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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 that infect insects to see if they could control the olive fruit fly, a major pest in Greece that damages olive crops. Using fungi from local Greek soil samples, they exposed young olive fruit flies to different fungal treatments both in soil and without soil. Some fungi, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus keveii, were highly effective at killing the flies and preventing them from reproducing normally. These results suggest that using these naturally occurring fungi could be a safer alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting olive groves.

Background

The olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) causes significant economic damage to olive production in Greece and Mediterranean countries, with chemical control methods posing risks to beneficial insects and compromising olive oil quality. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) offer promising biological control alternatives within integrated pest management (IPM) programs. This study evaluates the efficacy of rare, locally isolated EPF strains against B. oleae pupae under laboratory soil conditions.

Objective

To assess the effect of seventeen rare, locally isolated entomopathogenic fungal isolates on the survival, hatch time, and mortality of Bactrocera oleae pupae in both soil and non-soil laboratory substrates. The study aims to identify effective EPF candidates for potential incorporation into IPM programs for olive grove protection.

Results

External fungal growth was observed on dead adults treated with A. contaminans, A. keveii, A. flavus, P. lilacinum, and T. annesophieae (100% on soil substrate). Pupa hatch time was highest for P. chrysogenum (6.87±0.58 days on soil). Notably, A. flavus showed the lowest male proportion (0.41-0.42) in both substrates, and A. keveii showed 0.36 male proportion on soil, contrasting with control treatment (0.5). Adult mortality was highest with A. contaminans on soil and P. brevicompactum on non-soil substrates.

Conclusion

Several EPF isolates, particularly A. contaminans, A. flavus, and A. keveii, demonstrated high efficacy against B. oleae pupae, with soil substrate enhancing pathogenicity. The study provides evidence supporting the potential incorporation of these locally isolated EPF-based biopesticides into IPM programs for olive grove protection. Field trials are necessary to validate these laboratory findings and assess real-world applicability.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40284647, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13040811
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