D3395: Evaluating the efficacy of Beauvaeria bassiana formulations against Diaphorina citri in citrus orchards

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

CM

Casey Amanda Morales, B.S. (she/her/hers)

Lab Technician
University of Texas
Mission, Texas

Co-Author(s)

DS

Daniela Sanchez

Biological Science Laboratory Technician
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas
YR

Yareny Ramirez

USDA-ARS
Edinburg, Texas
MR

Mayra Reyes

Biological
USDA-ARS
Edinburg, Texas
JW

Justin Lloyd Wendel

Research Associate
University of Texas
Edinburg, Texas
Stefan T. Jaronski (Me/Me/Mine)

Retired
USDA-ARS
Blacksburg, Virginia
Christopher J. Vitek

Professor
University of Texas
Edinburg, Texas
DF

Daniel Flores

Supervisory Entomologist
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), a significant pest of citrus plants, is a vector for Huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating disease affecting citrus production. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (strain ANT-03): Bioceres® wettable powder (WP) and Bioceres® emulsifiable concentrate (EC) in controlling ACP populations in an organic citrus orchard. Three branches per treatment were sprayed and infested with 50 adult ACP, with mycosis rates assessed four days post-application. Results indicated that under cooler conditions (14-19⁰C), the efficacy of both formulations were similar. At higher temperatures (26⁰C-35⁰C), the EC formulation achieved an average of 61% mycosis in ACP cadavers, while the WP formulation averaged at 18%. These findings suggest that temperature significantly influences the effectiveness of B. bassiana formulations, providing valuable insights for managing ACP in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX, and highlighting the need for further research on environmental factors affecting fungal efficacy.