A biological control approach based on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is being used to manage the pests Capnodis tenebrionis and Perotis lugubris. The method relies on a microbial preparation containing fungal spores that penetrate the bodies of Capnodis tenebrionis larvae and cause their death.
The effectiveness of the treatment depends on several factors, particularly the application method, timing and dosage. For optimal results, the preparation should be applied at the base of the tree roots, where the target larvae are present.
The fungal treatment has limited effectiveness against pest eggs and against larvae that have already entered the root system. As a result, timely application is essential to maximise control.
Environmental conditions also influence the success of the treatment. Applications carried out under low soil moisture and high soil temperature conditions do not affect the pest larvae, reducing the efficacy of the approach.
The use of Beauveria bassiana demonstrates the potential of microbial solutions as part of integrated pest management strategies. When applied under suitable conditions and at the appropriate time, the fungus can provide growers with an additional biological tool for pest control while supporting more sustainable crop protection practices.
