Natural allies against Popillia japonica: Entomopathogenic fungi
Entomopathogenic fungi are micro-organisms naturally occurring in the environment, most of all in soil. They are natural parasites of insects that proliferate killing their host. Metarhizium is one of the most used ones in biological control.
The CREA team has isolated a Metarhizium robertsii strain called 17/T02 from the area infested by Popillia japonica in Italy for its effectiveness.
Now, we are preparing it to be tested as a biological control agent.
Fungal spores are stirred and mixed with alginate, kaolin and water.
Drop by drop, we obtain small granules containing the fungal spores that we call SAPs (Sodium Alginate Pellets).
After air-drying, the SAPs are ready to be tested in field.
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