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Oral Presentation
Oral Presentation
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Poster Display
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Student Competition
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Student Poster Display Competition

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Student Competition

Student

Grad Poster Competition: P-IE, Biocontrol - Pathogens

Evaluation of the efficacy of an endophytic entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana against a stem-boring pest of quinoa, Amauromyza karli Hendel (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Monday, November 10, 2025
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pacific
Location: Exhibit Hall A-A1, OCC
Poster Display Student Competition
The expansion of quinoa to new growing regions such as North America has been severely impacted by outbreaks of a stem-boring fly, Amauromyza karli Hendel (Diptera: Agromyzidae). The larvae feed inside quinoa stems, destroying the pith and often causing plant death. The internal feeding behavior of stem-boring agromyzids limits the effectiveness of conventional insecticides and natural enemies. Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, offer a promising alternative by colonizing internal plant tissues and directly contacting larvae during feeding. In our preliminary experiments, we were able to establish B. bassiana as an endophyte in the quinoa. To evaluate its efficacy in suppressing A. karli, we conducted field experiments in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, during the summer of 2025. The goal of this study is to assess the potential of B. bassiana as a biological control agent against A. karli and explore sustainable pest control in quinoa cultivation.