Survival of Inoculum of the Entomopathogenic FungusBeauveria bassianaas Influenced by Fungicides

Abstract

Four fungicides used commercially for control of foliar diseases of potato were evaluated in Vitro and under field conditions for effects on survival of spores of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) a pathogen of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Mancozeb, the most detrimental of the fungicides, substantially reduced survival in both laboratory and field studies. Metiram was only slightly less inhibitory to B. bassiana than was mancozeb in vitro but was not different from the control under field conditions. Chlorothalonil and metalaxyl were not detrimental to spore survival under any of the conditions examined.