The potential of Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycetes : Moniliales) as a biological control agent against the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

Laboratory bioassays of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana agai nst several life stages of the pine beauty moth Panolis flammea, showed tha t this fungus has the potential to be used as a biological control agent. H igh mortality was recorded from fifth instar larvae treated with conidia at doses that are comparable to the doses used against other serious pests. S ensitivity of the egg stage also showed that eggs may also be a targeted st age. Pupae were not severely affected by the fungus. Several species of Car abidae were tested with high doses of conidia and these potential predators suffered no adverse affects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.