Efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium muscarium against two main pests, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and Tetranychus urticae (Koch), under geothermal greenhouses of Southern Tunisia

Abstract Background The geothermal greenhouses in Southern Tunisia are an important axis of agricultural development. This sector faces many abiotic and biotic constraints that could threat its sustainability. Thus, the heated encounter destructive pests such as whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae). Results study aimed to assess effect entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (strain ATCC strain R444) Lecanicillium muscarium Ve6 on simultaneous existence T. B. host plants. EPF had a significant eggs larvae mobile forms particular. use ATCC, R444 L. strains showed efficacies against compared untreated control. Indeed, reduction percent varied between 42.65 58.52%. efficacy number was order 65.04, 60.26 55.52% Ve6, respectively. In addition, these were very effective with percentage greater than 92.86%, whereas 95.11 98.52%. Conclusions Use will be imperative develop directed interventions at integrated management two protected crops.