First steps towards biological control of the pear gall midge (Contarinia pyrivora) with the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum
Journal of Applied Entomology(2020)
Abstract
Gall midges are important pests in many crops. In fruit, they are difficult to control due to their life cycle, which takes place partially within the fruit. Here, we provide the first successful laboratory experiment to infect pear gall midge (Contarinia pyrivora) with the insect pathogenic fungusMetarhizium brunneum. We developed a procedure for sampling larvae, maintaining them in the laboratory and subjecting them to the fungus. We demonstrated that dipping larvae in a fungus suspension or adding a fungus suspension to the soil result in significant fungus induced mortality of the pear gall midge. An immune response in treated larvae was recorded proving that there was a real pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss next steps and a strategy for field experiments.
MoreTranslated text
Key words
Entomopathogenic fungi, fungal bioassays, Pyrus communis
AI Read Science
Must-Reading Tree
Example
Generate MRT to find the research sequence of this paper
Chat Paper
Summary is being generated by the instructions you defined