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The Last of Them: Entomopathogenic Effect of Akanthomyces muscarius on the Scale Insect Pest Toumeyella parvicornis Under Laboratory Conditions, a Potential Biological Control Candidate

Summary

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Akanthomyces muscarius can effectively kill tortoise scale insects, an invasive pest damaging European stone pine trees. In laboratory tests, this fungus infected and killed nearly all treated insects within a week, outperforming commercial fungal products. These findings suggest this natural fungus could be used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling this destructive pest in urban and natural environments.

Background

Toumeyella parvicornis is an invasive scale insect pest rapidly spreading in Europe causing damage to stone pine plants. Traditional chemical control methods are limited in urban areas, necessitating sustainable alternatives. Entomopathogenic fungi offer promising biological control options with selectivity for target pests.

Objective

This study investigates the potential use of Akanthomyces muscarius isolated from Parthenolecanium corni as a biological control agent against T. parvicornis. The research compares pathogenicity of different conidial concentrations of A. muscarius with commercial formulations on overwintering females and nymphs of the scale insect.

Results

A. muscarius NOC1 demonstrated superior pathogenicity compared to commercial Mycotal formulation, colonizing 94.8% of treated specimens and achieving 100% mortality in overwintering females by day 22. A conidial concentration of 10^8 conidia/mL proved most effective, with complete colonization of adults within 4-5 days and 60% mortality by day 8 in preliminary tests.

Conclusion

A. muscarius NOC1 shows promising potential as a biological control candidate for T. parvicornis with rapid infection and high pathogenicity. Further field studies and investigations of behavioral modifications and endophytic potential are needed to develop this fungus as a practical biocontrol strategy for this invasive pest.
  • Published in:Physiologia Plantarum,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40974186, DOI: 10.1111/ppl.70533
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