Entomopathogens in populations of the European cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Abstract

Melolontha melolontha L. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is one of the most serious and widespread bug and its larvae cause extensive and lethal damage to the roots of young trees. Pathogenic organisms infecting insects are known as entomopathogen. This group includes viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi and nematodes. They cause desirable infections in pest insects. Up to known, several entomopathogenic organisms such as
viruses, bacteria, fungi and protists have been found in M. melolontha populations in Turkey and isolated from this pest. Some of them have been tested as biological control agents against this pest. These entomopathogens are the most promising organisms found in M. melolontha populations. In this presentation, a review of recent situation of entomopathogenic organisms found in or tested against M. melolontha in Turkey is presented with comparing other entomopathogens found in its populations in the World.