Spatial separation of semiochemical Lurem-TR and entomopathogenic fungi to enhance their compatibility and infectivity in an autoinoculation system for thrips management

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Pest Management Science

Name of Author

• David K. Mfuti, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Sevgan Subramanian, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Rob Whm van Tol, Wageningen University & Research
• Gerrie L. Wiegers, Wageningen University & Research
• Willem J. de Kogel, Wageningen University & Research
• Saliou Niassy, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Hannalene du Plessis, North-West University
• Sunday Ekesi, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Nguya K. Maniania, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The effect of spatial separation of the semiochemical Lurem-TR, which has been found to inhibit conidia of entomopathogenic fungi when put together, on the persistence of conidia of Metarhizium brunneum and M. anisopliae was evaluated in the greenhouse and field in order to develop an autodissemination strategy for the management of Megalurothrips sjostedti on cowpea crop. Influence of spatial separation of the semiochemical on thrips attraction and conidial acquisition by thrips from the autoinoculation device was also investigated in the field. RESULTS: Persistence of conidia of M. brunneum and M. anisopliae increased with distance of separation of Lurem-TR. Direct exposure of fungus without separation from Lurem-TR recorded the lowest conidial germination as compared with the other treatments. Attraction of thrips to the device also varied significantly according to distance between device and semiochemical, with a higher number of thrips attracted when Lurem-TR was placed in a container below the device and at 10 cm distance. There was no significant difference in conidial acquisition between spatial separation treatments of conidia and Lurem-TR. Attraction of other insect pests to the device did not significantly vary between treatments. Positive correlations were found between conidial acquisition and thrips attraction. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that spatial separation of fungal conidia from Lurem-TR in an autoinoculation device could provide a low-cost strategy for effective management of thrips in grain legume cropping systems.

Keywords

Bean flower thrips, Grain legumes, Kairomones, Lure-and-infect, Metarhizium anisopliae, Metarhizium brunneum

PubMed ID

25643946

Recommended Citation

Mfuti, D., Subramanian, S., van Tol, R., Wiegers, G., de Kogel, W., Niassy, S., du Plessis, H., Ekesi, S., & Maniania, N. (2016). Spatial separation of semiochemical Lurem-TR and entomopathogenic fungi to enhance their compatibility and infectivity in an autoinoculation system for thrips management. Pest Management Science, 72 (1), 131-139. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.3979

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