Prevalence of entomophthoralean fungi (Entomophthoromycota) of aphids in relation to developmental stages

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transmission of fungal pathogens of aphids may be affected by the host developmental stage. Brassica and Lactuca sativa L. crops were sampled in Santa Fe, Argentina, to determine the prevalence of fungal‐diseased aphids and investigate the differences between developmental stages of aphids. RESULTS: The fungal pathogens identified were Zoophthora radicans (Bref.) A. Batko, Pandora neoaphidis (Remaud. & Hennebert) Humber and Entomophthora planchoniana Cornu. Their prevalence on each crop was calculated. The numbers of infected aphids were significantly different between the different developmental stages on all crops except B. oleracea var. botrytis L. CONCLUSIONS: The entomophthoralean fungi identified are important mortality factors of aphids on horticultural crops in Santa Fe. The numbers of infected nymphs and adults were significantly different, nymphs being the most affected developmental stage