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Isolation and molecular identification of entomopathogenic fungi from the Western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)], and evaluation of their efficacy against the pest

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Abstract

The Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentaliss (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is the main pest of many vegetables and ornamental plants in greenhouses in Antalya province (southwestern part of Turkey). The objectives of this study were: (i) to isolate indigenous Entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) from naturally infected individuals of WFT in the coastal area of Antalya, where greenhouse cultivation is intensively done, (ii) to identify EPF isolates using DNA sequencing, and (iii) to assess the effectiveness of the isolates against various developmental stages [larvae (1st and 2nd instars), pupa and adult (only females)] of WFT under laboratory conditions. In pathogenicity assays, all isolates were tested at three different conidial concentrations (1 × 105, 1 × 106 and 1 × 107 conidia/ml), using the spray method. Two Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) isolates (M48 and M49) and Isaria fumosorosea Wise formerly [formerly known as Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wise) (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)] isolate (M50) were the most pathogenic, causing 100% mortality of WFT larvae within 7–10 days at the highest concentration (1 × 107 conidia/ml). These three isolates also caused a mortality of more than 85% in the pupae of WFT. The Lecanicillium psalliotae (Treschew) Zare & W. Gams (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) isolate (DOA3) was the most virulent against adult females of WFT, causing 100% morality at the highest concentration 10 days after treatment. The current study’s findings suggested that certain EPF extracted from WFT cadavers may provide an important foundation for the creation of bioproducts, as well as a possible alternative technique for regulating WFT.

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All data generated or analyzed in this study are available in this published manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank to the Scientific Projects Coordination Unit of Akdeniz University (Antalya, Turkey) for financially supporting the study (Project no.: BAP FDK-2019-4940).

Funding

This study was funded by the Scientific Projects Coordination Unit (SPCU) of Akdeniz University (Antalya, Turkey) under grant number BAP FDK-2019-4940.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Protection, Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute, 07100, Antalya, Turkey

    Musa Kirisik

  2. Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Akdeniz University, 07070, Antalya, Turkey

    Fedai Erler

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  1. Musa Kirisik
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  2. Fedai Erler
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Contributions

MK and FE substantially contributed to the conception and design of the article. Data curation and analysis were maintained by MK. Writing the entire manuscript was done by FE. Both authors have read, revised, and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Musa Kirisik.

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Kirisik, M., Erler, F. Isolation and molecular identification of entomopathogenic fungi from the Western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)], and evaluation of their efficacy against the pest. J Plant Dis Prot 131, 719–730 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-024-00881-6

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