Medea Burjanadze

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) (BMSB) is an exotic invasive insect which has spread extensively and established in new area of Black sea regions of Georgia and has become a key pest in many crops in West Georgia (Lee et al., 2013). At present BMSB is very active and characterized by the massive increase and formation of foci in agricultural and urban landscapes of Western Georgia, and damage economical important product such hazelnuts. Georgia is the third hazelnut-producing country worldwide after Turkey and Italy (FAOSTAT 2017). In 2019, proposed product, mycopesticiede, trade mark- Bover-GeTM , was registered by National food agency (NFA) of Georgia as a biopesticides. Bioformulation are based on local strain of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bb007), isolated from soil of High Mountain Caucasus region, gave a unique cultural number (code) - IMI # 501799, and kept in CABI Genetic Recourse Collection. The aim of our study was to tested Bover-Ge on the H. halys and evaluate their potential for the its control. The adults target insects - H.halys performed for the bioassay and treated with suspension of Bover-Ge with tree concentration 1×106; 1×107 and 1×108 conidia ml−1 . The infected adults were counted 3,5,7,9 days after treatment. All dead specimens showed symptoms of infection with fungi developing on the surface and into adult bodies. Significant differences were observed between concentrations. At the end of experiment (9 days), cumulative mortality at high concentration (1×108 conidia/ml ) reached 93.3% and 53.3% on 9 dayes, whereas at concentrations of 1×107 and 1×106; conidia/ml the mortality range d 80-33.3% on 7 day and 46.6-13.3%73.3 on 5 Day. Also, established post migration efficacy on the migration stage was tested and it achieved 64,6%. Keywords: Bover-Ge, mycopesticedes, Halyomorpha halys, control

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Selim-Taskaya/publication/357395725_DISPLAY_OF_ZONING_DIAMETER_ACCORDING_TO_THE_PLANNED_TYPE_DISTANCE_APPROACH_ON_OFFICIAL_AGENCY_ZONING_ISLANDS_EXAMPLE_OF_TURKEY/links/61cc4837b6b5667157b22ba5/DISPLAY-OF-ZONING-DIAMETER-ACCORDING-TO-THE-PLANNED-TYPE-DISTANCE-APPROACH-ON-OFFICIAL-AGENCY-ZONING-ISLANDS-EXAMPLE-OF-TURKEY.pdf

The Box Tree Moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera; Crambidae) was introduced in Georgia and began to defoliate Buxus spp in large quantities. Today the situation is quite alarming in Western Georgia (WG), in that BTM damages Buxus colchica, which is an endemic species of Caucasian flora and threatened by habitat loss.

The larvae feed on leaves and shoots, able to defoliate box trees and cause economic, social and environment problems. During 2017-2018, from different regions and sites (Tsageri, Samegrelo), adults and larvae of C. perspectalis (L3-L5) were collected. In 2017 in mature, Tsageri boxvood forest, adults with developing fungal hyphae on the body were

found. We screened living and dead larvae for pathogens. More then 460 larvae were dissected and studied with cultural and morphological methods. Twelve larvae presented fungal growth after death. Nine sporulated fungal isolates from larvae corresponded to Fusarium sp., three to Aspergillus sp. and one to Beauveria bassiana. These isolates showed high susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation, with 33, 49 and 81% of inactivation

after irradiation. Optimal conditions for fungal growth were 25o C and pH 6,5. The isolate of B. bassiana showed high potential for the control of C. perspectalis, which caused 81,3% -75,5% mortality of larvae. This is the first evidence of B. bassiana in this pest and the first record

in Georgia. These data contribute to the knowledge of the pathogens of C. perspectalis and constitute the basefor the development of a new biopesticide.

