Compatibility of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) with phytosanitary products used in soybean crops

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an agricultural crop of great importance, but it faces challenges such as pests and invasive plants. Conventional control of these threats relies on phytosanitary products that can impact beneficial organisms, such as the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill., an important agent in the biological control of mites and insect pests. Given the relevance of these interactions, bioassays were performed in vitro to evaluate the effect of two fungicides (Cronnos® and Fox Xpro®), two herbicides (Select® and Preciso xK®), and three insecticides (Avatar®, Engeo®, and Tiger®) on the viability, vegetative growth, and conidiogenesis of the fungus B. bassiana isolate Unioeste 76, on Petri dish culture medium. The two fungicides, Cronnos® and Fox Xpro®, were toxic to B. bassiana, compromising all evaluated parameters. The herbicide Select® showed high toxicity. The herbicide Preciso xK® and the three tested insecticides were compatible. The careful selection of phytosanitary products compatible with entomopathogenic fungi reduces dependence on chemical pesticides and the risks associated with the selection of resistant populations, also favoring the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainability of soybean crops.