Enzymatic Extracts for the Control of Oligonychus Ilicis (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Objective: The objective of this work was to produce an enzymatic extract of Beauveria bassiana and to evaluate its efficacy in the mortality of adult females of Olygonicocus ilicis and in the inhibition of the hatching of their egg larvae of this mite. Theoretical Framework: Managing the red coffee mite (Oligonychus ilicis) poses a challenge for farmers due to the damage caused by this pest. Promising solutions have been explored to address this problem, such as the use of entomopathogenic fungi, particularly the species Beauveria bassiana. These fungi have a high potential for producing and releasing enzymes with acaricidal properties. Method: Fungal conidia were obtained using the commercial product Boveril® and used to create a spore suspension in sterile distilled water. From this suspension, enzymatic extracts were generated and stored at 4°C after undergoing filtration and centrifugation. These enzymatic extracts were applied to adult female O. ilicis at 50% and 100% concentrations and were applied to ovipositions in a second set of evaluations. Application was performed using an Alfa 2 airbrush connected to a compressor calibrated at a constant pressure of 1.3 bar. Results and Discussion: Extracts of B. bassiana, diluted or not, caused 100% mortality in adult females of O. ilicis, and inhibited 100% of the egg hatching of this mite. Research Implications: Enzymatic extracts of B. bassiana were effective in causing mortality in adult females and reducing the egg hatching of this mite, being promising for the sustainable management of the red coffee mite. Originality/Value: This content contributes significantly to fields such as alternative agricultural pest management and sustainable practices, encouraging a transformation in the way farmers adopt more conscious attitudes.