Lethal and sublethal effects of different biopesticides on Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The use of biopesticides against agricultural pests is great importance for the sustainability pest management. goal present study was to determine lethal (acute) and sublethal (first male young queen emerge time, competition point, total number workers, males queens) effects four commercial [Nibortem (1.5% Lecanicillium (Verticillium) lecanii strain V1-1, Nostalgist Beauveria bassiana Bb-1), Priority Isaria fumosorosea (= Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) PFs-1) Nimbecidine (0.3 g/L Azadirachtin)] on Bombus terrestris. impacts were investigated at individual colony level worker bees by two application methods, namely topical residual contact. While, deaths significantly higher in each biopesticide used than control contact application, those except Nibortem found application. effect bioassays showed that there no differences terms first emergence time colonies both applications. However, workers not affected method. highest produced exposed methods. queens In conclusion, Nimbecidine, among tested biopesticides, caused vitally negative bumblebee particular.