Fungi Uses in Pest Management

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-<p>With the rising cost of synthetic chemical pesticides and increasing cases of pesticide resistance, the search for natural biologically based forms of pest management has been a key area of research for the last decade <ref>Entomopathogenic Fungi and their role in Pest Control. A.K. Charnley, S.A. Collins, Environmental and Microbial Relationships, 2nd Edition, The Mycota IV (2007). (pg 160-187)</ref> With the world population rising over 7 billion and the drastic effects of climate change, the need for alternative forms of pest control will become essential. Although insects are key in the performance of many ecosystems, they play a large role in the 35 billion dollars worth of crop that is lost in the United States each year <ref>Entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents.P. A. Shah, J. K. Pell. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (June 2003), Volume 61, Issue 5-6, pp 413-423</ref> </p>+<p>With the rising cost of synthetic chemical pesticides and increasing cases of pesticide resistance, the search for natural biologically based forms of pest management has been a key area of research for the last decade. With the world population rising over 7 billion and the drastic effects of climate change, the need for alternative forms of pest control will become essential. Although insects are key in the performance of many ecosystems, they play a large role in the 35 billion dollars worth of crop that is lost in the United States each year. </p>
 + 
 +==Processes (general)==
 + <p>Introduce processes in controlling insects, weeds etc...</p>
==Biopesticides in Agriculture== ==Biopesticides in Agriculture==
Line 12: Line 15:
==Biopesticides in Urban Environments== ==Biopesticides in Urban Environments==
-<p>[[Definitions|Entomopathogens]] are key components for integrated pest management solutions <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. There is a large market for urban pest control that has been dominated by the use of pesticides and insecticides <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. These chemical pesticides pose a danger not only to the person applying them, but other people, or pets, which may come into contact with the chemicals in an urban environment <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Previously used in agricultural settings as [[Definitions|deterrents]], fungi such as ''Beauveria bassiana'',''Metarhizium anisopliae'' and ''Paecilomyces fumosoroseus'' may have possible pest control applications in urban settings as well <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. </p>+<p>[[Definitions|Entomopathogens]] are key components for integrated pest management solutions <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"> Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. There is a large market for urban pest control that has been dominated by the use of pesticides and insecticides <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. These chemical pesticides pose a danger not only to the person applying them, but other people, or pets, which may come into contact with the chemicals in an urban environment <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Previously used in agricultural settings as [[Definitions|deterrents]], fungi such as ''Beauveria bassiana'',''Metarhizium anisopliae'' and ''Paecilomyces fumosoroseus'' may have possible pest control applications in urban settings as well <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. </p>
-<p>Treatment of pest insects with fungi relies on the natural spread of the disease organism, whether through direct contact with nest mates, or ingestion <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. [[Definitions|Biopesticides]] have the largest potential for treatment of social insects such as cockroaches, ants and termites <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Application methods include the use of [[Definitions|bait stations]] or direct application to a located nest <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. In order to be effective, pathogenic [[Definitions|conidia]] must come into contact with the insect cuticle, or [[Definitions|exoskeleton]] <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>.</p>+<p>Treatment of pest insects with fungi relies on the natural spread of the disease organism, whether through direct contact with nest mates, or ingestion <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. [[Definitions|Biopesticides]] have the largest potential for treatment of social insects such as cockroaches, ants and termites <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Application methods include the use of [[Definitions|bait stations]] or direct application to a located nest <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. In order to be effective, pathogenic [[Definitions|conidia]] must come into contact with the insect cuticle, or [[Definitions|exoskeleton]] <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.</p>
-<p>Pathogenic fungi may have a greater [[Definitions|repellant]] effect, and can be applied to plants or mixed with soil, or even mixed with paint and painted onto timber <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. These fungus treatments may reduce the infestation by deterring pests rather than eliminating them <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Studies indicated similar success with fungal spores to those effects achieved by bifenthrin and triflumeron insecticides <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>.</p>+<p>Pathogenic fungi may have a greater [[Definitions|repellant]] effect, and can be applied to plants or mixed with soil, or even mixed with paint and painted onto timber <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. These fungus treatments may reduce the infestation by deterring pests rather than eliminating them <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Studies indicated similar success with fungal spores to those effects achieved by bifenthrin and triflumeron insecticides <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.</p>
-<p> Overcoming this repellency can be achieved by mixing the conidia with agar or cellulose, diluting the conidia and masking the factors inducing repellency <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Additionally, adding the repellent spores to an attractant such as honey water may entice the insects to visit the biopesticide trap <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>.</p>+<p> Overcoming this repellency can be achieved by mixing the conidia with agar or cellulose, diluting the conidia and masking the factors inducing repellency <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Additionally, adding the repellent spores to an attractant such as honey water may entice the insects to visit the biopesticide trap <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.</p>