The Kintrishi Protected Areas incorporate the Kintrishi Nature Reserve (KNR) located between the Black Sea and the mountains of Adjara-Imereti. The undisturbed, protected territory with a unique micro-climate is well-known for a biodiversity of Caucasian and Colchis endemic and relict species. However studies on the occurrence and distribution

of EPF in its soils are still lacking. We studied the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in the KNR forest ecosystem by taking soil samples at 10 points through the forest in 2017. The distances between sampling points varied ranging from 1-2 km apart, and 500-1300 meters of altitude. At one site three soil samples were taken 25-100 m apart. In total, 30 soil samples were collected from this area. Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from soil by (a) direct isolation from soil suspensions cultivated on PDAY-dodine media and (b) Galleria baiting using Tenebrio molitor. For further isolation entomopathogenic fungi different artificial medium SDAY and PDA were used. Identification of EPF was based on macro and micro characteristics following standard taxonomic keys and classification. The following entomopathogenic fungal taxa were found: Beauveria bassiana spp. (56% prevalence), Metarhizium spp. (12%), Isaria spp. (23%), Isaria fumosorosea, Paecilomyces sp., and Fusarium sp. (3.5%) from a total of 91 indigenous isolates.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) (BMSB), is an exotic invasive insect for Georgia, one that has

spread extensively and established in the Black Sea regions of Georgia. At present BMSB is very active and undergoing considerable increase in large tracts

of rural and urban West Georgia. Georgia is the third largest hazelnut-producing country worldwide, after Turkey and Italy. Following its first detection,

BMSB has become a key pest in many crops, but especially in hazelnut orchards, and has caused considerable economic losses in recent years. The BMSB is so successful because of a lack of specific natural enemies, high fecundity, wide host range, resistance to cold weather, effective overwintering strategies, and is responding to global warming by increased survival. Our study aimed to explore the natural distribution of entomopathogens in overwintering adults from different regions (Samegrelo, Guria, Imereti) of West Georgia were collected. More than 350 insects were dissected and assessed for infections. In March 2018 mycoses

were observed among the collected insects. The fungi were isolated onto different agar media. Both Beauveria sp. Isaria sp., Fusarium sp. were identified.

The polyphagous soil born plant hopper Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret, 1879 - (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), is the vector of phytoplasma diseases in various crops of

economic importance. Among them is grapevine bois noir (BN) disease, caused by stolbur phytoplasma (16SrXII-A group). BN disease now occurs in Europe, Israel,

Libya, thouth America, Australia, Turkey and Georgia. It was reported that in Eastern Georgia on grapevine and bindweedplants. Two phytoplasma strains, are associated

with grapevine yellows ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (subgroups 16SrXII-A) and ‘Са. P. a convolvuli’ (subgroups 16SrXII-H).

H. obsoletus were found on the grapevine (Vitis vinifera), sunflower (Helianthus

annuus), liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) in

Sighnaghi district of Eastern Georgia, 2014-2016. Its imagoes were met in June, July and August.

Adults were collected on sunflower crop in Sighnaghi district, village Bodbe, while I and II decades of Juley 2016. Laboratory researches shown, that some examples had

visual symptoms of fungal infection. The pure culture consisted entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana.

The strain of B.bassiana from Bodbe have been used as biological control agent against Hyalesthes obsoletus. Key words: Hyalesthes obsoletus, vector, phytoplasma diseases, Beauveria bassiana

Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L., Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea Drury (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), and Mottled Umber, Erannis defoliaria (Clerck) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), are polyphagous, univoltine pest species, that are destructive defoliators of a wide range of broad leaf trees of forests, orchards, fruit trees (Rosaceae), and shrubs. They are economically important forest, orchards and urban pests in Georgia, where successive defoliations over several years can cause growth loss, branch dieback and eventual tree mortality. To date, various strains of entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana

(Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Clavicipitaceae), Lecanicillium (previous name,

Verticillium) sp. (Cordycipitaceae) and Paecilomyces (Trichocomaceae), have been used to control lepidopteran larva (Quesada et al., 2006; Steenberg and Humber, 1999; Hassani, et al., 2000; Shia and Feng, 2004; Malarvannan et al., 2010; Han et al., 2014) The appropriate use of environment-friendly microbial pesticides can play a significant role in sustainable crop production by providing a stable pest management program. Among the fungi, several asexual species are associated with arthropods, especially insects. Entomopathogenic fungi that parasitize insects are valuable weapons for biocontrol and

