title: Reliability of the entomovector technology using Prestop-Mix and Bombus terrestris L. as a fungal disease biocontrol method in open field.
abstract: Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. is a major plant pathogen, and a new approach is needed for its control in strawberry to minimise the increasing use of synthetic fungicides. The biofungicide Prestop-Mix, which contains Gliocladium catenulatum, is effective against Botrytis infections; however, the need for frequent applications increases the costs for farmers. Here, we demonstrate that bumble bees, Bombus terrestris L., effectively disseminate the preparation onto flowers in open field conditions. Over the course of three years, we found a highly significant decrease in the rate of Botrytis infection. Pathogen control was achieved with relatively low numbers of G. catenulatum spores per flower, even using flowers that are not highly attractive to bumble bees. An even distribution of spores was detected up to 100 m from the hives, either due to primary inoculation by bumble bees or secondary distribution by other flower visitors such as honey bees and solitary bees. We showed that the application of a biocontrol agent by bumble bees is reliable for the use of environmentally friendly pest control strategies in northern climatic conditions. This low cost technology is especially relevant for organic farming. This study provides valuable information for introducing this method into practice in open strawberry fields.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: Reet
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Karise
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: Gerit
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dreyersdorff
authors.affiliation: Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jahani
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: Eve
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Veromann
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: Eve
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Runno-Paurson
authors.affiliation: Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: Tanel
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kaart
authors.affiliation: Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smagghe
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
authors.forename: Marika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mänd
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001516:Bees; D020171:Botrytis / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents