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The Occurrence of a Fungal Entomopathogen in Western Tarnished Plant Bug Populations in the San Joaquin Valley

Michael R. McGuire


ABSTRACT

In November, 2000, the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana was found in Lygus hesperus populations in the San Joaquin Valley of California. In 2001, six cotton producing counties were surveyed in the spring, summer, and fall for prevalence of B. bassiana in L. hesperus populations. In addition, six alfalfa fields in Kern County, CA were sampled weekly for prevalence of the fungus. In all counties, B. bassiana was found infecting an average of less than 5% of the resident L. hesperus with the fall sample generally producing higher prevalence of infection. Prevalence of infection varied in the Kern County alfalfa fields throughout the growing season with infections typically increasing in the fall and early winter. Prevalence of infection was not directly related to L. hesperus population size at the time of sampling.





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Document last modified May 20, 2002