Abstract

ROSAS-ACEVEDO, José Luis  and  SAMPEDRO-ROSAS, Laura. Variability of Hirsutella thompsonii strains, isolated from phytophagous mites from three terrestrial systems in the State of Colima, México. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2006, vol.77, n.1, pp.7-16. ISSN 2007-8706.

Between 1999 and 2004, ten strains of the fungus Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher were isolated from infected acari, in 9 localities of 3 of the 11 terrestrial systems found in the state of Colima, Mexico: Coastal Plain of Tecomán, Coastal Plain of Cuyutlán and Valley of the Armería river. Of the 10 strains, 5 belong to var. thompsonii, whose growth is fluffed mycelial, slightly tall, gray to greenish gray, and 5 to var. sinematosa, with a flat appearance, white to yellow. The hosts were two-spotted spider mite (Tetranichus urticae), Eriophidae (Aceria guerreronis and Phyllocoptruta oleivora) and Brevipalpidae (Brevipalpus phoenicis), Citrus spp. being the host of the acari in 8 of the 10 isolations. Of the 10 strains, only one HtM130 strain of H. thompsonii var. thompsonii displayed exudate formation in the sporulative phase, characteristic that gives it greater potential for implementation in management strategies for the control of phytophagous acari. Strain coloration and growth are not correlated with the terrestrial system where they were found, nor to prevailing climatic conditions in the system. This contribution demonstrates the importance of assessing the presence of native natural enemies, before introducing commercial microorganisms or isolations from elsewhere so as not to affect the natural regulatory systems.

Keywords : biodiversity; entomopathogen; natural enemies; native fungus.

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