play an important role in promoting integrated pest management (Bruck et al., 2005). Recent investigations of entomopathogenic Hyphomycetes, that were isolated from different geographical locations and natural environments of Georgiastudied the virulence against L. dispar, H. cunea and E. defoliaria . Three isolates: Beauveria bassiana, B. pseudobassiana Rehner & Humber, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Clavicipitaceae) were evaluated on larvae in the laboratory. The 5th to 7th larval instars (L5-L7) of L.dispar, H. cunea and E. defoliaria were collected from natural sites in east and west Georgia. Local strains of Bb024 (IMI#50179), Bpsb 010 and Metarhizium anisopliae M7/2 (IMI#501805), were identified using molecular tools and deposited in the CABI-UK Genetic Recourse Collection. To assess virulence, one concentration of 1.0 X 108 conidia ml-1, of each fungal isolate was tested against each pest species and compared with control insects. Dead or infected larvae with fungal symptoms were removed and placed in a moist environment for development of conidia. Mortality of larvae was recorded 3-18 days after treatment.

The soil provides excellent habitats and reservoirs for diverse strains of insect pathogenic fungi and other microorganisms because it is buffered against extreme biotic and abiotic influences. Soil-inhabiting entomopathogenic fungi are an important and widespread component of most terrestrial ecosystems, they play a key role in regulating invertebrate pests and have a cosmopolitan distribution, with potential for use in biocontrol. (Keller and Zimmerman, 1989).

Many species belonging to the Hypocreales (Ascomycota) such as Beauveria spp., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin and Paecilomyces spp. inhabit the soil for a

significant part of their life cycle when they are outside of their insect host and are especially common. (Keller and Zimmerman, 1989; Jackson et al., 2000; Domsch et al.,

1980). The objectives of the present study were to explore diverse habitats as potential sources of local strains of entomopathogenic fungi. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the distribution of entomopathogenic fungi in soils from forest habitats of Georgia. Isolation of indigenous entomopathogenic fungi is essential to provide an insight into naturally occurring fungal biodiversity and to provide a pool of potential biological control agents to be conserved or inundatively released into the forest ecosystem for pest control. During 2010-2016a total of 48 soil samples were collected from four different sites and at altitudes 600-1700 meter above sea level (masl), representing different forest habitats of east and west Georgia (Table P14.1). Samples were collected with a cylindrical probe to a depth of 25 cm after removal of surface litter and were placed in clear plastic bags for transport to the laboratory.The soil samples were sieved through a 2 mm mesh and stored at 4oC for a few days. Isolation of the entomopathogenic fungi was achieved using the ‘Galleria bait method’ (Zimmermann, 1986) modified for Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Each soil sample was baited with 10 fifth instar larvae of T. molitor and the cups were incubated in the dark in closed cardboard boxes at room temperature of 25 ±3 °C. Samples were

examined at 5 and 20 days. They were checked dailey to detect symptomatic or dead larvae, that were removed and placed individually in Petri dishes with a moist environment for conidia development. To isolate entomopathogenic fungi different artificial media, SDAY and PDA were used. 

For successful development as microbial control agents, entomopathogenic fungi have to be adapted to the environmental conditions. Temperature is an important environmental factor influence on the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi. EPF. Definition of the optimal

temperatures for growth rate and spore production is essential to the selection of fungal isolates well suited to the environment in which they will

be used. For established thermotolerance of four local isolates of Beauveria bassiana Bb002, Bb027, Bb114, Bb(ED) from different geographical

sites and ecological condition of Georgia (5-20000 m a.s.l.), were evaluated key physiological characteristics, as at three different temperatures 20, 25 and 30o

C. In the experiment radial growth and spore production was assessed. At 20o

C , minimum vegetative growth of 7.5 -11.4 mm was

observed in Bb 002 and Bb 026 on 5th day, and maximum of 47.5-63.5mm on 15th day. Maximum values for radial growth were observed in case of

Bb114 (66.5 mm), BbED (77.5mm) on 15 day. a maximum of 2x107

/ml spore output was recorded in BbED isolate. At 25 o

C , highest radial growth of 90.5 and 96.2 mm were observed on 15th day in BbED and maximum of 1x109 /ml spore output was recorded. The percentage of conidia

germination for all isolates was above 80 % in 30o

C on 15th day and maximum of 5x108

/ml spore output was recorded in BbED isolate.

