Erynia radicans as a mycoinsecticide for spruce budworm control

Abstract

The entomopahtogenic fungus Erynia radicans, has been under investigation for several years as a possible alternative to chemical control of the eastern spruce budworm. A commercial production method has been developed which allows the formulation of this pathogen as a mycoinsecticide. A standardized bioassay method was used to select strain RS141 as the most potent isolate. The SD₅₀ was found to be 11 conidia/mm2 with a slope o f 2.21 against 6th instar larvae and a ST₅₀ at 20 C of 3.5 days. When the mycoinsecticide is applied in the field, conidia were produced for up to 5 days during wet periods. Temperature below 10 C seem to limit the fungus activity. It is recommended that the research continue with emphasis on epizootiological investigations and selection of low temperature strains.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, Symposium: Microbial control of spruce budworms and gypsy moths

Citation

Soper, Richard S. 1985. Erynia radicans as a mycoinsecticide for spruce budworm control. In: Grimble, David G.; Lewis, Franklin B., coords. Proceedings, Symposium: Microbial control of spruce budworms and gypsy moths; 1984 April 10-12; Windsor Locks, CT. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-100. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 69-76