Entomopathogenic Fungi for the control of grapevine sap-sucking insects

This study aimed to isolate Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) strains from soil samples of vineyards, meadows and woodlands (Piedmont, north-west Italy) in order to establish a collection to be tested for pathogenicity against sap-sucking Hemiptera (Scaphoideus titanus and Planococcus ficus) and endophytic colonization capacity in grapevines. Two hundred-twenty-eight EPF were collected, identified and tested for pathogenicity against the model leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus using ‘conidial shower’ technique. Preliminary results are encouraging and trials against S. titanus and P. ficus will be performed in the near future. Moreover, preliminary tests of endophytization showed that part of EPF strains were capable of colonizing grapevine leaves and spreading to untreated plant tissues.