Lesson 9 – Promoting the Soil’s Beneficial Entomopathogenic Microorganisms
Presentation Recording
Presenters
Surendra Dara, Oregon State University, is an entomologist with more than 25 years of experience in IPM and microbial control. Throughout his career, he worked on numerous invasive and endemic species of arthropods and plant pathogens. He developed a strong research and extension program working on irrigation, nutrient management, pest and disease issues, biostimulants, and biological soil amendments to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. His research and extension covered commodities such as alfalfa, cassava, cotton, small fruits, and vegetables serving agricultural communities locally, regionally, and internationally. Dara has authored/co-authored more than 400 scientific and extension articles, which include three co-edited books, four co-edited special issues of journals, 25 book chapters, and more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles. He has extensive international outreach experience training farmers in Bangladesh, Guatemala, Haiti, Kosovo, Moldova, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe.
Scott Ockey has been researching biopesticides for 15 years with Certis Biologicals in the Western US. Prior to joining Certis, he ran a research program and the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab at Utah State University, followed by a stint with Crompton/Uniroyal as the PNW Field Development Manager. Scott has an MS degree in Biology/Plant Pathology from Utah State University and is a proud Aggie!
Upon successfully completing this lesson, participants will be able to:
- Explain how beneficial entomopathogenic microorganisms work on pest insects.
- Describe how to effectively use these entomopathogenic microorganisms in IPM.
- Describe mechanisms used by beneficial arthropods to reduce infection by entomopathogenic microorganisms. Many beneficial arthropods have adapted effective ways to avoid being killed.
- Explain how Beauveria Bassiana infection can occur through multiple avenues on a variety of insect pests.
Articles & Resources
- Non-Entomopathogenic Roles of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Promoting Plant Health and Growth by Surendra Dara, 2019
- Entomopathogenic microorganisms: modes of action and role in IPM by Surendra Dara, 2017
- Can Insects Develop Resistance to Insect Pathogenic Fungi by Ivan M. Dubovskiy, Mi-randa M. A.Whitten, Olga N. Yaroslavtseva, Carolyn Greig, 2013
Photo at top: Nematodes emerging from a wax moth larva cadaver by Peggy Greb, USDA Agricultural Research Service