os braconídeos Doryctobracon areolatus; Asobara anastrephae; Utetes anastrephae e Opius bellus; o figitídeo Aganaspis pelleranoi e exemplares da família Pteromalidae. Um ano após a última liberação, 44 exemplares do parasitoide exótico foram obtidos, mostrando estabelecimento nas áreas estudadas.

RESUMO A mosca-das-frutas (Ceratitis capitata) é considerada uma das principais pragas da fruticultura, acarretando perdas significativas para este setor. Este inseto passa uma fase de sua vida no solo, sendo alvo em potencial para nematoides entomopatogênicos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de Steinernema carpocapsae ALL e Heterorhabditis amazonensis JPM4 para o controle de Ceratits capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae). Para a avaliação de diferentes concentrações foram utilizadas placas com papel filtro ou vasos com 200g de solo. Para cada recipiente foram transferidos 20 indivíduos (larvas ou pupas) e aplicada a suspensão dos nematoide nas concentrações 140, 180, 220, 260 e 300 JIs/cm3. Para avaliação do deslocamento horizontal, foram utilizados vasos contendo solo e a cada 10cm de distância foi colocada uma tela de metal, para delimitar as diferentes áreas (0, 10, 20 e 30cm do local de aplicação do nematoide). Para cada área foram transferidas 10 larvas e 10 pupas. Na distância zero foram aplicados de 10 mL de suspensão dos nematoides contendo 220JIs/cm2. Para o estudo da eficiência desses nematoides ao longo do tempo, em cada vaso foram aplicados 10mL de suspensão de nematoide com 220JIs/cm2, e em cada período (0, 10, 20 e 30 dias pós-aplicação do nematoide) foram transferidas 10 larvas e 10 pupas. Verificou-se que os dois nematoides causaram mortalidade de C. capitata, sendo que S. carpocapsae ALL foi mais eficiente. Porém, esse nematoide não apresentou capacidade de deslocamento horizontal, característica essa observada para H. amazonensis JPM4. Ambos os nematoides tiveram sua eficiência reduzida ao longo do tempo. | ABSTRACT Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) is one of the world's major pests infesting fruit crops, causing significant losses. However, this insect has a soil phase and is a potential target for entomopathogenic nematodes. The objective of this work was to test the efficiency of the nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae ALL and Heterorhabditis amazonensis JPM4 in controlling larvae and pupae of Ceratitis capitata. Petri dishes with filter paper or pots with 200 g of soil were used to assess different nematode concentrations; 20 individuals (larvae or pupae) were placed in each container and the nematode suspension was applied at concentrations of 0, 140, 180, 220, 260, and 300 IJs (infective juveniles) cm-2. The nematode horizontal movement was tested using pots with soil and a metal screen at every 10 cm to define different distances (0, 10, 20, and 30 cm from the application site). Ten larvae and ten pupae were transferred to every distance; 10 mL of the nematode suspension (220 IJs cm-2) were applied at the distance zero; 10 mL of the nematode suspension with 220 IJs cm-2 was applied to each pot, using ten larvae and ten pupae for each evaluation time (0, 10, 20, and 30 days after application of nematodes) to study the effectiveness of these nematodes over time. Both nematodes killed C. capitata larvae and pupae, but S. carpocapsae ALL was the most effective. However, this nematode showed no ability for horizontal movement, which was found in H. amazonensis JPM4 nematodes. Both nematodes showed decreasing efficiency over time.

