Control of Bemisia tabaci by entomopathogenic fungi isolated from arid soils in Argentina. Entomopathogenic Hypocreales were isolated from arid soils in Argentina using Tenebrio molitor as bait and tested for their biological performance at 30 °C and 45-65% RH. Conidial germination was tested in three vegetable oils (Sunflower, Olive and Maize) at two concentrations (1 and 10%) to evaluate their compatibility for further liquid formulations. According to radial growth and germination results, we selected 4 isolates to test their pathogenicity against second instar B. tabaci nymphs with the selected oil formulations at 30 °C. CEP381 and CEP401 showed the highest radial growth. Isolates CEP381, CEP401, CEP413 and CEP409 (Metarhizium spp.) had similar germination percentages as compared with water control when germinated on either Sunflower, Olive and or Maize oils at 10% v/v. The highest mortality of B. tabaci were observed for the isolates CEP381 in Sunflower oil and CEP401 in Olive oil. Molecular identification of isolates was performed using ITS4-5 primers. All isolates belong to the Metarhizium core group. Tested isolates could grow and infect B. tabaci nymphs at 30 °C in some of the vegetable oils as carriers, providing new possibilities for IPM of Bemisia tabaci.

The phyllosphere, which comprises the aerial parts of plants and is dominated by leaves, constitutes a large microbial habitat (Lindow & Brandl, 2003). Fungal endophytes (FE) are an important component of leaf microbial communities. Most FE are defined as commensalistic, with no or yet unknown functions in plants; nevertheless, some FE have been shown to have positive (mutualists) or negative

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the gray rot fungus (Botrytis cinerea) are two important factors that cause elevated losses of productivity in vineyards globally. The European grapevine moth is one of the most important pests in vineyards around the world, not only because of its direct damage to crops, but also due to its association with the gray rot fungus; both organisms are highly detrimental to the same crop. Currently, there is no effective, economic, and eco-friendly technique that can be applied for the control of both agents. On the other hand, Metarhizium anisopliae belongs to a diverse group of entomopathogenic fungi of asexual reproduction and global distribution. Several Metarhizium isolates have been discovered causing large epizootics to over 300 insects' species worldwide. In this study, a simple design was conducted to evaluate the potential of native M. anisopliae isolates as one of biological control agents against L. botrana and as possible growth inhibitors to B. cinerea. Entomopathogenic fungal strains were isolated from arid soils under vine (Vitis vinifera) culture. Results suggest that the three entomopathogenic strains (CEP413, CEP589, and CEP591) were highly efficient in controlling larval and pupal stages of L. botrana, with mortality rates ranging from 81 to 98% (within 4-6 days). Also, growth inhibition over B. cinerea strains resulted in percentages ranged from 47 to 64%. Finally, the compatibility of the entomopathogenic strains, with seven commercial fungicides, was evaluated. The potential of the entomopathogenic fungal strains to act as control agents is discussed.