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

Summary

This study tested different types of beneficial fungi to control olive fruit flies, which are major pests in Mediterranean olive groves. Researchers found that several fungi species, particularly those from the Aspergillus genus, can effectively kill olive fly pupae when applied to soil. The results suggest these fungi could be developed into biological pesticides to protect olive crops without harmful chemical insecticides.

Background

The olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) causes significant damage to olive crops in Greece and Mediterranean countries, with chemical control methods raising environmental and quality concerns. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) offer eco-friendly biological control alternatives for integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of rare, locally isolated entomopathogenic fungi on olive fruit fly pupae survival in laboratory soil conditions. The study aimed to identify potential EPF-based biopesticides for incorporation into IPM programs for olive protection.

Results

Several EPFs showed high efficacy with 100% mycelium presence on dead adults, particularly A. contaminans, A. keveii, A. flavus, P. lilacinum, and T. annesophieae on soil substrate. A. flavus demonstrated a notably reduced male proportion (0.41-0.42) for the first time, and soil substrate significantly enhanced pathogenicity compared to non-soil treatments.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that certain locally isolated EPFs, especially A. contaminans, A. flavus, and A. keveii, show high efficacy against B. oleae pupae and warrant further field testing. These findings support the incorporation of EPF-based biopesticides into IPM programs as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides for olive crop protection.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40284647, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13040811
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