ABSTRACT The application of a bionematicide based on chlamydospores of Pochonia chlamydosporia (Pc-10) can be an important strategy for reducing the damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita on carrot. Based on this perspective, the nematicidal effects of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 kg ha -1 of Pc-10 were evaluated on carrot cv. Juliana under field conditions. Carrot yield and nematode population were influenced by increasing doses of Pc-10. The application of 3.0 kg ha-1 of Pc-10 increased the marketable production of carrot roots by 41.7% compared to the untreated control, whereas the production of unmarketable roots and the nematode population in the soil were reduced by 48.7% and 61.4%. The application of 3.0 kg ha -1 of Pc-10 reduces M. incognita population and improves carrot quality and yield. | RESUMO A aplicação de um bionematicida à base de clamidósporos de Pochonia chlamydosporia (Pc-10) pode se tornar uma importante estratégia para reduzir os danos causados por Meloidogyne incognita em cenoura. Baseado nessa perspectiva, o efeito nematicida de 0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 2.5 e 3,0 kg ha -1 de Pc-10 foi avaliado em área de produção de cenoura cv. Juliana em condições de campo. A produtividade de cenoura e a população do nematoide foram influenciados por doses crescentes de Pc-10. A aplicação de 3,0 kg ha-1 de Pc-10 aumentou a produção de raízes comerciais de cenoura em 41,7% comparada com aquela obtida na testemunha não tratada, enquanto que a produção de raízes não-comerciais e a população do nematoide no solo foram reduzidos em 48,7% e 61,4%, respectivamente. A aplicação de 3,0 kg ha -1 de Pc-10 reduz a população de M. incognita e aumenta a qualidade e a produtividade das raízes de cenoura.

ABSTRACT: The fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, handles significant losses in lettuce production. Being a soil borne fungus, its management is difficult, and an alternative is the use of biological control using species of the Trichoderma genus. Thus, the objectives of this study were to identify native species of Trichoderma spp. presents in the soil with (CP) and without white mold (SP), evaluate the growth rate and in vitro antagonism of Trichoderma spp. against S. sclerotiorum and to verify the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma spp. microbiolized lettuce seeds, growing in substrate infested with S. sclerotiorum. Trichoderma spp. isolates were obtained from areas with and without history of white mold or stored in water. Mycelial growth rate and sporulation of the Trichoderma spp. isolates and control of Trichoderma spp. versus S. sclerotiorum in the in vitro essays. For thein vivo essay, lettuce seeds were microbiolized with Trichoderma spp. and the substrate was infested with S. sclerotiorum. The native isolates of Trichoderma identified belong to T. koningiopsis and T. asperellum species. The CP isolates had higher mycelial growth rates when compared to the SP isolates and stored while the stored isolates showed better responses in confrontation. The application of Trichoderma spp. promoted higher seedlings quality compared to control, as well as good seedlings development in the presence of the pathogen. | RESUMO: O fungo Sclerotinia sclerotiorum é responsável por perdas significativas na produção de alface. Por se tratar de um fungo habitante do solo seu manejo é dificultado, sendo uma alternativa o uso do controle biológico utilizando espécies do gênero Trichoderma. Dessa forma, os objetivos deste trabalho foram identificar as espécies Trichoderma spp. nativas presentes em solo com (CP) e sem mofo-branco (SP), avaliar a velocidade de crescimento e o antagonismo in vitro dos isolados de Trichoderma spp. à S. sclerotiorum e verificar o potencial de biocontrole proporcionado por Trichoderma spp. microbiolizado em sementes de alface, cultivadas em substrato infestado com S. sclerotiorum. Foram utilizados isolados de Trichoderma spp. oriundos de áreas com e sem histórico de mofo-branco ou armazenados em água. Nos ensaios in vitro foram avaliados a taxa de crescimento micelial e a esporulação dos isolados de Trichoderma spp. e controle de Trichoderma spp. versus S. sclerotiorum. Para o ensaio in vivo sementes de alface foram microbiolizadas com Trichoderma spp. e o substrato infestado com S. sclerotiorum. Os isolados nativos de Trichoderma identificados pertencem às espécies T. koningiopsis e T. asperellum. Os isolados CP apresentaram maior taxa de crescimento micelial quando comparado aos SP e aos armazenados, enquanto que os isolados armazenados apresentaram melhores respostas na confrontação direta. A aplicação de Trichoderma spp. promoveu o crescimento de plântulas de alface mais vigorosas quando comparadas à testemunha, assim como um bom desenvolvimento das plântulas na presença do patógeno.

