Is the use of entomopathogenic fungi a viable option for the control of Red Palm Weevil?

Abstract

El Bouhssini. M., A.N. Trissi and Z. Kadour. 2019. Is the use of entomopathogenic fungi a viable option for the control of Red Palm Weevil?. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 37(2): 200-202. During the period 2010-2014, a survey of entomopathogenic fungi of red palm weevil (RPW) in the coastal areas of Syria were characterized and their efficacy against RPW was investigated. In addition, the naturally existing endophytes in palm trees were investigated. Promising results for the control of RPW were obtained under semi-field conditions using B. bassiana isolates. The big challenge for the different researchers working with entomopathogenic fungi is to have this type of high efficacy in the field where generally temperature is high and relative humidity is low. The potential use of B. bassiana endophytes was also discussed.