Abstract

ARAUJO-DE-SOUZA, Suyanne et al. Pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) to the red cashew beetle Crimissa cruralis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Blepharida-group) in laboratory conditions. Rev. Colomb. Entomol. [online]. 2019, vol.45, n.2, e8606.  Epub Dec 29, 2019. ISSN 0120-0488.  https://doi.org/10.25100/socolen.v45i2.8606.

The increased pest actions of the red cashew beetle Crimissa cruralis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae in Brazilian populations of cashew Anacardium occidentale (Anarcardiaceae) is a cause for concern. The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, was evaluated as a biocontrol of larvae. The percent mortalities of second and third instar larvae produced by in vivo application of a commercial formulation containing the fungal spores were evaluated. Treatment of larvae at concentrations of 1.2 x 106, 2.5 x 106, 3.7 x 107 e 5.0 x 107 conidia/mL resulted in 49, 56, 66 and 72 % mortality within eight days, respectively. Based on the finding, it is recommended that the B. bassiana formulation should be employed at the lowest concentrations (1.2 x 106 and 2.5 x 106 conidia/mL) with repeat application to avoid possible inactivation of the fungus by abiotic environmental factors. Cost-benefit assessments of the use of this biological agent will be important for determining the economic feasibility of its application in the field.

Keywords : Entomopathogenic fungus; controlled conditions; biological product; caju.

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