ABSTRACT Rice is one of the world’s most consumed cereals, however, its production is affected by fungal diseases. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the severity of diseases and grain yield potential of upland rice with silicon fertilization combined with seed microbiolization with Bacillus methylotrophicus isolates. Two experiments were conducted, one in Igarapé do Meio, Maranhão (MA), Brazil, with rice seeds of the variety Palha-Murcha and one in São Bento MA with rice seeds of the variety BRS-Primavera. A randomized block experimental design in a split-plot arrangement with five replications were used in both experiments, with agro-silicon rates (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Mg ha-1) in the plots and microbiolized and non-microbiolized rice seeds with B. Methylotrophicus at concentration of 108 CFU ml-1 in the subplots. The seedling emergence, grain yield, number of panicles, plant height, plant dry weight and severity of brown leafspot, leaf scald and grain spot were evaluated. Soil fertilization with agro-silicon affected positively the plant height of the variety Palha-Murcha and the number of panicles, plant dry weight and grain yield of the variety BRS-Primavera, and negatively the germination of the variety BRS-Primavera. Leaf scald severity in the variety BRS-Primavera reduced with microbiolized seeds with B. methylotropicus. Microbiolization with B. methylotropicus had no effect on severity of brown leafspot and grain spot in the varieties evaluated. | RESUMO O arroz é um dos cereais mais consumidos em todo o mundo e sua produção é afetada por doenças fúngicas. Neste sentido objetivou-se avaliar a severidade de doenças e o potencial produtivo do arroz de terras altas em função da aplicação de silício e sementes microbiolizadas com isolados de Bacillus methylotrophicus. Foram realizados dois experimentos, em dois munícipios do estado do Maranhão, Brasil: um em Igarapé do Meio, com sementes de arroz da variedade Palha Murcha e outro em São Bento, com a variedade Primavera. Os experimentos foram instalados no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições, em parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas foram constituídas por cinco doses de agrosilício (0,0; 1,0; 2,0; 4,0 e 6,0 t ha-1) e as subparcelas foram constituídas por sementes de arroz microbiolizadas e não microbiolizadas com B. methylotrophicus, na concentração de 108 UFC ml-1. Os parâmetros avaliados foram emergência de plântulas, produtividade de grãos, número de panícula, altura de planta, massa de planta seca e severidade de mancha parda, escaldadura e mancha de grãos. As doses de agrosilício aplicadas no solo afetaram positivamente a altura de plantas, para a variedade Palha Murcha. Na variedade Primavera, as doses de agrosilício influenciaram de forma positiva o número de panículas, massa de planta seca e a produtividade de grãos e de forma negativa a germinação. Para esta variedade, a severidade da escaldadura foi reduzida quando as sementes foram microbiolizadas com B. methylotropicus. A microbiolização com B. methylotropicus não influenciou a severidade da mancha parda e a severidade da mancha de grãos, para as duas variedades de arroz.

ABSTRACT The selectivity of five insecticides, regularly used in peach farming, was assessed for larvae of the predator Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) by means of bioassay in semi-field conditions. The bioassay was based on the counting of captured larvae after release in peach trees treated with the insecticides (% of active ingredient in spray liquid): deltamethrin (0.001), fenthion (0.050), phosmet (0.100), lufenuron (0.005) and malathion (0.200). Bait-cards with eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were used to capture larvae from treated plants; five of them were fixed in plant canopy and five others left on the soil around stem. A protective barrier made up of galvanized steel sheet was used for each plant to avoid loss of larvae. The number of larvae feeding on the bait-cards was measured for four days. According to the number of captured larvae, each insecticide effect was estimated and classified into toxicity categories as stated by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants (IOBC). Based on observations, the insect growth regulator lufenuron was harmless, while the neurotoxins deltamethrin and malathion were slightly harmful; and lastly, fenthion and phosmet were moderately harmful to C. externa larvae in semi-field conditions. Thus, lufenuron should be recommended for integrated pest management, since it would preserve this predator species in peach orchards. | RESUMO A seletividade de cinco inseticidas utilizados em pomares de pessegueiro foi avaliada sobre larvas do predador Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) por meio de bioensaio conduzido em semicampo. O bioensaio baseou-se na contagem do número de larvas capturadas após liberação em plantas de pessegueiro tratadas com os inseticidas (% de ingrediente ativo na calda) deltametrina (0,001), fentiona (0,050), fosmete (0,100), lufenurom (0,005) e malationa (0,200). Para captura das larvas nas plantas tratadas foram utilizados dez cartões-isca contendo ovos de Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), sendo cinco fixados na copa e cinco fixados no solo ao redor do caule. Uma barreira de proteção composta por chapa de aço galvanizado foi utilizada em cada planta para evitar a perda de larvas. O número de larvas alimentando-se nos cartões foi mensurado durante quatro dias. Em função do número de larvas capturadas, o efeito de cada inseticida foi calculado e classificado nas categorias de toxicidade segundo a “International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants” (IOBC). Baseado no efeito observado, o regulador de crescimento lufenurom foi inofensivo, enquanto os neurotóxicos deltametrina e malationa foram pouco tóxicos, e fentiona e fosmete foram moderadamente tóxicos a larvas de C. externa em condições de semicampo. Desta forma, lufenurom deve ser recomendado no manejo integrado de pragas a fim de se preservar esta espécie de predador em pomares de pessegueiro.

