Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Beauveria bassiana
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is a notorious defoliator of potato and other Solanaceae. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi offers a sustainable complement to chemical insecticides and helps manage resistance. Recognizing the best-studied fungal agents improves integrated pest management decisions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Beauveria bassiana is broadly effective against many beetles, including the Colorado potato beetle, with commercial formulations registered in several regions. While Metarhizium anisopliae also targets certain beetles, B. bassiana has the strongest association and literature base for CPB suppression, especially under temperate field conditions.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the pest as a beetle species → evaluate which fungi target coleopterans.Beauveria bassiana has extensive CPB efficacy data and product use.Select B. bassiana as the best-documented control agent.Verification / Alternative check:Extension guides and peer-reviewed trials report significant CPB mortality with B. bassiana sprays under conducive humidity and temperature.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
b) Metarhizium anisopliae has coleopteran activity but is not the most classically cited CPB agent.c) Verticillium lecanii is more noted for aphids/whiteflies.d) Nomuraea rileyi targets lepidopteran larvae (e.g., Spodoptera).e) Isaria fumosorosea targets whiteflies/aphids; less prominent for CPB.Common Pitfalls:Overlooking environmental requirements: high humidity aids infection; UV and heat reduce spore viability, affecting field performance.
Final Answer:Beauveria bassiana.
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