Susceptibility of Bufonacris claraziana (Orthoptera: Tristiridae) to Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) under controlled conditions

Abstract

Bufonacris claraziana outbreaks, an endemic grasshopper of Argentinian Patagonia, are a recurrent phenomenon in that region, causing severe damage to forage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of B. claraziana to different strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana under laboratory conditions. The strains tested were LPSc 1225, LPSc 1226, and LPSc 1227. Percentage of mortality was 100% for all three strains, a significant difference was registered with the control where mortality was from 26.66 ± 2.76%. Results obtained represent a first contribution on the use of an entomopathogenic microorganism as a potential biocontrol agent of this species.