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In Mexico, Huanglongbing infection caused 42 and 33% decreases in orange and lemon production, respectively. Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter bacterium that causes the disease. Commercial orchards were searched to identify entomopathogenic fungi of D. citri in the citrus zone of Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosi, and Llera, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Entomopathogenic fungi associated with Asian citrus psyllid adults are in three genera: Hirsutella citriformis (88%), Beauveria bassiana (2%), and Sporothrix insectorum (10%). This is the first report of Sporothrix insectorum parasitizing H. citriformis in México. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several formulations based on a palatable carrier suspension: Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner HD-133 strain; beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV); and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Hübner), multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV); alone or combined were developed and evaluated for activity against Spodoptera exigua and S . frugiperda larvae. Bioassays to determine the most active agents for each insect species were three treatments for spore-crystal complex, three for occlusion bodies for each of the two viruses, and four treatments combining all of them in different concentrations. Feeding preference was bioassayed with natural ingredients to obtain a palatable carrier for the active agents. Carrier suspensions were prepared with dehydrated soy leaves as a feeding stimulant for both pests for formulation preparation. Formulations containing the lower and medium concentrations of HD-133 strain and SeMNVP (SeB1V1 and SeB2V2) showed synergism against S. exigua, whereas formulations containing medium and high concentrations (SfB2V2 and SfB3V3, respectively) offered additive interaction against S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic crops expressing one or more Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins are being commercialized worldwide, primarily because of their efficacy against several economically-important lepidopteran pests. However, the risk of insects developing resistance to Bt toxins concerns organic growers, farmers, and seed producers. Because of the ecology and migratory ability of several lepidopteran pests, the USA and Mexico share geographical overlap with cropping systems that include Bt maize, Zea mays L.; and Bt cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; that impact these pest species. With mobile pests and concern for the development of proactive resistance management programs, scientists from both countries have organized meetings and workshops since 2003. This manuscript summarizes the achievements of the USA and Mexico collaborations in surveying Bt-expressing crops and pest dynamics from 2003 to 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]