Survey on entomopathogenic fungi isolated from citrus aphids in northern Iran

Document Type : Short paper

Authors

1 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Bavi, Khuzestan, Iran

2 Pest section, Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Center, Ramsar, Mazandaran, Iran

Abstract

Citrus trees are attacked by many aphid species in northern Iran. Utilizing entomopathogenic fungi presents a valuable approachin the integrated management of this group of pests, significantly decreasing dependence on chemical insecticides. The first step in implementing these microbial control agents involves the identification of native species and strains. In this study, entomopathogenic fungi were extracted from citrus aphids in Ramsar district of Mazandaran province, north of Iran, during two years. In total of five fungal species were isolated. Among them, Aspergillus versicolor (Vuill.) and Cladosporium oxysporum Berk. & Curtis are reported for the first time as enthomopathogens of citrus aphids. Additionally Microascus sp. and C. cladosporiodes (Fresenius) are newly documented as the first entomopathogenic fungi associated with aphids globally. Furthermore, Epicoccum nigrum Link was isolated from an arthropod pest for the first time in the world. This initial study highlights the necessity for further research to thoroughly assess the pathogenicity of these fungi.

Keywords

References

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Plant Pest Research
Volume 14, Issue 4
March 2025
Pages 91-94

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 March 2025

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