The soil habitat is excellent habitats and reservoirs of diverse strains for insect pathogenic fungi which infect a range of invertebrate pest and have a

cosmopolitan distribution, with potential for use in biocontrol. To detect insect pathogenic fungi in soil, various selective media have been used,which approximated the density of fungal propagules in soil. The ”Galleria bait method” first introduced by Zimmermann (1986), is as a sensitive

method to detect a broad spectrum of insect pathogenic fungi in soil samples. The objectives of the present study was evaluation of insect bait

method, using Mealworm - Tenebrio molitor for the isolation entomopathogenic fungi from soil. The studies, conducted during 2012-2015, shown

that using Tenebrio molitor larvae as a bait insect is successful method for detection insects pathogenic fungi in soil. The comparing the wax mothGalleria mellonella L. larvae with T. molitor, the last one is more active, moving into the soil, which could increase the chance of infection by

entomopathogenic fungi. Additionaly, breeding Tenebrio molitor in laboratory condition is more easy, extremely simple and cheaper. The most

abundance species isolated entomopathogenic fungi using Tenebrio molitor as bait insect were Beaiveria bassiana (48.5%), Metarhizium sp.

(31.5%), Lecanicilum sp (2%), other Isaria sp (4%), Aspergillus flavus (3%) and other (11%).

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) are more harmful among the pests in Georgia. Formation of nematode fauna of bark beetles is affected by both abiotic and biotic factors, i.e. their effect on nematodes is complex. In order to establish the influence of abiotic factors, such as temperature and humidity, on the composition and quantitative changes in nematode fauna the experiments were carried out under natural conditions.

Influence of temperature on host-beetle in respect of quantitative dynamics of nematodes

was studied on typographer bark beetles (Ips typographus). “Decoy-trees” populated with

bark beetles used in experiments were at first placed at the forest edge in sunlight where

maximal temperature was 30-35 ºC. After a certain period of time the tree was replaced into

the forest heart, where the maximal temperature was 24-26 ºC. In 2-3 weeks study of egg and

larvae galleries (wormhole dust) of host-beetle showed that quantity of nematodes was more

on decoy-tree in the forest heart than at the edge of the forest.

This fact shows that environmental conditions for vitality and more activity of nematodes

are better in the forest heart. Another important ecological factor is humidity. We have studied the effect of humidity on larger shothole borer (Scolytus mali). During experiment an apple-tree populated with larger shothole borer beetles was used as decoy for beetles.

The quantity of nematodes in egg and larvae galleries (wormhole dust) was controlled

simultaneously under various humidity conditions.

We studied wormhole dust on the decoy-tree at the sunny side where the humidity was 48-50%, and at the shady side near the ground, where the humidity was 78-80%. In the first case ecto- and endoparasites of specific and transition groups

Georgia is distinguished by its biodiversity, with endemic and relict species of plants in Caucasus. Picea orientalis, Pinus sosnovskiy and Pinus Eldaric, are widespread and present in Spruce bark beetle - Ips typographus L, Great spruce bark beetle -Dendroctonus micans (Kugelann), Six-toothed bark beetle - Ips sexdentatus (Börner), Pine shoot beetle- Tomicus piniperda L. are causing tree mortality throughout the coniferous forest. 50-70-ies of the last century had emerged in forests of Borjomi gorge an extremely harmful insect pest D.micans, which caused the death of millions of spruce trees. From 2000, I. typographus became a

major outbreak in the last decade. Human activity, changing climate, changing physiological conditions of host plants, influence on insect activity, increase it responsibility and risk for new colonization, not only in Georgia, but in Caucasian and Black

sea region. During 2013-2014, our research focused on the control of bark beetles using mechanical methods and pheromone traps. Also we investigated natural enemies: predators and pathogens (microorganisms and parasitic nematodes) which are responsible to make balance density of bark species. Various pathogen species and nematodes were observed in the populations of bark beetles. Gregarina typographi, was found in I. typographus (40.5-45.5%.) and I. sexdentatus (15.3%). Chytridiopsis typographi was found in I. typographus and T.piniperda (6.3% -12%) and I. sexdentatus, (4.5%). Fungus Beauveria bassiana (3.5%) was found in I.typographus. Nematodes (42.7-65.0%) Contortylenchus diplogaster. were observed in I. typographus. Contortylenchus sp. was found in I.sexdentatus, 26.1% nematodes were associated with D.micans Georgian coniferous forest. Principal species of bark beetles: 

Entomopathogenic fungi naturally occurring in the soil representwere found, while only one Beauveria brongniartii. Interestingly,

no entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from six of the soil

samples. In these locations, B. bassiana was predominantly

recovered more often from soils of natural habitats, while

Metarhizium spp. were recovered mostly in agricultural habitats.

