A BIOASSAY FOR DETERMINING PATHOGENICITY OF ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI ON WHITEFLIES

A simple and effective laboratory bioassay method for determining the pathogenicity of entomogenous fungi to whiteflies is presented. The bioassay is based on characterization of the growth rate and development of entomogenous fungi on fourth instar nymphs of the silverleaf whitefly (SLWF), Bemisia argentifolii (Bemisia tabaci, Strain B), and is useful in determining the effects of environmental factors (e.g., temperature and humidity) and additives (e.g., surfactants, adjuvants, and pesticides) on the development of entomogenous fungi. Such information can provide a better understanding of the influence of these factors on the performance of entomogenous fungi when tested under field conditions. The bioassay has been successfully implemented for the evaluation of the pathogenicity of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Verticillium lecanii, and Beauveria bassiana against fourth instar nymphs of SLWF. It has the potential to be useful as a screening tool for determining pathogenicity of new fungal isolates and for the standardization and quality control of commercial fungal preparations for viability and virulence against insect pests before they are used far field applications. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.