Effect of temperature on germination, radial growth and virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana on Megalurothrips sjostedti

The effect of temperature on germination, radial growth and pathogenic activity of two strains of Beauveria bassiana and four strains of Metarhizium anisopliae on the legume flower thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti, was studied in the laboratory. Germination, radial growth and pathogenic activity was low for all strains at 15 degrees C. Optimum temperature for germination, radial growth and pathogenic activity ranged between 25-30 degrees C. The fastest growing strain at 25-30 degrees C was M. anisopliae strain ICIPE 69. Compared to other strains, ICIPE 69 also appeared to have a broad temperature range of pathogenic activity against the pest. The significance of these findings in relation to control of M. sjostedti is discussed.