First record of Entomophaga maimaiga (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae) in Slovakia

Abstract

The entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga was found for the first time in Slovakia in 2013. Late instar larvae of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, from two sites with different population densities were dissected to evaluate the presence of pathogens. The presence of conidia and resting spores of E. maimaiga in gypsy moth cadavers was confirmed from both sites.

Keywords:

• Entomophaga maimaiga
• Lymantria dispar
• first record
• Slovakia

Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. L. Solter and M. McManus from Illinois Natural History Survey for their valuable comments and Prof. Dr. A. Hajek from Cornell University for the confirmation of E. maimaiga samples.

Funding

This work was supported by the SK ERDF-funded operational programme Research and Development under Grant Centre of excellence for biological methods of forest protection [ITMS: 26220120008]; under Grant Foresight and information systems to enhance the efficiency of forest management [ITMS: 26220220109]; and under Grant Advanced technologies of trees protection of the juvenile growth stages [ITMS 26220220120].

Additional information

Funding

Funding: This work was supported by the SK ERDF-funded operational programme Research and Development under Grant Centre of excellence for biological methods of forest protection [ITMS: 26220120008]; under Grant Foresight and information systems to enhance the efficiency of forest management [ITMS: 26220220109]; and under Grant Advanced technologies of trees protection of the juvenile growth stages [ITMS 26220220120].