Eucalyptus cultivation in arid regions is limited by the losses caused by the galling wasp, Leptocybe invasa Fisher and La Salle, 2004 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); it oviposits below the epidermis of the central veins, mainly on seedlings in nurseries and/or young plants in the field, causing galls where the insects develop. Galls modify the normal circulation of sap in vascular tissues, ultimately affecting the development of infested plants and resulting in slower growth. Eucalyptus genotypes tolerant to water stress are susceptible to L. invasa, and this pest has no effective control methods. Here, we aimed to (i) determine the initial infestation dynamics of L. invasa in Eucalyptus plants inoculated with Beauveria bassiana and (ii) identify any change in the development of galls. B. bassiana-inoculated seedlings were infested with L. invasa. Susceptible plants were unaffected, and gall development was negatively affected at multiple stages. A fungal solution containing B. bassiana reduced gall development and the emergence of L. invasa adults in eucalyptus plants at considerable rates. The total number of adult emergence holes was 89.74% fewer for inoculated plants when compared to uninoculated plants. These results can help develop B. bassiana products to control L. invasa in susceptible eucalyptus plants for improved, sustainable forestry.

The use of fungicides to control agricultural diseases has been increasing in agriculture. Thus, the biological control using fungus is an effective tool in the integrated diseases management. This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of fungicides Certeza, Apron and Vitavax on the microorganisms Trichoderma asperelloides and Azospirillum brasilense. The experiments were conducted in vitro in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 2 x 3 with three replications. The first factor composed of two doses and the second referred to the fungicides. The microorganisms were developed in PDA medium. After the medium has solidified, in a flow layer 10 µL of the fungal solution was added to each plate with the aid of an automatic pipette (D1, recommended dose; D2, double of recommended dose). Then, each Petri plate was centrally inoculated with a disc of Trichoderma asperelloides, in addition to the uninoculated control. For Azospirillum brasilense, the colony surface was scraped with the aid of a sterilized Drigalsky loop. Then, the filter of discs paper was dipped in the fungicides solution and placed on the medium surface. After this process, the plates were incubated in a BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) at 26±2ºC and photoperiod 12 h. The parameters evaluated were a mycelial growth and sporulation. The results showed that there was no significant interaction between the factors. The fungicides Certeza (Tiofanato metílico + Fluazinam), Apron (Fludioxonil + Metalaxil-M) and Vitavax (Carboxina + Tiram) are considered compatible with Trichoderma asperelloides and Azospirillum brasilense. The fungicides can be used in an integrated disease management practices, priority must be given to use the products that have been shown to be less harmful.

Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are known for their activity as plant growth promoters. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological responses of Eucalyptus plants inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum UFT-25. The experiment was developed in a completely randomized design with two treatments: non-inoculated (control) plants and plants inoculated with T. harzianum UFT-25 with ten replicates. The isolate was developed in 50 mm Petri dishes containing a potato, dextrose, and agar (PDA). All plates were incubated in a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) chamber at 25 ± 2 ºC with a photoperiod of 12 h for seven days. Plants were inoculated by spraying the fourth, fifth, and sixth fully expanded leaves with a suspension of T. harzianum UFT-25 conidia. Control plants received an application of autoclaved distilled water containing 0.02% (v/v) Tween 80. Analysis of the results revealed a significant difference between the treatments in terms of height, diameter, leaf and branch numbers, dry mass, and chlorophyll. T. harzianum UFT-25 stimulated greater growth in the inoculated plants than control plants at 15, 30, 45, and 60 d. The inoculated plants have been shown an increase of 16.19% in the shoot dry mass and 51.65% in the root dry mass. These results open new avenues for exploring the potential of T. harzianum UFT-25, proving its efficiency in promoting the growth of Eucalyptus plants. Thus, the use of this fungus can contribute to the reduction of inputs, such as fungicides and fertilizers, promoting greater sustainability in forestry production.

The biological control using entomopathogenic fungi is an alternative tool in integrated pest and disease management that attack the crops, reducing the environmental risks caused by chemical control techniques. In this context, this work aimed to evaluate the compatibility of pesticides on the microorganism Beauveria bassiana. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a 7 x 3 factorial arrangement with three replications. First factor corresponded to the doses, and the second referred to the pesticides (Fipronil, Chlorpyriphos, Imidacloprid + Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Chlorantraniliprole), and two fungicides (Hexaconazole and Propiconazole). The microorganism was developed in PDA medium. Doses at different concentrations were used with an automatic pipette as (1/2RD; RD; 2RD). The plates were incubated in a BOD for 12 h at 25 ± 2 °C. The parameters evaluated were colony diameter, fungal growth inhibition and sporulation of the Beauveria bassiana. The results showed that tested insecticides were compatible with the fungus except Chlorpyriphos. The fipronil at 1/2RD, RD and 2RD showed lower rate of inhibition respectively 37,5%; 44,44% and 50,26%. The fungicides Hexaconazole and Propiconazole were toxic because were completely inhibitory the fungal growth at all the concentrations. It concludes the pesticides Fipronil, Imidacloprid + Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Chlorantraniliprole can be used in integrated pest and disease management programs.