Fungal growth development index and ultrastructural study of whiteflies infected by three Isaria fumosorosea isolates of different pathogenicity

The infection process whereby Isaria fumosorosea colonizes whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) nymphs was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The fungal growth development index was used to determine pathogenicity of the isolates studied. The ultrastructural findings allowed us to examine the course of colonization of T. vaporariorum by this fungus through the formation of cuticular penetration structures. I. fumosorosea produced structures that resemble appressoria in shape, and isolates cause serious cuticular damage suggesting of enzymatic action. The results of this study suggest isolate EH-506/3 as suitable for whitefly biocontrol.