Influence of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana on Prynocaria congener (Billberg) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions

Effects of entomopathogenic fungus beauveria bassiana (hypocereales: cordycipitaceae) on biological characteristics and life table parameters of prynocaria congener (coleoptera: coccinellidae),a predator of aleurodicus disperses and bemisia tabaci (hemiptera: aleyrodidae),were studied using three different conidial concentrations under laboratory conditions. results indicated that significant differences were not observed among different fungal concentrations on the survival percentages of all immature stages of p. congener. the developmental periods for all immature stages (from eggs,first,second,third,fourth instar larvae and pupae up to adult hatching) among the fungal treatments were not statistically significant when compared to control. moreover,fecundity,longevity,egg viability and life table parameters of p. congener females did not differ significantly among the different tested concentrations. it can be concluded that control strategies comprising p. congener and b. bassiana could be used in an integrate manner for controlling a. disperses and b. tabaci. © 2012 zoological society of pakistan.