On the Pathogenicity of Metarhizium Pemphigi against Ips Typographus L.

Abstract

Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pemphigi was evaluated against Ips typographus adults in a laboratory bioassay for the first time. A series of four conidial concentrations (2×10⁴–2×10⁷ conidia/ml) were used. The cumulative mortality caused by M. pemphigi varied between 75% and 100% ten days post-treatment, with LC₅₀ value of 2.9×10³ conidia/ml and LC₉₀ value of 6.4×10⁴ conidia/ml. The median lethal time (LT₅₀) of treated beetles depended on conidial concentrations and ranged from 1.78 to 5.98 days. Pathogenicity of M. pemphigi was reported for the first time and the tested strain was found to be promising for further evaluation in terms of management options against the spruce bark beetle.