THE MORTALITY OF THE PALE APPLE LEAFROLLER AND WINTER MOTH BY FUNGI AND NEMATODES APPLIED TO SOIL

Abstract

Mortality of larvae of the pale apple leafroller, Pseudexentera mail (Freeman), and the winter moth, Operophtera brumata (Linnaeus), that formed cocoons and pupated in soil or vermiculite treated with pathogens was determined in orchard and insectary tests. The entomogenous fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae reduced survival to less than 5% in most tests. The entomogenous nematode DD136 was slightly less effective. The fungus Beauveria bassiana had little effect. Less than 50% of the test insects survived in non-treated media.