Effect of sublethal concentration of beauveria bassiana fungus on demographic and some biochemical parameters of predatory bug, Andrallus spinidens fabricius (Hemiptera: pentatomidae) in laboratory conditions

Abstract

Effects of Beauveria bassiana on Andrallus spinidens Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a predator of lepidopterous larvae in rice fields were investigated. The experiments were conducted at a concentration of 310 5 conidia ml -1 (LC 30 ) of B. bassiana on life table and some biochemical parameters of fifth instar nymphs. Insects were infected by dipping in the conidial suspension for 10s. The results showed that pre-oviposition period, fecundity, percent egg hatchability and longevity of treated bugs were not significantly affected compared with the control. Esterase (using -naphtil as substerate) and glutathione S-transferase activity in A. spinidens increased 48 h after treatment. The fungus did not cause adverse effect on acetylcholinesterase activity. B. bassiana did not cause significant difference on life table parameters of A. spinidens compared to the control. According to the present study, it can be concluded that B. bassiana is compatible with the predatory bug at sublethal concentration (LC 30 ).