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Laboratory Risk Assessment of Three Entomopathogenic Fungi Used for Pest Control toward Social Bee Pollinators
Mariana O G Leite1,2, Denise A Alves1, Antoine Lecocq2
1Department of Entomology and Acarology, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil.
Microorganisms
|September 23, 2022
Summary
Entomopathogenic fungi, used as biopesticides, can harm social bees like honey bees and bumble bees. Further research is needed to assess ecological risks to bee populations from these fungal agents.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Mycology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Fungal biopesticides (mycopesticides) are considered low-risk but require risk assessment.
- Agroecosystems involve co-existing pests, beneficial insects, and pollinators.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the impact of three commercial entomopathogenic fungi on four social bee species.
- Assess the effects of different fungal concentrations and infection routes (contact vs. ingestion).
Main Methods:
- Tested *Beauveria bassiana*, *Metarhizium anisopliae*, and *Cordyceps fumosorosea* on *Scaptotrigona depilis*, *Tetragonisca angustula*, *Apis mellifera*, and *Bombus terrestris*.
- Evaluated direct contact and ingestion exposure routes at five fungal concentrations.
- Monitored individual bee mortality.
Main Results:
- All three fungi caused significant mortality across the four bee species.
- *Beauveria bassiana* and *Metarhizium anisopliae* showed differential toxicity depending on bee species and exposure route.
- Concentration-dependent mortality was not consistently observed for all fungal species and exposure methods.
Conclusions:
- Under laboratory conditions, these entomopathogenic fungi can reduce the survival of social bees at the individual level.
- Further colony and field studies are essential to fully assess the ecological risks of mycopesticides to social bees.
