Resumen

RAMIREZ-SANCHEZ, Carlos Jesús et al. Effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi on the mortality of Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) under laboratory conditions. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2019, vol.10, n.spe22, pp.1-14. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v0i22.1854.

Currently, at a national and international level, Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) has become the main phytosanitary enemy of nopal (Opuntia spp.). For their control, there are few options, but the use of agrochemicals has been privileged, with the collateral effects that its use implies. Considering that the use of entomopathogenic fungi represent a viable alternative in the integrated management of this phytophagous, in this investigation the pathogenicity and virulence of three species and two isolates were evaluated: Beauveria bassiana (GHA, Bb1), Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma129, Ma130) and Lecanicillium lecanii (974, 2009) on mortality of second instar nymphs of D. opuntiae. The results showed that all isolates evaluated have a different degree of pathogenicity; however, M. anisopliae and L. lecanii were more effective. Isolation Ma 130, belonging to M. anisopliae showed the highest virulence determined in function of the CL50 with a value of 6.63 x 107 conidia mL-1, under controlled conditions. Therefore, this isolation could be considered in a control strategy of D. opuntiae.

Palabras llave : biological control; nopal; plague.