ABSTRACT The invasive pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a pest that threatens the production of fruits, vegetable, and ornamental plants in Brazil. It is a phytophagous insect with a wide range of hosts; thus, there is an increasing demand for sustainable environmental-friendly control methods, such as biological control. This study aimed to investigate biological parameters of Ceraeochrysa everes (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fed on 2nd instar nymphs of M. hirsutus and eggs of Ephestia (Anagasta) kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The duration of the immature stages of C. everes was longer when the predator was fed on 2nd instar nymphs of M. hirsutus, compared to the control (E. kuehniella). The survival rate of immature C. everes was 82.5% and 100% when fed on 2nd instar nymphs of M. hirsutus and eggs of E. kuehniella, respectively. The type of food resource offered at the larval stage affected the pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods and the longevity of C. everes females. Adult females C. everes from immature individuals fed an exclusive diet of E. kuehniella eggs had longer oviposition, fecundity (daily and total), fertility, and post-oviposition periods and longevity. Ceraeochrysa everes has the capacity for predation, development, and reproduction while having 2nd instar nymphs of M. hirsutus as food resource. Therefore, C. everes has a promising potential for controlling M. hirsutus.

ABSTRACT Commercial exploitation of the coffee crop is one of the most important activities in the world’s agricultural sector. One of the main phytosanitary problems affecting the crop is the presence of Meloidogyne incognita. Several measures have been tested for the management of this pathogen, albeit with low efficiency. The objective of this work was to quantify the damage and losses and to manage M. incognita race 1 with Pochonia chlamydosporia and Trichoderma harzianum biological nematicides, comparing them to a chemical nematicide. The experiment was carried out in a commercial area naturally infested by the nematode and cultivated with the conilon coffee variety ‘Vitória INCAPER 8142’, clone V02. The treatments were tested with Carbofuran nematicide and with biological nematicides composed of P. chlamydosporia Pc-10 and T. harzianum ESALQ 1306. The biological products were applied alone or in combination. The lowest NPF (final nematode population) occurred in plants treated with P. chlamydosporia and Carbofuran. P. chlamydosporia was the most effective biological agent in the management of M. incognita. There was a reduction in production with an increase in the nematode population. The highest application costs of management methods for M. incognita race 1 per hectare were for three and two applications of Carbofuran and three applications of P. chlamydosporia + T. harzianum. The treatments with lowest application costs were one application of T. harzianum and one application of P. chlamydosporia. It was concluded that all treatments were efficient for the management of M. incognita race 1, causing a decrease in the roots and soil population.

ABSTRACT Biological aspects and predatory capacity of Doru luteipes was assessed as a function of predation on Spodoptera frugiperda. The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions of mean temperature of 25 ± 1 °C, relative humidity of 70 ± 10%, and 12:12 h (Light: Dark) photoperiod. To evaluate the biological parameters of D. luteipes, artificial diet, eggs and caterpillar (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th instars) of S. frugiperda were supplied. The completely randomized statistical design was used, with 10 replicates for each treatment. The nymphs (1st, 2nd and 3rd instars) and adult males and females of D. luteipes were individualized in Petri dish (9 cm diameter), with artificial diet as standard food (control). Nymphs of the 1st and 3rd instars of the predator lasted 4.5 and 6.9, days respectively, but they perished. The survival of D. luteipes is high, but there was variation when consuming the different instars of the caterpillar of S. frugiperda. Adults of D. luteipes did not consume caterpillars of the 4th, 5th and 6th instars of the prey. There was a significant difference for the feeding of D. luteipes with artificial diet, eggs and caterpillar of S. frugiperda with respect to the parameters number of eggs and preoviposition. Higher consumption of male and female D. luteipes occurs when they are fed with prey eggs.