Resumen

HERNANDEZ-VELAZQUEZ, V. Manuel et al. Entomopathogenic fungi isolated from soil and immature white grubs (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) in corn agrosystems. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.3, pp.591-599. ISSN 2448-8445.

The knowledge on the presence and abundance of natural enemies of white grubs in Mexico is limited. Therefore the aim of the present work is to isolate, identify and preserve entomopathogens from corn cultivated soils and from collections made directly on white grubs in Morelos. Altitudes of these georeferenced (GPS) sites ranged between 1000 to 2300 masl. Forty four soil sample collections were made in these sites. Fungal detection was made by the trap insect technique using Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as a bait. Besides, white grub species present in each site belonging to different larval instars. These larvae were identified to morphospecies on the basis of the raster palidia and were observed until death or adult emergence. Field collected dead larvae with fungal infections were also identified in the same way. Both the larvae of G. mellonela and white grubs were used to isolate and identify the fugal species present. Fungal identification was made on the basis of morphology and fungal development on the insect which correlates with conidial size and shape and the conidial formation in colonies of purified isolates. Fourty eight fungal isolates (seven from white grubs and 41 G. mellonella) have been preserved in the Biological Control Laboratory of the CEIB-UAEM (a replicate has been placed in Fungal Entomopathogens Colllection of CNRCB). In this collection 15 strains of Metarhizium anisopliae, 30 strains of Beauveria bassiana and three strains of Paecilomyces sp. are present. This fungal diversity is valuable in the zone for conservation purposes and for its potencial as biocontrol agents against white grubs and other corn pests.

Palabras llave : withe grubs; corn; Beauveria bassiana; Metarhizium anisopliae; entomopathogenic fungi.

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