Indigenous entomopathogenic fungi as potential biological control agents of rose sawfly, Arge rosae L. (Hymenoptera: Argidae)

The rose sawfly, Arge rosae L. (Hymenoptera: Argidae), is one of the most destructive pests of roses grown both indoors and outdoors in Antalya province (south-western part of Turkey). Especially in greenhouse rose cultivation, growers depend heavily on synthetic pesticides to control this pest along with other arthropod pests in their crops. The aim of this study was to evaluate biocontrol potential of some indigenous soil-borne entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) against the pest. In pathogenicity assays, a total of 17 EPF isolates, belonging to three species [Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. – 14, Clonostachys rosea (Link) Schroers – 2 and Isaria farinosa (Holmsk.) Fr. – 1] were tested against the 4th instar larvae of A. rosae under laboratory conditions.