Influence of super absorbent polymers on the pathogenecity of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch). Sorokin against Aeolesthes sarta (Col.: Cerambycidae)

Sarta longhorn beetle, Aeolesthes Sarta Solsky (Col.: Cerambycidae) is one of the most destructive borers attacking many tree species in Iran and some Asian countries. Despite its high economic importance, little information is available on the use of biological control agents. In this research, pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae DEMI-001 was tested in the laboratory for the pathogenecity to A. sarta larvae. The Survey was conducted to determine efficacy of various conidial concentrations of the fungus and control against larvae of A. sarta. The larvae were individually treated with conidial concentrations for 30 sec. and placed in hand made grooves in the sapwood of poplar trunks. Also the effect of super absorbent polymers on the pathogenecity of M. anisopliae to A. sarta larvae was investigated. Mortality rate of larvae were determined for each treatment. Furthermore probit analysis was conducted for the data and LC50and LC90 values were determined. The results indicated that all of the treatments were significantly different from the control (P= 0.0001) and highest pathogenecity to A. sarta was observed in the presence of Super absorbent polymers.