Pathogenicity of an indigenous strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana on larvae and adults of the sisal weevil, Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract: The sisal weevil is a severe pest of both ornamental and cultivated agave species. Asthe use of synthetic insecticides causes undesirable effects, the evaluation of potential biologicalcontrol agents is necessary. Field collected adults and larvae of Scyphophorus acupunctatus wereused to evaluate the pathogenicity of an indigenous strain of the entomopathogenic fungusBeauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales). Different concentrationsof spore suspensions were tested. As in some cases 100% mortality was achieved it is indicatingthat this strain could serve as a potential biological control agent of the sisal weevil.