'''''Cockroaches''''' '''''Cockroaches'''''
-<p>Cockroaches are not just a nuisance pest; they are also capable of transmitting a variety of human pathogens and diseases, which makes them a public health concern <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Cockroach infestations are notoriously hard to treat with baited pesticide traps, as they are able to detect and avoid both chemical and microbial pesticides <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Research in the field of cockroach infestation control through the use of biopesticides, specifically fungi, is extremely limited. However, it has been determined that ''Cordyceps blattae'' is highly pathogenic for the German cockroach (''Blattella germanica'') <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Unfortunately, dead cockroaches infected with fungi are not cannibalized, which suggests avoidance by the healthy cockroaches <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. </p>+<p>Cockroaches are not just a nuisance pest; they are also capable of transmitting a variety of human pathogens and diseases, which makes them a public health concern <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Cockroach infestations are notoriously hard to treat with baited pesticide traps, as they are able to detect and avoid both chemical and microbial pesticides <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Research in the field of cockroach infestation control through the use of biopesticides, specifically fungi, is extremely limited. However, it has been determined that ''Cordyceps blattae'' is highly pathogenic for the German cockroach (''Blattella germanica'') <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Unfortunately, dead cockroaches infected with fungi are not cannibalized, which suggests avoidance by the healthy cockroaches <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. </p>
'''''Ants''''' '''''Ants'''''
-<p>Black or brown ants are those which may invade houses, causing no structural or other types of damage, but annoy homeowners <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Ants that live inside structures may also include Carpenter ants that can damage the structural integrity of buildings <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Ants which are a problem in urban landscapes, such as fire ants (''Solenopsis xyloni'') may attack humans or domestic animals, damage landscape plants or other materials outside human structures <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. ''B. bassiana'' conidia have been effectively used to control the southern fire ant and reduce their populations in urban environments <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. [[Definitions|Mycelium]] stage of ''M. anisopliae'' (pre-sporulation) is readily taken back to the nest by black and brown ants, where it will later produce spores <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p>+<p>Black or brown ants are those which may invade houses, causing no structural or other types of damage, but annoy homeowners <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Ants that live inside structures may also include Carpenter ants that can damage the structural integrity of buildings <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Ants which are a problem in urban landscapes, such as fire ants (''Solenopsis xyloni'') may attack humans or domestic animals, damage landscape plants or other materials outside human structures <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. ''B. bassiana'' conidia have been effectively used to control the southern fire ant and reduce their populations in urban environments <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. [[Definitions|Mycelium]] stage of ''M. anisopliae'' (pre-sporulation) is readily taken back to the nest by black and brown ants, where it will later produce spores <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p>
'''''Termites''''' '''''Termites'''''
<p>Termites are social insects living in colonies comprising of a king and queen together with numerous workers and soldiers. Their life cycle is [[Definitions|hemimetabolous]] with the queen laying eggs that hatch into larvae that can develop into workers, soldiers or new reproductives <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. It is necessary to deposit large quantities of ''M. anisopliae'' conidia within the central portion of the nest to infect and kill the entire termite colony <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>. Control of colonies of pest species of termite can be achieved within 3 months with a single treatment between 1-10g of conidia applied directly to the nest, and spores will remain active in nests for at least 2 years <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p> <p>Termites are social insects living in colonies comprising of a king and queen together with numerous workers and soldiers. Their life cycle is [[Definitions|hemimetabolous]] with the queen laying eggs that hatch into larvae that can develop into workers, soldiers or new reproductives <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. It is necessary to deposit large quantities of ''M. anisopliae'' conidia within the central portion of the nest to infect and kill the entire termite colony <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>. Control of colonies of pest species of termite can be achieved within 3 months with a single treatment between 1-10g of conidia applied directly to the nest, and spores will remain active in nests for at least 2 years <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p>
-<p>With application of fungi as a biopesticide, termite workers may be found in the nest for many weeks after most of the colony has been killed. There is a possibility that the colony can produce neotenic reproductives and can recover despite the loss of the royal pair <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. The use of fungi for elimination of a termite colony may not be effective, but perhaps the greatest potential for application of biological control to suppression of termite populations is the use of pathogenic microorganisms or conidia as deterrents to protect timber <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref> <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>.</p>+<p>With application of fungi as a biopesticide, termite workers may be found in the nest for many weeks after most of the colony has been killed. There is a possibility that the colony can produce neotenic reproductives and can recover despite the loss of the royal pair <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. The use of fungi for elimination of a termite colony may not be effective, but perhaps the greatest potential for application of biological control to suppression of termite populations is the use of pathogenic microorganisms or conidia as deterrents to protect timber <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref> <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>.</p>
