Effects of Beauveria bassiana on Myzus persicae and its two predaceous natural enemies.

A Beauveria bassiana strain Bb21 was isolated from naturally infected green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The effects of the strain on M. persicae and its two preda ceous natural enemies Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Harmonia axyridis (Co leoptera: Coccinellidae) were investigated under laboratory conditions. Bb21 had strong pathogenicity to M. persicae, with the LD₅₀ of 97 conidia·mm^-2 (45-191, 95% confidence interval), but was less pathogenic to the second instar nymph of C. carnea, with the LD₅₀ of 1089 conidia· mm^-2. The LD₅₀ for C. carnea was 10. 2 times higher than that for M. persicae. The pathogenicity of Bb21 to H. axyridis was very weak, with a low infection rate of 13% even at a high concentration 5x10⁸ conidia·mL^-1. The Bb21 at low conidia concentration had less effect on the developmental period and fecundity of the two predaceous natural enemies. However, when applied at the high concentration 5x10⁸ spores·mL^-1, Bb21 shortened the larval stage of Haxyridis averagely by 1. 4 d and decreased the adult emergence rate and fecundity by 33% and 14%, respectively, and shortened the larval stage of C. carnea averagely by 0. 7 d and decreased the adult emergence rate and fecundity by 24% and 11%, respectively. Since the LD₅₀ for green peach aphid was much lower than that for the two predaceous natural enemies, and had very low effect on the adult emergence rate and fecundity of the two predators at the concentration recommended for field spray, Bb21 could be applied as a biocontrol agent of M. persicae in the integrated management of pernicious organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]