Effect of entomopathogenic fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum (Syn: Paecilomyces lilacinus) on Blatta orientalis and Shelfordella tartara under laboratory conditions

Abstract :

Cockroaches are pests that can threat human health. In this study, the effects of the entomopathogenic fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum TR1 (syn: Paecilomyces lilacinus), which has been reported from Turkey previously, on the nymphs of cockroaches [Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis Linnaeus) and Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella tartara Sauss)] were researched under laboratory conditions. Experiments were carried out in Petri-dishes with 5 individual nymphs per replicate, and fungal isolate. Suspensions of P. lilacinum were applied at three different density (106, 107 and 108 cfu ml-1) at spraying applications the surface of the plates with roaches (after putting in 5 roaches) and without roaches (before putting in 5 roaches). In the controls, sterile water with Tween 80 (0.01%) was applied to the surface of the plates with roaches and without roaches. Each plate contained moistened filter paper on the bottom and added to the bait (favored bait, banana fruit) placed on the center. The Petri plates were then placed in a growth chamber maintained at 25±2 °C and 60-65% R.H. in a dark laboratory. Mortalities were recorded on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 10th and 12th days after application. The dead roaches‟ nymphs were examined under a microscope to determine whether mortality was because of P. lilacinum, and mycosis development was checked. The results of the study showed that although the effects at spraying applications the surface of plates with roaches were very high on the other hand it was very low on spraying applications without roaches. It was valid for both roach species (B. orientalis and S. tartara). The concentrations of 106 and 107 cfu ml-1 at the B. orientalis was found 100% effective; on the other hand the concentrations of 106 cfu ml-1 at the S. tartara was found 100% effective at the  same applications 12th days after application. But all of them were dead at 12th days. The effect of the other applications (spraying applications the surface of the plates without roaches) was found below 40% for both roach species 12th days after application. It is hoped that this first study in laboratory conditions will serve to the future studies on the control of the pest


Keyword :

Entomopathogenic fungus, Blatta orientalis, Shelfordella tartara, effect


Author(s) : Toksöz, S., Oksal, E., Akça, İ.
Downloads : 384
Published Issue : 2019 Vol. 14 Number 1


2019 Vol. 14 Number 1