Isolation, characterisation and evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi for control of the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae) and the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) (Diptera : Tephritidae) a recent enemy of wine grapes

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) were isolated from various habitats using the Galleria bait method or by collecting infected insect specimens. One strain of Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wise) was isolated in the University of Reading. EPF were evaluated for control of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana Den. and Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). L. botrana is a serious pest of grapevines worldwide causing severe direct damage to grape berries and indirect damage by allowing access to fungal infections, such as the grey mould Botrytis cinerea (De Bary). Its infestation affects the quality of table grapes and wines. EPF were identified and characterized using PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Spore germination and pathogenicity of EPF under different climatic conditions were examined. EPF germinated well under a broad range of temperature values. Thermal stress had an effect on conidial germination in some cases. Relative humidity (RH) had also a significant influence on both germination and pathogenicity. Fungi germinated better and caused the/highest larval mortality at high RH. Both commercial and wild isolates of EPF caused high mortality of L. botrana when tested against third instar larvae at various temperatures. Except for the primary viability test, isolates were also selected for the control of L. botrana according to their geographical origin. However, the origin of the isolates had no significant influence on mortality of L. botrana. P. fumosoroseus EBAC-O 1 was the most effective isolate against L. botrana as it caused larval mortality as high as 98% at 25°C. EPF also showed a synergistic action with Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) when applied in combination treatments against L. botrana. During this study, the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) was infesting wine grapes in a vineyard in the periphery of Attica (central Greece). This was the first report of an infestation of wine grapes by the pest, although it was recently found on table grapes in Greece and Brazil. EPF were evaluated as biological control agents of pupae and adults of C. capitata. Results from this study, indicate that EPF have a great potential as biological control agents against the populations of both the European grapevine moth and the Mediterranean fruit fly and could be included in integrated pest management programs for controlling pests in vineyards.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo