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Paecilomyces lilacinus, a potential biocontrol agent on apple rust mite Aculus, schlechtendali and interactions with some fungicides in vitro

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The apple rust mite Aculus schlechtendali (Nal.) (Acari: Eriophyidae), is a main pest in apple-growing areas in Ankara, Turkey, and chemical control applications have some limitations. Entomopathogenic fungi have a potential for biological control of mites. In this study, an entomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes), was first isolated from the mite cadavers on Japanese crab apple leaves and pathogenicity of the fungus was observed in different inoculum densities and relative humidities. The pathogen caused up to 98.22% mortality of the mite population. The effects of some fungicides on the entomopathogenic fungus were determined in in vitro studies. Carbendazim, penconazole and tebuconazole were the most effective fungicides on mycelial growth of P. lilacinus, with EC50 values under 3 µgml−1. In spore germination tests, captan, mancozeb, propineb were the most effective fungicides, followed by tebuconazole, penconazole, nuarimol and chlorothalonil. Sulphur could not inhibit the conidia germination totally at 5,000 µgml−1. Copper oxychloride and fosetyl-al prevented conidia formation at concentrations above 1,000 µgml−1. KeywordsApple-Entomopathogenic fungi-Turkey
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... Effective Eriophyidae population suppression has been achieved using several strains of EPF in other crops through foliar applications in laboratory and field trials [181]. To date, only one study has been published on EPF control in apple rust mites [182], and there are no reports for EPF efficacy on pear rust mites. Ninety-eight percent apple rust mite mortality, 6 days after the application of Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) to apple leaves, was observed in laboratory bioassays [182]. ...
... To date, only one study has been published on EPF control in apple rust mites [182], and there are no reports for EPF efficacy on pear rust mites. Ninety-eight percent apple rust mite mortality, 6 days after the application of Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) to apple leaves, was observed in laboratory bioassays [182]. However, high humidity levels resulted in higher spore concentration than might be experienced in the field, indicating that applications after rainfall may be beneficial (as observed by Yagimuma [183]). ...
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... Fr. and Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson. [55][56][57] The second category of compounds are those where the formulated products were compatible (BI ≥ 66) with the fungi at rates up to 100% of their full field concentrations. These included acephate, trichlorfon and indoxacarb for both species, and sulfoxaflor and spinetoram for B. bassiana only. ...
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