Entomopathogenic fungi associated with citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby) in Southern Bahia

Abstract

The Brazilian citrus industry is the world leading producer of concentrated orange juice. The presence of citrus blackfly Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Brazilian citrus orchards has led to agribusiness problems due to damages and inadequate control measures. Entomopathogenic fungi act as natural control in high precipitation regions, being important components of integrated management. The objective of this work was to identify entomopathogenic fungi associated with citrus blackfly in the southern region of the state of Bahia. Orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) and Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia Tann.) leaves infested with citrus blackfly eggs, nymphs and pupae were collected in orchards in the municipalities of Ilhéus and Laje, Bahia, Brazil. Fragments of fungi colonies were disinfected with 70% alcohol and 2% sodium hypochlorite, and then washed with distilled water. After drying, the material was placed in Petri dishes with PDA and chloramphenicol, which were placed in bio-oxygen demand (BOD) incubators (27 ± 2 ºC, 12-hour photophase) until spore production. After isolation, the fungi were replaced in PDA Petri dishes and kept under continuous fluorescent light for 30 days to stimulate growth and spore production. The fungi isolates were preserved in test tubes containing PDA and mineral oil, and then stored at 18 ºC in a refrigerated incubator. Entomopathogenic fungi Aschersonia cf. aleyrodis Webber and Aegerita webberi Fawcett were associated with citrus blackfly in Southern Bahia.