Selection of Beauveria bassiana isolates potential for diamondback moth control

Diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is considered the most important pest of brassicas worldwide and the use of insecticides is the most used method to control this pest. Thus, the objective of this research was to select isolates of Beauveria bassiana with viability to control DBM. Seventeen isolates and one commercial product of B. bassiana were tested. DBM 2nd instar larvae were treated with conidial suspension at concentration of 10(7) conidia mL-1. For lethal concentration (LC) bioassay seven concentrations spaced on logarithmic scale were tested. The isolates CCA/UFES-4, 18, 31 and 35 were selected for LC bioassay because they caused over 90% confirmed mortality. The standard isolate ESALQ-447 and the commercial product had similar results and were also selected for LC bioassay. Based on the values estimated for LC50, the isolates CCA/UFES-4, 18, 31, ESALQ-447 and the commercial product can be selected for use in DBM control.

Plutella xylostella; microbial control; entomopathogenic fungus; agricultural entomology