The fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin in a corn ecosystem: its effects on the insect predator Coleomegilla maculata De Geer
1996
Pingel, R.L. | Lewis, L.C.
Isolate ARSEF 3113, of the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, has potential as a control agent in an integrated pest management program in corn for the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), but its impact on beneficial insects must also be considered. This isolate ARSEF 3113 was tested in the field and laboratory for its compatibility with the coccinellid, Coleomegilla maculata De Geer. Fourth instars of C. maculata were exposed by direct contact with a granular formulation of B. bassiana containing 1.1 X 10(8) conidia per gram. No mortality of C. maculata was observed, nor was the fungus isolated from any of the exposed coccinellids. Coleomegilla maculata populations and indigenous B. bassiana on corn plants and in the soil also were monitored in field plots under three tillage systems. Results suggested a spatial and temporal specificity for B. bassiana. When C. maculata density was highest, B. bassiana was not isolated from corn plant tissues (leaf collar). We concluded that isolate ARSEF 3113 is compatible with C. maculata in managing O. nubilalis in an Iowa corn ecosystem.
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