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Potential Use of Beauveria bassiana for Biological Control of Thrips in Peppers ABSTRACT
Galen Frantz and H. Charles Mellinger Biological control of vegetable pests is an important goal for growers and IPM practitioners alike. Currently, the naturally occurring minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus (Say) (MPB) is the major biological control agent for managing thrips in peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Alternatives to this biological control agent are needed to manage thrips during winter months when MPB enter diapause, and during the citrus bloom period when massive flights of thrips can overwhelm the ability of MPB to provide satisfactory thrips control. A commercial formulation of the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuill., was evaluated for biological control of thrips. Infected thrips occurred in plots receiving the commercial fungal formulation, and also occurred naturally in the untreated areas. Infected MPB were also found. The potential utility of this fungus is discussed. |