Journal of Applied Entomology (2020) 144, 834-837

Bernhardt M. Steinwender, Lene Sigsgaard, Stine K. Jacobsen and Jørgen Eilenberg (2020)
First steps towards biological control of the pear gall midge (Contarinia pyrivora) with the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum
Journal of Applied Entomology 144 (9), 834-837
Abstract: Gall midges are important pests in many crops. In fruit, they are difficult to control due to their life cycle, which takes place partially within the fruit. Here, we provide the first successful laboratory experiment to infect pear gall midge (Contarinia pyrivora) with the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum. We developed a procedure for sampling larvae, maintaining them in the laboratory and subjecting them to the fungus. We demonstrated that dipping larvae in a fungus suspension or adding a fungus suspension to the soil result in significant fungus induced mortality of the pear gall midge. An immune response in treated larvae was recorded proving that there was a real pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss next steps and a strategy for field experiments.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Lene Sigsgaard, Jørgen Eilenberg

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Contarinia pyrivora
Metarhizium brunneum (entomopathogen)	Contarinia pyrivora