Susceptibility of , and to Fungal Biopesticides in Laboratory and Field Experiments.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for the control of aphid pests of field vegetable crops. Four biopesticides based on the EPF (Botanigard ES and Naturalis L), s.l. (Preferal WG), and (Vertalec) were evaluated in a laboratory bioassay against peach-potato aphid , cabbage aphid , and currant-lettuce aphid . There was significant variation in the spore dose provided by the products, with Botanigard ES producing the highest dose (639 viable spores per mm). Botanigard ES also caused more mortality than the other products. Combining Vertalec with the vegetable oil-based adjuvant Addit had an additive effect on the mortality of . All fungal products reduced the number of progeny produced by but there was no effect with or . When aphid nymphs were treated with Botanigard ES and Preferal WG, both products reduced population development, with up to 86% reduction occurring for Botanigard ES against . In a field experiment, Botanigard ES sprayed twice, at seven-day intervals, against on cabbage plants, reduced aphid numbers by 73%. In a second field experiment with , , and , Botanigard ES reduced populations of and but there was no significant effect on .