ChileanJAR

The pathogenicity of three isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae against the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) was evaluated in a laboratory test. The isolates were applied in increasing concentrations (0 to 10⁸ conidia mL^-1) to the last instar larvae. Larval mortality was evaluated for 20 days, and lethal concentration LC₅₀ LC₉₀, and mortality rates were calculated. The three isolates varied (P< 0.01) in the rate of mortality at different concentrations. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ for the most virulent isolate were about 10⁶ and 10⁸ conidia mL^-1, respectively. Future field studies will determine the potential of this fungus as a biological control agent for Otiorhynchus sulcatus in Chile.