Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Bacteria Against Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Abstract

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targioni-Tozzetti) (Hemiptera: Diaspidae) which has a wide host range, is an important pest causing losses in yield. The insecticides are used for control against this pest but insecticidal control is difficult as scales protect themselves very effectively with hard, waxy armor. Also, the negative effects of the chemicals used in the control against benefical insects and with the increasing awareness on environmental issues, alternative methods were sought. Therefore, this study was performed to develop an alternative and effective control method for this pest by using biocontrol bacteria Bacillus pumilus (TV-67C), Brevibacillus brevis (CP-1) and Bacillus megaterium (TV-91C) under controlled conditions. The death adult number of the pest was recorded and mortality rate was calculated. All of the tested bacterial strains showed mortality rates from 41.68% to 89.04% against the white peach scale under controlled conditions. Consequently, our results indicated that especially B. pumilus strain TV-67C and B. brevis strain CP-1 can be used as biocontrol agents of P. pentagona.