ENTOMOPATHOGENIC EFFECT OF SOME Beauveria ISOLATES ON THE TOMATO LEAF MINER Tuta absoluta (MEYRICK) (LEPIDOPTERA: GELECHIIDAE) LARVAE UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS

The present study aimed at examining the efficacy of two local Beauveria strains, used separately or simultaneously with a native predatory bug species and their interactions against the larvae of Tuta absoluta on tomato plants under laboratory conditions. The fungal treatments were done with concentrations of 1 × 105, 1 x 107 and 1 x 109 conidia ml-1.. Seven days after treatment application, both Beauveria isolates induced a Tuta absoluta mortality above 80%, the best results being registered in case of combination between the use of B. pseudobassiana isolate at a concentration of 1 x 107 conidia ml-1 and the predator Arma custos. No side-effects on natural enemies used in combination indicate these isolates as promising alternative for Tuta absoluta control.