Dissemination of Microbial Agents Using an Autoinoculating Device and Several Insect Species as Vectors

A device for autoinoculating insects with marker dye and active agents, such as biocompetitors of plant pathogens (e.g., Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma polysporum, Bacillus subtilis) and entomopathogens (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana) is described. Laboratory tests using a powdered dye indicated that the device worked for sap beetles, house flies, pomace dies, and moths. Quantitative studies with blue dye (as an indicator of dispersal) and some bioactive agents demonstrated that a high percentage of sap beetles became contaminated with the material placed inside the autoinoculator in a short period of time (minutes). In the laboratory, sap beetles carried B. bassiana from the autoinoculator to unexposed sap beetles, causing high mortality. In the field, sap beetles entered the baited traps attached to the autoinoculator, became contaminated with the dye, and carried it to damaged corn or apples.