'''''Problems''''' '''''Problems'''''
-<p>Though the potential for control is greatest in the social insects, there are a number of behavioural traits of ants and termites that limit the effectiveness of fungi as pest control. These behaviours include nest hygiene, self-grooming and [[Definitions|allogrooming]], and isolation of affected individuals; all of which can either remove or spread entomopathogens <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Similarly, due to the low genetic diversity between individuals in social insect nests, effectiveness of pathogens can be either compromised or enhanced <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. For these reasons, the objective of control tactics must be the elimination of the reproductive potential of the nest <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>.</p>+<p>Though the potential for control is greatest in the social insects, there are a number of behavioural traits of ants and termites that limit the effectiveness of fungi as pest control. These behaviours include nest hygiene, self-grooming and [[Definitions|allogrooming]], and isolation of affected individuals; all of which can either remove or spread entomopathogens <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Similarly, due to the low genetic diversity between individuals in social insect nests, effectiveness of pathogens can be either compromised or enhanced <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. For these reasons, the objective of control tactics must be the elimination of the reproductive potential of the nest <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.</p>
'''''Development''''' '''''Development'''''
-<p>Entomopathogens formulated as biopesticides have to be mass produced and applied in large amounts <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. Strains selected have to be virulent, be able to tolerate temperatures above 30C, pose no health threats to humans and higher animals, and have long-lived and robust spores <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. Additionally, quality control, shelf life and field longevity of biological agents as pest control must be assessed in order for biopesticides to become marketable <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p>+<p>Entomopathogens formulated as biopesticides have to be mass produced and applied in large amounts <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Strains selected have to be virulent, be able to tolerate temperatures above 30C, pose no health threats to humans and higher animals, and have long-lived and robust spores <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. Additionally, quality control, shelf life and field longevity of biological agents as pest control must be assessed in order for biopesticides to become marketable <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p>
<p>Since pathogens normally have little or no mobility on their own, a mobile or readily distributed and possibly self-perpetuating control agent should mean more complete and less labor intensive pest control <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>. Entomopathogens are naturally slow-acting and therefore ideal for use in bait stations, where the forager is not immediately killed <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. This allows the active ingredient to be transferred to nest mates, juveniles and reproductives in the nest <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. ''B. bassiana'' shows the highest potential for control of several urban pests <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. Powders and granular baits are recommended for application directly onto the nest, if it can be located <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. If the nest cannot be located, it is recommended to use bait stations that contain pathogenic fungal conidia mixed with an attractant, such that the foragers return to the nest with the pathogen <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>.</p> <p>Since pathogens normally have little or no mobility on their own, a mobile or readily distributed and possibly self-perpetuating control agent should mean more complete and less labor intensive pest control <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>. Entomopathogens are naturally slow-acting and therefore ideal for use in bait stations, where the forager is not immediately killed <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. This allows the active ingredient to be transferred to nest mates, juveniles and reproductives in the nest <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. ''B. bassiana'' shows the highest potential for control of several urban pests <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. Powders and granular baits are recommended for application directly onto the nest, if it can be located <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>. If the nest cannot be located, it is recommended to use bait stations that contain pathogenic fungal conidia mixed with an attractant, such that the foragers return to the nest with the pathogen <ref>Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. ''J. Agric. Entomol''. 14(3):281-289</ref>.</p>
-<p>Integrated pest control measures are needed whereby the pathogen provides short-term cessation of damage while changes are made to the environment to make the building less attractive to pests. Alternatively pathogens could be used in baits over a long period of time to eliminate the colony <ref>Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of ''Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology''. 20(2):695-711</ref>. However, both the insect and the environments in which they live can significantly limit the success of fungal pathogens <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p>+<p>Integrated pest control measures are needed whereby the pathogen provides short-term cessation of damage while changes are made to the environment to make the building less attractive to pests. Alternatively pathogens could be used in baits over a long period of time to eliminate the colony <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. However, both the insect and the environments in which they live can significantly limit the success of fungal pathogens <ref>Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. ''Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests''. 47-52</ref>.</p>
==Species== ==Species==
Line 54: Line 57:
==[[Definitions|Definitions]]== ==[[Definitions|Definitions]]==
-==References==+==Notes and References==
-{{reflist}}+<references/>

