A Technique for the Prevention of Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) Using the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana M130

The possibility of using hyphomycete fungi as suitable biocontrol agents against greenhousewhitefly has led to the isolation of various insect pathogenic fungi. Among them is Beauveriabassiana, one of the most studied entomopathogenic fungi. The objective of this study was touse B. bassiana M130 as an insecticidal agent against the greenhouse whitefly. M130 isolatedfrom infected insects is known to be a biocontrol agent against greenhouse whitefly. Phylogenetic classification of M130 was determined according to its morphological featuresand 18S rRNA sequence analysis. M130 was identified as B. bassiana M130 and showedchitinase (342.28 units/ml) and protease (461.70 units/ml) activities, which were involved inthe invasion of the host through the outer cuticle layer, thus killing them. The insecticidalactivity was 55.2% in petri-dish test, 84.6% in pot test, and 45.3% in field test. The results ofthis study indicate that B. bassiana has potential as a biological agent for the control ofgreenhouse whitefly to replace chemical pesticides.