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Member Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

Recent Advancement and Innovation in Microbial Biocontrol with Entomopathogens

Biological control of Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) using commercially available entomopathogenic fungi

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
11:45 AM - 12:05 PM Pacific
Location: Oregon Convention Center, E146, OCC
Oral Presentation
Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an invasive and highly polyphagous pest recently established in the United States, where it poses a serious threat to ornamental and horticultural crops. With limited management tools available, we assessed the efficacy of eight commercial entomopathogenic fungal (EPF) products under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. These included wettable powders (WP) and liquid formulations (EC) based on Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium brunneum, and Isaria fumosorosea. In laboratory bioassays, we tested all products for their efficacy against first- and second-instar larvae (L1 and L2) and adults of T. parvispinus through direct application and residual exposure on bean leaf discs, using a Potter Spray Tower. Mortality was recorded at 3, 5 and 7 days (only adults) post-treatment. Larval stages were generally more susceptible than adults. Among the WP products, Isarid and Ancora showed the highest efficacy, while Lalguard and Velifer were the most effective EC formulations. These four top-performing products were selected for greenhouse evaluations using gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), a key host of T. parvispinus. Plants were infested with larvae and adult thrips and allowed to establish for two weeks prior to treatment. Thrips population was scored 5-, 7-, and 10-days post-application by randomly sampling three leaves per plant and timepoint. Application of Velifer, Lalguard and Ancora reduced thrips populations compared to untreated control. Our results highlight the potential of commercial EPF formulations as effective biocontrol agents against T. parvispinus. Continued evaluation under field conditions is recommended to support their integration into sustainable thrips management programs.