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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 found in Greek olive groves to see if they could kill olive fruit flies, which damage about 30% of olive crops. They applied the fungi to fly pupae in soil and without soil, then tracked how many flies died and how much fungal growth appeared. Several fungi types, especially Aspergillus flavus and A. keveii, were very effective at killing the flies and could potentially replace harmful chemical pesticides used in olive farming.

Background

Greece’s olive oil production is significantly affected by the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae, causing up to 30% crop losses in some areas. Chemical control using dimethoate-based insecticides is toxic to non-target organisms and leaves residues in olive oil. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) offer an eco-friendly alternative for biological control in integrated pest management programs.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of seventeen locally isolated entomopathogenic fungi strains against B. oleae pupae under laboratory soil conditions. The study aimed to assess pupa survival, hatch time, adult emergence, and mycelium presence on infected individuals.

Results

A. contaminans, A. keveii, A. flavus, P. lilacinum, and T. annesophieae showed 100% external fungal growth on dead soil-substrate adults. P. chrysogenum caused the highest pupa hatch time (6.87 days on soil). A. flavus resulted in the lowest male proportion (0.41-0.42) for the first time documented, while A. keveii showed 0.36 male proportion on soil.

Conclusion

Several EPF isolates demonstrated high efficacy against B. oleae pupae, particularly A. contaminans, A. flavus, and A. keveii. These results support further investigation of incorporating EPF-based biopesticides into integrated pest management programs to protect olive groves from B. oleae infestations. Field trials under various climatic conditions are needed to validate laboratory findings.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13040811; PMID: 40284647
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