In a Czech tomato nursery , a tiny beetle with the ability to waste fungus was find . head spring up regarding its efficacy and potential as a spore transmitter , prompting further inquiry . Václav Psota with Farma Bezdínek talk about the findings , and the possibility for integrated crop protective covering .
grownup of Sericoderus lateralis
The taxonomic identification was done by associate professor Jan Bezděk , an bug-hunter from Mendel University in Brno , and ensue in species of Sericoderus lateralis .
" Such find triggered our interest in this beetle . afterward we were observing its presence in powdery mildew in cucumber greenhouse harvest as well " , Václav continue .
As S. lateralis mallet prefers humid dilapidate substratum quite a large universe is often rule beneath the gutter , on the land , in the leaf / plant residues . Once the crop is attacked by fungus such as folio clay sculpture or powdery mold the S. lateralis adults transmigrate to plants . They are consuming tissues of fungi as well as laying their ball in fungal lesions .
S. lateralis adult occurring in the tomato plant leaf mold wound
Larva of S. lateralis in tomato leaf mold wound under the microscope .
As these observations break that S. lateralis exhibit an affinity for areas infested with tomato leaf mold , often seen actively prey on the fungous growth , and testing ground experiments confirmed the mallet ’s consumption of Cladosporium fulvum , a potential role in biologic control is put on the mesa .
" The main question is if mycophagy demeanour of this beetle species can be somehow used in biologic pest control of glasshouse craw fungal disease , " Václav says . Liam Harvey from Biobest IPS squad also outlined the question if this beetle species can be a potential transmitter of spores , either directly on its trunk or via its frass .
Both doubtfulness emerging from this breakthrough have to be serve by further inquiry . " But growers may also pay some care to whether this tiny mallet is also present in their glasshouse . "
Growers are advised to monitor for its mien . For more details , refer to the recently issue paper in the Journal of Plant Protection Research by Václav Psota from Farma Bezdínek , Czechia .
For more information : Václav PsotaFarma BezdínekCzechia[email protect ]
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