Determination of the effectiveness of entomopatogenic fungi on mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) under the laboratory and field conditions in Egirdir region of Isparta province

Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a pest that damages many important commercial fruit species and is not tolerated in export. In this period, when the negative effects of chemical control were frequently discussed, biological control research gained momentum. Research on entomopathogenic fungi, which infects insects and suppresses their populations, is increasing day by day. This research; it was carried out to determine the mortality rates of local entomopathogenic fungi isolated from the soil on the last stage larvae by taking advantage of the last larval stage of the Mediterranean fruit fly to pupae in the soil. Two locally isolated Beauveria bassiana isolates and 1 Isaria fumosorasea isolate and 5 different doses of these were used in the experiment. 5 different doses were applied to 3rd period Mediterranean fruit fly larvae in petri dishes and sterile soil environment in laboratory environment. When the trial data were evaluated, it was determined that Isaria fumosorasea isolate named IFR and Bauveria bassiana isolate named LD.2016 were more effective than M6-4 isolate. It has been observed that some doses affect fertility. Semi-naturel field studies were studied with the highest 3 doses of IFR and LD.2016. Since the biology of the pest could not be followed in Eğirdir district of Isparta province, only data ontained from the trial area established in Antalya province in 2020 and 2021 were evaluated. In 2020, mortality rates of IFR and LD.2016 isolates at 108 konidi/mL are %65 and %62, at 107 konidi/mL are %60 and %55, at 106 konidi/mL are %42 and %35, respectively. In 2021, mortality rates of IFR and LD.2016 isolates at 108 konidi/mL are %60 and %60, at 107 konidi/mL are %56 and %55, at 106 konidi/mL are %40 and %34, respectively. Local isolates are considered promising at Mediterranean fruit fly control.