Efficiency of natural substances to protect Beauveria bassiana conidia from UV radiation

BACKGROUNDSolar radiation is assumed to be a major factor limiting the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi used as biocontrol agents in open field applications. We evaluated 12 natural UV-protective co-formulants for their effect on the survival of UV-exposed Beauveria bassiana spores on agar plates, colza leaf discs and in the field. RESULTSColony-forming unit (CFU) counts of unformulated conidia on agar plates and leaf discs dropped to 50% after exposure to UV radiation. The highest UV protection was achieved with humic acid, which provided >90% protection of UV-B-exposed conidia in laboratory experiments. In the field, 10% humic acid increased spore persistence up to 87% at 7 days after application. Sesame and colza oil also provided high UV protection in both assays (>73% and >70%, respectively). CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that it is possible to increase the persistence of B. bassiana spores under exposure to UV radiation by formulation with natural UV-protective additives. UV protectants might, therefore, increase the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agents in open field applications. (c) 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.