Our study included a limited number of samples, and more

extended studies may reveal additional information about the

occurrences of these fungi in different habitats and geographical

zones of the South Caucasian region.

a reservoir of antagonists to insect pest. Local strains of such

fungi may be adapted to their environment and are of particular

interest for usage in biological control. Georgia has a high

diversity of altitudes, eco-systems and cropping system and may

offer special opportunities for studies of insects pathogens.Soil

samples were obtained in 2012-2013 from 8 different

geographical sites at different altitudes (600-2200 m a.s.l),

representing different agricultural and forest ecosystems,

National parks of Georgia. A total 161 soil samples representing

45 locations were analysed using the insect bait method

Waxworm, Galleria mellonella L. and Mealworm Tenebrio molitor)

The following entomopathogenic fungal taxa were found:

Beauveria bassiana s.l., Beauveria brongniartii, Metarhizium

spp., Lecanicillum sp. Isaria sp. Also, we isolated Aspergillus

flavus. The most abundant species was Beauveria bassiana

(41,4%) and Metarhizium sp. (49,4%) from the total number of

isolates. Three isolates of both Metarhizium and- Lecanicillum

Our research is about genotyping different subspecies isolates of Beauveria collected from various regions of Georgia. Beauveria spp is one of the most widely spread entomopathogenic fungi in agriculture. It is a producent of toxins and biological active

materials, which can cause high mortality in different species of pests. Nowadays, there is high interest towards active strains of Beauveria. Use of molecular biology techniques has

demonstrated that Beauveria spp (7 isolates from different habitats and geographical zones of Georgia) unites unknown species and their determination by traditional conidial morphology

is impossible.We have done phylogenetic characterization of Beauveria Bassiana: (I) Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) to differentiate the clades of Georgian strains (It has never been investigated to which clades A, B or C they belong); (II) Sequencing of DNA fragments from ITS region (the rRNA gene cluster) and (the Elongation Factor 1-alpha) EF1 and (the

intergenic) Bloc region. At present, we plan to identify proteins that are responsible for the virulence of Beauveria Bassiana. This study gives us opportunity to understand population of Beauveria and its future applications in effective biocontrol strategy ofpathogens. Attention to biocontrol is a breath taking perspectives for sustainable development of the world. 

Strategies for control of the Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), include the use of entomopathogenic fungi. In 2010 and 2011 several isolates of Beauveria bassiana were isolated from several agro‐ecosystems in East Georgia. Three of these isolates were evaluated for key physiological characteristics, as well as pathogenicity, to determine the most effective one for possible use against this insect. Mycelial growth rate and sporulation yield of three isolates were different from each other after 20 days on Sabouraud dextrose

yeast agar; isolate Bb025 had the greatest mycelial growth rate and conidial yield, followed by the isolates Bb007 and Bb011. Mycelial growth rate was 3.75, 3.22, 2.85 mm/day, and conidial

production was 21.15, 18.10 and 17,35 x 10 conidia/cm2 , for the three respective isolates. Bioassays used three different spore concentrations (106 , 107 , and 108 conidia ml‐1

) of Bb025, against 4th and 5th instars H. cunea larvae; dosing was by immersion of

insects in conidial suspensions. The larvae were then reared in glass jars with tree leaves as food, at 23±2 ºC, 45‐65% RH, and 16:8 light:dark photoperiod. Larvae were checked daily to

detect symptomatic or dead larvae, which were removed and placed individually in Petri plates with high moisture environment for development of sporulating mycelium to verify

infection. Efficacy of Bb025 was 47,5, 66,7 and 72,3%  for the three doses 12 days after treatment. This research was funded by STCU‐SRNSF, grant # 5253.

