An Autodissemination System for the Control of Brown Winged Green Bug, Plautia crossota stali Scott (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) by an Entomopathogenic Fungus, Beauveria bassiana E-9102 Combined with Aggregation Pheromone

Abstract

The brown winged green bug, Plautia crossota stali Scott (PCS), is a serious pest in major fruits orchards in Japan. To test the feasibility of controlling PCS with an entomopathogenic fungus, in 2000 and 2001, we set up 29 and 20 inoculum stations, respectively, in an 650-ha pilot area. The average mortality rates of PSC collected from 5 pheromone traps in the area were 28% and 35% in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Broad-leaved trees were used for the inoculum stations. Five or 10 lures containing synthesized aggregation pheromone and 20 non-woven fabric sheets containing the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana E-9102 were attached to each tree. Both males and females of PCS were attracted to the station and were infected with conidia dispersed from the sheets. The average mortality rates of PCS adults collected from the inoculum stations were consistently between 75% and 70% in 2000 and 2001, respectively, until about 30 days after the inoculum station was installed. It has been suggested that the stink bug trap consists of aggregation pheromone and B. bassiana E-9102 seems promising for the control of PCS in Japan.