BioControl (2001) 46, 105-124

Ch. Christias, P. Hatzipapas, A. Dara, A. Kaliafas and G. Chrysanthis (2001)
Alternaria alternata, a new pathotype pathogenic to aphids
BioControl 46 (1), 105-124
Abstract: A fungus, identified as Alternaria alternata, was isolated from dying or dead aphids and proved to be pathogenic. It was isolated from different parts of Greece from aphid specimens on cultivated plants, ornamentals and weeds. In the laboratory, disease development started with the germination of spores on the insect integument and the subsequent growth of mycelium. The fungus formed apical and intercalary, globose or lobate appressoria which were firmly attached onto the host exoskeleton and facilitated entrance of the mycelium into the insect body. Under favorable conditions of temperature (15-35 °C) and relative humidity (100%), infected aphids died in 2-4 days. A characteristic brown discoloration accompanied the death of the insects. Both mycelial growth and sporulation were profuse on dead specimens. The pathogen infected all 26 aphid species tested but was unable to infect other insects (Drosophila melanogaster and Ceratitis capitata) or aphid host plants. There were significant differences in mortality rate among aphid species only during the first two days after inoculation. It is suggested that A. alternata may be a good candidate to be exploited for the biological control of aphids.
(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): Christos Christias

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.
Alternaria alternata (entomopathogen)			Greece