Entomopathogenic fungi tested in planta on pepper and in field on sorghum, to control commercially important species of aphids

Given the aphids high reproductive capacity, assessing their biocontrol by using entomopathogenic fungi is crucial; to determine their potential, fungi were tested in planta and in field conditions. Significant decrease of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) population was observed in planta after applying Beauveria bassiana (strain 7R), Trichoderma gamsii (strain Z) or Metarhizium brunneum (strain Meta Br1) at 1 x 10(7) or 1 x 10(8) conidia/mL on pepper plants. Significant differences of aphids' populations were detected between fungus concentration and control (F = 68.743, df = 6.980, P < 0.001), where M. brunneum at 1 x 10(8) conidia/mL reduced aphids population close to zero. At 20 degrees C, dead aphids' mycosis by B. bassiana and T. gamsii was 78% and 84%; at 25 degrees C was 83% and 88%; and at 30 degrees C was 75% and 79%, respectively. In field conditions, Mexican PTG4 and commercial GHA B. bassiana strains were tested [(1 x 10(6) conidia/mL + corn starch) seed treatments] against the Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) aphid populations, on naturally infested sorghum plants. Results showed that plant germination and emergence were not affected, whereas yield (grams of sugar/plant) was significantly higher among treated compared with untreated plants. The aphid population decreased in plants from PTG4 treated seeds; indeed, this treatment had a significant positive effect on the flowering index, whereas the stem fresh weight and juice volume was significantly increased among plants from GHA treated seeds. Taken together, tested strains can be used as a tool to control aphids' population on several crops such as pepper and even increase the yield in sorghum.

Automated summary

The use of entomopathogenic fungi as a biocontrol method for aphids is important due to their high reproductive capacity. The tested fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, Trichoderma gamsii, and Metarhizium brunneum, were effective in reducing aphid populations and increasing crop yields. These findings demonstrate the potential of using these strains to control aphids and improve crop productivity.