Biological control of fungi against tow-

spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae

Rawan Khalid aldughaish and Nada Abdullah alQurain
Supervised by : Dr. Mohamed Ali Osman
Biology Department at the College of Science at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University

Introduction 2. Important factors that influence the

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus
urticae Koch (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) belong to
family Tetranychidae, subclass acari [1]. It is polyphagous
herbivores, feeding on hundreds of plants from over 250
families [2]. They are harmful organisms that feed in ≈18-22
plant cells within a minute, mostly feed on the lower surface
of leaves and causes great economic losses in beans,
strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, and roses. (TSSM) suck
plant succulence from leaves and buds which is leading to
inhibition of photosynthesis process, dryness of affected
part, and then death[1].
A lot of chemical methods have been used to control these
mites but, it has a diverse range of hazards threatening
human and environmental balance. Today, there are
alternative biological control methods we can use against
pests.[1] One of the biocontrol methods that can be used is
the entomopathogenic fungi which hase an important role
to reduce phytophagous mites population. Various
pathogenic fungi species were applied against mite pests
such as; Verticillium sp. and Beauveria sp.
Objectives
1. Role of entomopathogenic 2-3,5-
26,28-33fungi in the control of
Tetranychus urticae :
Beauveria bassiana
Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogen fungi that can
affect large number of insects (mycopesticide) causes a
disease known as white muscardine. It is found in both
temperate and tropical areas. The fungus is cultured in
solid-state fermentation, and colonies firstly appear white,
then yellowish or sometimes reddish.
virulence of b.bassians and v.lecanii
1-TEMPERATURE :
The best Temperatures for V. lecanii growth and conidia
germination are 15°C - 25°C. At 5°C or above 25 °C conidia
can germinate and grow slowly but if it exceeds 30°C there
was no growth.
2-HUMIDITY :
The humidity is required for germination and growth of
spores. Both B. bassiana and V. lecanii has an optimum
growth at 100% of humidity. High humidity can facilitate
penetration of t. urticae cuticle, which leads to an increase in
the rate of mortality.
3. Biopesticides VS chemical pesticide
In the past, there was an extensive use and dependence on
synthetic chemical pesticides. These chemicals cause
harmful effects on the plant generation, soil, water quality,
insect-resistant problem and numerous toxic effects on the
environment that can reach to humans and animals through
bioaccumulation or biomagnification.
For example, Some species of T. urticae can develop
resistance against some chemical pesticides such as
fenpyroximate. The fenpyroximate is a chemical acaricide,
used to control important phytophagous mites. In a genetic
aspect, the resistance in the mites is controlled by one
major, incompletely dominant factor.
On the contrary biopesticides are safe, eco-friendly, cost-
effective, biodegradable and efficient. Besides, it can ensure
the safety of global agriculture for food and fees. Recently,
biopesticides had been succeeded to take more attention
because of their advantages.

oMODE OF ACTION
B. bassiana has special penetration structures
(appressoria). The appressorium forms a link between the
fungus and the epicuticle of insects which allows the
penetration. Penetration can occur via germinated conidia
that can absorb the nutrient, fluids, and leading to lose the
elasticity. Furthermore, T.urtcia will stop eating what leads
to her death, after that its’ body will be covered with
powdery white conidia. Penetration process occurs mainly
by extracellular proteases and other enzymes.
Verticillium lecanii
Another important genus of entomopathogenic fungus
belongs to Deuteromycetes is Verticillium lecanii also
called (=Lecanicillium lecanii) .it can be used to protect
the crop in all the climatic regions. Verticillium lecanii is
reproduced just by the asexual phase (conidia) (1).
Conclusions
In conclusion, the biological control by entomopathogenic
fungi against agriculture pests such as T.urticae is a
successful alternative to the chemical control. The overuse
of chemicals pesticides cause a lot of harmful effects on
the environment, human health and induce the insect
resistance.
Definitely, biological control is eco-friendly, biodegradable
resides and ensure human health. Beauveria bassiana and
verticillium lecanie have a prominent action on
phytophagous mite, tetranychus urticae as biological
control.it functions by penetrating the insect cuticle,
without causing any negative impact on the environment.
The temperature and humidity are major factors that
affect the virulence of these fungi. Surely, using these fungi
as a biopesticide is a successful method to reduce mite
pests.
References

O MODE OF ACTION
V. lecanii can directly penetrate the insect integument
cuticle by Germ tubes. The development of insect mycosis
can be summarized in three main stages:
A- Attachment and germination of slimy conidia on the
insect cuticle.
B- Penetration of the insect external cuticle by Germ tubes.
C- Growth and development within the insect body and the
damage of the internal content leading to death.
Usually it takes 10 days ( from the infection to the death of
the host), depending on the environmental condition.