Characterization of Beauveria sp.1 Isolates and their Virulence against the Yellow Mealworm, Tenebrio molitor2

Strains of Beauveria from different areas of Nuevo Leon State were isolated, characterized morphologically, morphometrically, and enzymatically, and evaluated against yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), in a laboratory. Twenty-four soil samples were collected. Greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), larvae were used as bait. Solid media were used to estimate the production of extra-cellular fungal enzymes. Fifty-eight percent of the soil samples were positive for entomopathogenic Beauveria sp. The activity of strains varied for all enzymes evaluated (proteases ranged from 20.6 to 39.8, chitinases 25.6 to 40.8 and lipases 65.0 to 74.8 mm), as did the number of insects killed (30.0 to 75%). Large amounts of native entomopathogenic Beauveria sp. were found with greater sensitivity than commercial GHA strain against mealworm beetles, with possible better biological control against agricultural pests in Mexico.