PROSPECTION AND BIOPROSPECTION OF MICRO-ORGANISMS FOR THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF RICE STING BUG (Oebalus spp.) IN IRRIGATED RICE.
Oryza sativa L.; Entomopathopathogenic Fungi; Insect.
Among the factors that affect the yield and quality of rice grains, the rice sting bug (Oebalus spp.) is one of main pests of rice and the chemical control has been widely used for its control. The use of entomopathogenic microorganisms can be an efficient and safe alternative of control. To associate the use of these microorganisms with IPM, their compatibility with chemical products is of paramount importance, seeking to increase control efficiency, reduce the amount of insecticide used and the preservation of natural enemies. This work aimed to prospect and bioprospect fungi entomopathogenic to Oebalus spp. Six different microorganisms were isolated from carcasses of Oebalus spp. collected in irrigated rice cultivation areas. Mortality was evaluated in vitro using two different concentrations of fungi: the concentration obtained by the initial count and 106 CFU mL-1 of conidia suspension for each microorganisms. The in vitro toxicity of products based on Tricyclazole, Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin, Thiamethoxam and Lambda-cyhalothrin to fungi 5 and 6 was also evaluated. The effect of pesticides on entomopathogenic fungi was evaluated using a solid culture medium with addition of pesticides to the fluxing culture medium, not solidified. The fungi growth in PDA medium without pesticides was used as a control. The fungicides evaluated were classified as very toxic for both fungus 5 and fungus 6. Fungus 5 was compatible with all insecticides evaluated and fungus 6 was compatible with lambda-cyhalothrin.