Revision as of 12:02, 13 March 2013

This image shows different species
This image shows different species

This is a background of fungi uses in pest management. Testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing...

Contents

History

The use of Entomopathogenic fungi in pest management covers a wide variety of Eumycota subdivisions. These subdivisions of Eumycota include; Mastigomycotina, Zygomycotina, Ascomycotina, and Deuteromycotina [1]

With the rising cost of synthetic chemical pesticides and increasing cases of pesticide resistance, the search for natural biologically based forms of pest management has been a key area of research for the last decade. With the world population rising over 7 billion and the drastic effects of climate change, the need for alternative forms of pest control will become essential. Although insects are key in the performance of many ecosystems, they play a large role in the 35 billion dollars worth of crop that is lost in the United States each year.

Processes (general)

Introduce processes in controlling insects, weeds etc...

Biopesticides in Agriculture

Insect and weed management in important crops... sustainable agriculture, as a replacement for

Biopesticides in Urban Environments

Entomopathogens are key components for integrated pest management solutions <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"> Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology. 20(2):695-711</ref>. There is a large market for urban pest control that has been dominated by the use of pesticides and insecticides <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. These chemical pesticides pose a danger not only to the person applying them, but other people, or pets, which may come into contact with the chemicals in an urban environment <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Previously used in agricultural settings as deterrents, fungi such as Beauveria bassiana,Metarhizium anisopliae and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus may have possible pest control applications in urban settings as well [2].

Treatment of pest insects with fungi relies on the natural spread of the disease organism, whether through direct contact with nest mates, or ingestion <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Biopesticides have the largest potential for treatment of social insects such as cockroaches, ants and termites <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Application methods include the use of bait stations or direct application to a located nest <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. In order to be effective, pathogenic conidia must come into contact with the insect cuticle, or exoskeleton <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.

Pathogenic fungi may have a greater repellant effect, and can be applied to plants or mixed with soil, or even mixed with paint and painted onto timber <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. These fungus treatments may reduce the infestation by deterring pests rather than eliminating them <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Studies indicated similar success with fungal spores to those effects achieved by bifenthrin and triflumeron insecticides <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.

Overcoming this repellency can be achieved by mixing the conidia with agar or cellulose, diluting the conidia and masking the factors inducing repellency <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Additionally, adding the repellent spores to an attractant such as honey water may entice the insects to visit the biopesticide trap <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are not just a nuisance pest; they are also capable of transmitting a variety of human pathogens and diseases, which makes them a public health concern <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Cockroach infestations are notoriously hard to treat with baited pesticide traps, as they are able to detect and avoid both chemical and microbial pesticides <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Research in the field of cockroach infestation control through the use of biopesticides, specifically fungi, is extremely limited. However, it has been determined that Cordyceps blattae is highly pathogenic for the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Unfortunately, dead cockroaches infected with fungi are not cannibalized, which suggests avoidance by the healthy cockroaches <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.

Ants

Black or brown ants are those which may invade houses, causing no structural or other types of damage, but annoy homeowners <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Ants that live inside structures may also include Carpenter ants that can damage the structural integrity of buildings <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Ants which are a problem in urban landscapes, such as fire ants (Solenopsis xyloni) may attack humans or domestic animals, damage landscape plants or other materials outside human structures <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. B. bassiana conidia have been effectively used to control the southern fire ant and reduce their populations in urban environments <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Mycelium stage of M. anisopliae (pre-sporulation) is readily taken back to the nest by black and brown ants, where it will later produce spores [3].