Entomopathogenic fungi naturally occuring in the soil represent a reservoir of antagonists to insect pest. Local strains of such fungi may be adapted to their environment and therefore they are of particular interest for usage in biological control. Georgia

has a high diversity concerning altitudes, eco‐systems and cropping systems, offering special opportunities for studies of insect pathogens. Soil samples were obtained in 2010‐2011,

from four different sites at different altitudes (600‐1700 m a.s.l), representing different agro‐ and forest ecosystems of Eastern Georgia. A total of 48 soil samples representing 16 locations, were analysed using the insect bait method (Waxworm, Galleria mellonella L. and Mealworm, Tenebrio molitor).   The following entomopathogenic fungal taxa were found: Beauveria bassiana s.l, Beauveria brongniatii,  Metarhizium spp., Lecanicillum sp. Also, we isolated Aspergillus flavus.   The most abundant species was Beauveria bassiana

(61.9 % of samples). Three isolates of both Metarhizium spp.

and Lecanicillum sp. were found, while only one Beauveria brongniatii. Interestingly, no entomopathogenous fungi were isolated from six of the soil samples. In these locations, B.

bassiana was predominantly recovered more often from soils of natural habitats, while Metarhizium spp. was recovered mostly in agricultural habitats. Our study included a limited number of samples and more extended studies may reveal additional information about occurrence of these fungi in different habitats. This research was funded by STCU‐SRNSF, Grant # 5253.

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) is one of the economical damaging pest insect in Georgia. In laboratory (2008), against 4th and 5th instars larvae f H. cunea, indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (BbCPB04) and Metarhizium sp. (MGS-1) were tested. Fungal Suspensions of the isolates were prepared from 2 week-old cultures grown on PDA, in 0.01% (w/v) Tween 80 and adjusted to 5x107 conidia ml-1 . The larvae were immersed in conidial suspension, place in glass jar with tree leaves and kept at room temperature with 16/8 light / dark regime. They were daily checked to detect symptomatic or dead larvae, which were removed and placed individually in Petri plates with moisture environment for develop of conidia. For the most virulent isolates

infection rate from B.bassiana were 75% and from Metarhizium sp 82%. The living larvae which hided under leaves and cordon made cocoons, where transform in pupae. They have

been left overwinter until spring in the 8±5 º C condition. Adult moth appeared from the pupae, after 4-5 day emerged massive and mate. The eggs were laid in masses which was continue 10-12 day. The emergences adults in variance of B. Bassiana was 69.6%, Metarhizium sp. 60%, in control - 55.7%. The larvae hatched seven - ten days later (B.Bassiana was 76.3%, Metarhizium sp. 70%, Control 89.5) and began feed fresh leaves intensively in group. The results suggest that the B.Bassiana and Metarhizium sp. isolates may be particularly useful to control H.cunea. Keywords: Keyworeds; Hyphanthria cunea, Beauveria Bassiana, Metarhizium sp.

The Pine shoot beetles Tomicus piniperda was occur on Pinus Sosnovsky in the pine forest of Easter Georgia. Adult beetles were collected three location of pine forest in 2009. Single findings of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana have been detected in the population of T. piniperda. Isolated fungus were cultivated on PDA media for 12-15 days at 25 o C and were tested to adult beetles of this pest. Healthy beetles were collected by hand from infested trees or cutting infested log section from pine trees and placed on pine-bark pieces (10x15 cm) treated with of fresh cultural suspension of B. bassiana (1.0 X 106 and 1.0 X 107 ). The beetles of each variant were placed in the container and incubated at 25 oC (±3 oC), without light and at ~90% RH. Death beetles were removed daily and replaced on the Petri dishes for the conidia develop. The experiments showed that isolated B. bassiana is high virulence for the adults T. piniperda, and mortality was 81.5 - 100 %, in less then 8 day.

In our study one microsporidium infection was found in the midgaut overwinter adults of T. piniperda . Smears were examined at the normal microscope at x 300 – 600 magnification. The most probably it is Canniga sp. Furthermore, parasitic larvae of nematodes were found in haemolymph of beetles. Keywords: Tomicus piniperda, Beauveria bassiana, Canniga sp.

