Virulence of Metarhizium brunneum (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Strains Against Stinkbugs Euschistus heros and Dichelops furcatus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

Three strains of fungi belonging to the genus Metarhizium Sorokīn (ARSEF 4556, ARSEF 3297, native strain) were assayed against adults and nymphs of the Neotropical brown stinkbug Euschistus heros (F.) and the green-belly stinkbug Dichelops furcatus (F.). The most virulent strain, ARSEF 4556, caused over 90% mortality. The average survival time of the second and fifth instar nymphs and adults following immersion in 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 was 4.8, 5.7, and 5.2 d, respectively. The second instar nymphs were more susceptible than the adults. The LC50 values and median survival times for second instar and adult E. heros were 1.6 × 107 and 3.1 × 107 conidia ml−1 and 6 and 8 d, respectively. Eggs of E. heros and the closely related stinkbug, D. furcatus, were highly susceptible to ARSEF 4556 with the mean mortality of eggs immersed in 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 being 77.4% and 89.7%, respectively. The strain 3297 showed also good aptitudes for stinkbugs control with mortalities higher than 80% against nymphs and adults and eggs mortalities of 75.5% for E. heros and 79.6% for D. furcatus. This study has shown that it is possible to have a two-pronged control strategy, targeting adults and to reduce oviposition and targeting egg clusters to prevent emergence and dispersal of nymphs. Besides early instars of nymphs have been shown to be more susceptible to the fungal strains than late instars and adults.

Fungal Endophytic Community and Diversity Associated with Desert Shrubs Driven by Plant Identity and Organ Differentiation in Extremely Arid Desert Ecosystem

“…Furthermore, members of Hypocreales , Chaetothyriales ( Cyphellophora ) and Eurotiales ( Penicillium ) played important central roles in connecting the above- and belowground fungal networks. Abundant studies have focused on the entomopathogenic effect of Hypocreales strains and their potential use as biocontrol agents of insects [ 116 , 117 , 118 ]; thus, the important connections of this fungus in the co-occurrence network may be related to the biological defense mechanisms of desert plants. Penicillium , a well-known Ascomycota taxon that secretes antibiotics, is also known for its tolerance to low water potential and could develop strong relationships with other members in the module through antibiotics or secondary metabolites [ 119 ].…”

Intraspecific and interspecific interaction and fitness cost of stink bugs Euschistus heros, Diceraeus melacanthus, and Piezodorus guildinii in soybean

“…34,35 Chemical control methods, including neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and organophosphates are also employed. [36][37][38] Biological control strategies involving parasitoids and entomopathogens, 39,40 as well as the utilization of semiochemicals, are utilized. 41 However, these approaches may experience reduced effectiveness due to deficiencies in application technology.…”

Niche Differentiation and Co-Occurrence Network of Fungal Communities Associated with Host Affiliations in an Extremely Arid Desert Ecosystem

“…In addition to those of Pleosporales, members of Hypocreales, Chaetothyriales (Cyphellophora) and Eurotiales (Penicillium) played important central roles in connecting the above-and belowground fungal networks, indicating the potential functional features of these species in the studied desert ecosystem. Abundant studies have focused on the entomopathogenic effect of Hypocreales strains and their potential use as biocontrol agents of insects [95][96][97]; thus, the important connections of this fungus in the co-occurrence network may be related to the biological defence mechanisms of desert plants. Penicillium, a well-known Ascomycota taxon that secretes antibiotics, is also known for its tolerance to low water potential and could develop strong relationships with other members in the module through antibiotics or secondary metabolites [37,98].…”