Pathogenic Fungus against the Almond Bark Beetle Scolytus amygdali Geurin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae): Aspergillus sp.

Abstract

The Almond bark beetle, Scolytus amygdali Geurin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a xylophagous pest attacks forest and fruit trees. Aspergillus sp., the fungus previously isolated from dead beetles, was applied to healthy larvae and adults of S. amygdale. It was found to be pathogenic at the concentrations of 4.99x10(7), 6.01x10(7) and 8.81x10(7) conidia/ml. These concentrations induced 100% mortality of larvae in 24 hours.