Characterization, identification and virulence of Metarhizium species from Cuba to control the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius Fabricius (Coleoptera: Brentidae)

Aims: Entomopathogenic Metarhizium fungi are widely recognized for their biological control potential. In Cuba, several fungus‐based bio‐insecticides have been developed and are produced as part of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes for economically relevant agricultural pests. Screening of fungal isolates from the INISAV strain collection was used for the development of bio‐insecticides against important pest insects as, for example the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius. Methods and results: Six fungal isolates from Cuba were microscopically, morphologically and molecular‐taxonomically characterized using marker sequences ef1a, rpb1 and rpb2, and the 5TEF region of the ef1a gene. Five isolates were assigned to the species Metarhizium anisopliae sensu stricto and one isolate to Metarhizium robertsii. The pathogenic potential was evaluated against adults of C. formicarius, and growth and conidial production on different nutritional media were determined. Metarhizium anisopliae strain LBM‐267 displayed pronounced virulence against the sweet potato weevil and abundant conidia production on several culture media. Conclusions: Entomopathogenic fungal isolates from Cuba were assigned to the taxonomic species M. anisopliae sensu stricto and M. robertsii. Virulence assessment with respect to C. formicarius led to the identification of two M. anisopliae isolates holding biocontrol potential. Isolate LBM‐11 has previously been developed into the bio‐insecticide METASAVE‐11 that is widely used to control several species of plant pathogenic weevils, Lepidoptera and thrips in Cuba. Isolate LBM‐267 has not been employed previously but is as virulent against C. formicarius as LBM‐11; its growth and conidial production capacities on different nutritional media will likely facilitate economically feasible bio‐insecticide development. Significance and Impact of the Study: Metarhizium anisopliae isolate LBM‐267 has been selected as a promising candidate for biocontrol of the sweet potato weevil, an economically important agricultural pest in Cuba, and for further R&D activities within the framework of the Biological Control Program of Cuba