Termites

Termites are social insects living in colonies comprising of a king and queen together with numerous workers and soldiers. Their life cycle is hemimetabolous with the queen laying eggs that hatch into larvae that can develop into workers, soldiers or new reproductives [4]. It is necessary to deposit large quantities of M. anisopliae conidia within the central portion of the nest to infect and kill the entire termite colony [5]. Control of colonies of pest species of termite can be achieved within 3 months with a single treatment between 1-10g of conidia applied directly to the nest, and spores will remain active in nests for at least 2 years [6].

With application of fungi as a biopesticide, termite workers may be found in the nest for many weeks after most of the colony has been killed. There is a possibility that the colony can produce neotenic reproductives and can recover despite the loss of the royal pair <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. The use of fungi for elimination of a termite colony may not be effective, but perhaps the greatest potential for application of biological control to suppression of termite populations is the use of pathogenic microorganisms or conidia as deterrents to protect timber [7] [8].

Problems

Though the potential for control is greatest in the social insects, there are a number of behavioural traits of ants and termites that limit the effectiveness of fungi as pest control. These behaviours include nest hygiene, self-grooming and allogrooming, and isolation of affected individuals; all of which can either remove or spread entomopathogens <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Similarly, due to the low genetic diversity between individuals in social insect nests, effectiveness of pathogens can be either compromised or enhanced <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. For these reasons, the objective of control tactics must be the elimination of the reproductive potential of the nest <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>.

Development

Entomopathogens formulated as biopesticides have to be mass produced and applied in large amounts <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. Strains selected have to be virulent, be able to tolerate temperatures above 30C, pose no health threats to humans and higher animals, and have long-lived and robust spores [9]. Additionally, quality control, shelf life and field longevity of biological agents as pest control must be assessed in order for biopesticides to become marketable [10].

Since pathogens normally have little or no mobility on their own, a mobile or readily distributed and possibly self-perpetuating control agent should mean more complete and less labor intensive pest control [11]. Entomopathogens are naturally slow-acting and therefore ideal for use in bait stations, where the forager is not immediately killed [12]. This allows the active ingredient to be transferred to nest mates, juveniles and reproductives in the nest [13]. B. bassiana shows the highest potential for control of several urban pests [14]. Powders and granular baits are recommended for application directly onto the nest, if it can be located [15]. If the nest cannot be located, it is recommended to use bait stations that contain pathogenic fungal conidia mixed with an attractant, such that the foragers return to the nest with the pathogen [16].

Integrated pest control measures are needed whereby the pathogen provides short-term cessation of damage while changes are made to the environment to make the building less attractive to pests. Alternatively pathogens could be used in baits over a long period of time to eliminate the colony <ref="Milner and Pereira, 2007"/>. However, both the insect and the environments in which they live can significantly limit the success of fungal pathogens [17].

Species

  • Trichoderma spp
  • Beauveria bassiana
  • Candida oleophila Strain O
  • Metarhizium anisopliae
  • Paecilomyces fumosoroseus

http://www.biopesticideindustryalliance.org/microbialfungi.php

http://www.biopesticideindustryalliance.org/microbialyeast.php

Definitions

Notes and References

  1. BIOLOGICAL and BIOTECHNILOGICAL CONTROL of INSECT PESTS (2000). Rechcigl. E.J. and Rechcigl. N.A. (Pg 49) Pg
  2. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  3. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  4. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  5. Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. J. Agric. Entomol. 14(3):281-289
  6. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  7. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  8. Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. J. Agric. Entomol. 14(3):281-289
  9. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  10. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  11. Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. J. Agric. Entomol. 14(3):281-289
  12. Milner, RJ. and Pereira RM. 2007. Microbial control of urban pests - cockroaches, ants and termites. Field Manual of Techniques in Invertebrate Pathology. 20(2):695-711
  13. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  14. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  15. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
  16. Grace, JK. 1997. Biological control strategies for suppression of Termites. J. Agric. Entomol. 14(3):281-289
  17. Lenz, M. 2005. Biological control in termite management: the potential of nematodes and fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Urban Pests. 47-52
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