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Fungal volatile organic compounds show promise as potent molluscicides
Author(s) -
Khoja Salim,
Eltayef Khalifa M,
Baxter Ian,
Bull James C,
Loveridge Edric Joel,
Butt Tariq
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.5578
Subject(s) - molluscicide , biology , fumigation , conidium , toxicology , integrated pest management , pest analysis , botany , horticulture , snail , agronomy , ecology
BACKGROUND Slugs and snails constitute major crop pests. Withdrawal of metaldehyde has prompted a search for more environmentally friendly yet fast acting molluscicides. This study investigated the response of representative molluscs to conidia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum Petch. RESULTS Conidia of M. brunneum had antifeedant/repellent properties with repellency being dependent upon the fungal strain and conidia concentration. Three commonly produced fungal VOCs, 1‐octene, 3‐octanone and 1‐octen‐3‐ol, were repellent at low doses (1–5 μL) but could kill slugs and snails on contact or fumigation. At the highest dose tested (10 μL), 100% mortality was achieved for Cornu aspersum Muller (garden snail) and Derocerus reticulatum Muller (grey field slug) within 1 h post‐treatment with the first deaths being recorded in <11 min. Aqueous formulations (20% v/v) of the most potent VOCs, 3‐octanone and 1‐octen‐3‐ol, could be sprayed onto plants to kill or drive the pest of the crop with no phytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION The sensitivity of terrestrial molluscs to 3‐octanone and 1‐octen‐3‐ol and the ephemeral nature of these compounds makes these excellent candidates for development as mollusc repellents or molluscicides. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.