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First steps towards biological control of the pear gall midge ( Contarinia pyrivora ) with the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum
Author(s) -
Steinwender Bernhardt M.,
Sigsgaard Lene,
Jacobsen Stine K.,
Eilenberg Jørgen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0418
pISSN - 0931-2048
DOI - 10.1111/jen.12810
Subject(s) - biology , gall , pear , midge , fungus , entomopathogenic fungus , biological pest control , botany , larva , pathogenic fungus , insect , beauveria bassiana
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 fungus Metarhizium 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.