Abstract

VASQUEZ P, CARMEN A; SALDARRIAGA O, YAMILLÉ  and  PINEDA G, FABIO. Compatibility of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana with triflumuron. Rev. Colomb. Entomol. [online]. 2004, vol.30, n.1, pp.23-27. ISSN 0120-0488.

The combined use of chemical and biological insecticides presents a promising and rational alternative to control insect pests of agricultural and medical importance. The compatibillties of the Inra297, CenicaféiBb9205 and UdeA15 strains of the fungus B. bassiana with the insecticide Starycide S.C. 480 Bayer^R (triflumuron), a chitin synthesis inhibitor in insects, were evaluated. Combinations of three concentrations of each strain of B. bassiana (3X10⁵, 1x10⁷ and 3x10⁸ conidios/ml) and triflumuron (0,05; 0,025 and 0,0125 µg/µl) were tested. The fungus suspensión was used as a control. The compatibility of the two agents was evaluated based on conidial germination in a solid médium (Sabouraud dextrose agar) and mycelial growth in a liquid médium. Conidial germination was observed at 24 and 48 h and mycelial growth at 7 days. The germinated and non-germinated conidia and dry mycelium weight were the variables used in statistical analysis. The presence of triflumuron inhibited neither conidial germination ñor mycelial growth of B. ¿assiana, demonstrating the compatibility. However, both conidial germination and mycelial growth in the presence of triflumuron varied among the three fungal strains that were evaluated.

Keywords : Insect control; Insecticide; Integrated control; Compatibility of fungi and insecticides.