Gypsy moths, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), are pests of hardwood and other trees, and are capable of defoliating large wooded areas, causing economic, physiological, and aesthetic losses. The main objective of the strategy is to minimize the incidence of defoliation caused by gypsy moth. A small outbraeak of the gypsy moth were discovered the different site of foliage forest and orchards of East Georgia during 1996-2005. The heavy outbreak occurred in 1996 and 2004. Gypsy moth goes through one

generation per year. The periodicity of outbreaks is 4-7 years and the area infested can very significantly. Growth loss in healthy trees will be roughly proportional to the amount of defoliation above 50%. The role of natural enemies(parasitoids, predators, microorganisms) in the dynamics of gypsymoth is very important.. Also, bioagents are considered such basis of biological control means. Frequency and abundance of pathogens, parasitoids and unknown mortality agents were observed during the last two lager outbreak

periods. The nucleopolyhedrous virus (NPV) was discovered to be a cause for the natural collapse of gypsy moth populations after large outbreaks. Caterpillar mortality bythis virus cause 47, 7-71% and 19, 8 –24, 5% To reveal entomopathogens of this pest by investigation gypsymoth caterpillar and pupae with symptoms of fungal pathologywere detected. Cadaver producing abundant conidia, some of which remained attached to caterpillar hairs. The studying of morphological and physiological characters of fungus diseases isolated

from the pest wasshown the three species of fungi: Penicilium chrisogenium, Botrytis cinerea, Paecilomyces

farinosus.

The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) (Steinernematidae) are well suited for pest control of harmful insects because they attack a broad range of pests and can be easily applied with conventional spray equipment. The intensive use of chemical insecticides has promoted rapid evolution of resistance, why alternative control measures are developed. Bacterial preparation Gomeline, Dendrobacilline, Lepidocide, Thuringin-2, Bitoxibacilline and etc. and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have shown potential against different insect pests.

We therefore focused on the combined biological management for insect pests, in order to avoid resistance development and enhance the efficacy of the biological agents.

The experiments were carried out in the laboratory conditions. The experimental objects were

forest and orchade harmful insects as Operophthera brumata and Erannis defoliaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). The mentioned nematodes the IIIrd-IV instars staged pests were invasived first with EPN’s (Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema thesami) then together with nematodes (the same dose) in combination with 0.3% bacteriological preparations Bitoxibacilline and Thuringin-2 solutions.

The bark beetle, Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), is one of the most important pest insects in coniferous forests of Georgia as well as of Germany. In the last years, numerous investigations were focused on the pathogen complex of bark beetles and its possibility to impact on insect population dynamics. For our investigations, living adult I. typographus were collected from pheromone traps of two locations of Georgia (Borjomi gorge- Libani, district 16; Tsagveri, district 9; and Racha, Shovi) in summer of 2003-2004, and of three locations in Germany (forest districts of Hessen: Reinhardshagen with four areas, Darmstadt with four areas; forest district of Bavaria: National Park Bavarian Forest, Frauenau, with five areas) in summer 2005. The beetles were removed daily, determined, dissected and checked for infections with pathogens with the light microscope. The following antagonistic groups were investigated: Protozoa, fungi, mites and nematodes. In Georgian bark beetle populations, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, the phoretic mites Dendrolaelaps quadrisetus, Macrocheles sp. (no. 48138), Lasioseius penicilliger, and Trichouropoda polytricha, Histiogaster ornatus, Dendrolaelaps apophyseus, Ereynetes propescutulis,and the nema-todes Contortylenchus sp., Parasitorhabditis sp.,andBursaphelenchus sp. were found. In German populations of I. typographus, the microsporidium Chytridiopsis typographi, the fungi Beauveria brongniartii, B. bassiana,and Fusarium sp., and ten species of phoretic mites (Dendrolaelaps quadrisetus, Proctolaelaps fiseri, Macrocheles sp. (no. 48249), Lasioseius penicilliger, Pleuronecto-celaeno barbara, Histiostoma piceae, Uroobovella ipidis, Trichouropoda polytricha, Trichouropoda sp. (no. 23936),.Tarsonemus minimax) were identified. Furthermore, several undetermined nematodes were observed.

Key words: Ips typographus, microsporidia, entomopathogenic fungi, entomoparasitic nematodes, phoretic mites

Doctoral Thesis Referee

Master Theses Supervisor

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Scientific editor of monographs in foreign languages

Scientific editor of a monograph in Georgian

Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed or professional journal / proceedings

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Monograph

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Research articles in high impact factor and local Scientific Journals

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