Compatibilityof theaqueousleafextract of Mimosa pudica and the entomo-acaropathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana in controlling the broad mitePolyphagotarsonemus latus(Acari: Tarsonemidae)

The broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) is a polyphagous pest with a cosmopolitan distribution. The combined application of botanical pesticides and entomo-acaropathogenic fungi may serve as an eco-friendly approach in controlling the mite. In this study, the Mimosa pudica (Fabales: Fabaceae)leaf aqueous extract (MpAE) was initially tested to determine its effects on the mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidia viability of the entomo-acaropathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana(Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Thecompatibility was then determined based on the biological index (BI) value. The bioefficacy of MpAE and B. bassiana at various concentrations was evaluated against P. latus,both alone and in combinations. Each treatment was sprayed into an arena containing a citrus leaf disc and gravid females of P. latus. The mortality and oviposition rate of the females were observed until 120 h after application. The results showed no reduction in B. bassiana mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidia viability when MpAE was incorporated into the culture medium. The BI value rangedfrom 100.01 to 136.30, indicating that MpAE was highly compatible with B. bassiana. The individual and combined applicationsof MpAE and B. bassiana significantly increasedthe mite mortality and simultaneously inhibitedthe mite oviposition rate. The mite mortality variedfrom 90 to 100% at 120 h after application in the treatment groups. The mite oviposition rate was significantly decreased, ranging from 11.50 to 29.00 eggs in the treatment groups, while it was 57.25 eggs in control. Therefore, the application of MpAEand B. bassianapropose a valuable alternative to integrate into pest management programs.