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Effect of Rare, Locally Isolated Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Survival of Bactrocera oleae Pupae in Laboratory Soil Conditions

Summary

Researchers tested seventeen types of fungi as natural pest control for the olive fruit fly, a major pest that damages olive crops in Greece. They found that several fungal species, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus contaminans, were highly effective at killing fly pupae in soil conditions. These fungi could offer farmers an eco-friendly alternative to toxic chemical pesticides, helping improve olive oil quality while protecting beneficial insects.

Background

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae significantly damages olive production in Greece, causing up to 30% crop losses in some areas. Chemical control using dimethoate-based insecticides poses risks to beneficial insects and leaves residues in olive oil. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) offer an eco-friendly alternative as biological control agents in integrated pest management programs.

Objective

This study evaluated the efficacy of seventeen rare, locally isolated entomopathogenic fungal strains on B. oleae pupae survival under laboratory soil conditions. The research aimed to assess parameters including adult survival time, pupa hatch time, and mycelium presence to identify promising candidates for IPM programs in olive cultivation.

Results

Several fungal isolates showed high efficacy with 100% mycelium presence on dead adults, including A. contaminans, A. keveii, A. flavus, P. lilacinum, and T. annesophieae. A. flavus, A. keveii, and P. citreosulfuratum significantly reduced male proportion compared to controls. Soil substrate enhanced pathogenicity compared to non-soil conditions.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that certain locally isolated EPF strains, particularly A. contaminans, A. flavus, and A. keveii, show high efficacy against B. oleae pupae and warrant further investigation for inclusion in IPM programs. Field trials are needed to validate these laboratory findings before potential commercialization and registration as biocontrol products.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40284647, PMCID: PMC12029699, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13040811
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