Pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana to Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in laboratory conditions

This research, under laboratory condition, evaluated the efficiency of different strains entomopatogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana to control leaf-cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa. Soldiers and workers were inoculated with suspensions containing 1.0x107, 1.0x108, 1.0x109 1.0x1010 con mL-1 maintained in B.O.D, at 25±1°C, 70% RH 12 hours photophase, without food. The mortality was daily, 15 days after inoculation. Experimental design entirely random. sporulation data submitted analysis variance LT50 values (in days) obtained through Probit analysis. All B. pathogenic, being more susceptible than soldiers. IBCB 21 07 caused high percentages confirmed showing potential for use A. Strain virulent workers, whereas isolated Both isolates presented no significant difference among tested concentrations.