Submitted to: Society For Invertebrate Pathology Annual Meeting Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: August 23, 1999
Publication Date: N/A
Abstract only

Technical Abstract: Insect pathology research at EBCL includes foreign explorations for pathogens of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella)diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and coffee berry borer (CBB; Hypothenemus hampei). This search has resulted in the isolation of the following fungi from P. xylostella: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium sp., Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, P. lilacinus, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. brevicompactum, and Gliocladium roseum. Four entomopathogenic fungi have been isolated from codling moth: Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces farinosus, P. fumosoroseus, and Tolypocladium sp., as well as the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, found in overwintering insects collected in Bulgaria and France. Fungal isolations from CBB include Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces farinosus, P. fumosoroseus, P. lilacinus, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, Fusarium sp., Penicillium chrysogenum, P. brevicompactum, and Verticillum sp. Yields of selected fungal entomopathogens in liquid media that differ in carbon concentration and carbon to nitrogen ratio have been studied. This has led to the identification of P. farinosus from CBB as the highest yielding strain. This strain is now being tested in desiccation studies to determine desiccation tolerance and subsequent virulence in bioassays aganist codling moth and diamondback moth. Different pheromone-based traps are being tested for their effectiveness at capturing diamondback moths. In Bulgaria, a project has been initiated with the objective of studying the dispersal of Entomophaga maimaga in the field. Lastly, research is also being conducted on the production and forumulation of strains of M. flavoviride.