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Laboratory and Field Bioassays of Arthropod Pathogenic Fungi Application for the Control of the Hazelnut Big Bud Mite, Phytoptus avellanae s. l.

Summary

Hazelnut farming is threatened by small pests called big bud mites that damage buds and reduce crop production. This study tested two types of beneficial fungi as a natural pest control method, finding that Beauveria bassiana was very effective at killing these mites in both laboratory and field conditions. These fungal treatments could provide farmers with a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting their hazelnut crops.

Background

Phytoptus avellanae is a key pest of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) causing bud swelling and reduced nut yield. There is reduced availability of synthetic acaricides in Europe, prompting interest in alternative control strategies using arthropod pathogenic fungi (APF) for sustainable management.

Objective

To develop laboratory and field protocols for evaluating arthropod pathogenic fungi efficacy against P. avellanae and to assess the potential of commercial biopesticides based on Beauveria bassiana and Akanthomyces muscarius for controlling this gall-making mite pest.

Results

Beauveria bassiana demonstrated significantly higher efficacy with 87.3-91.0% mean mortality rates compared to Akanthomyces muscarius (57.1-81.1%) and control (35.7-66.7%) in laboratory assays. Field trials confirmed higher mite mortality on organs treated with B. bassiana, with no mite escape on sticky traps and reduced mite abundance on treated nuts.

Conclusion

Treatments with arthropod pathogenic fungi, particularly Beauveria bassiana, demonstrate promising efficacy for P. avellanae control and warrant further exploration for integration into hazelnut orchard management strategies as sustainable alternatives to chemical acaricides.
  • Published in:Insects,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/insects16111182
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