Biological notes on Parahypopta caestrum and first microbiological control assays

We provide notes about the biology and the ethology of Parahypopta caestrum (Hubner) (Lepidoptera Cossidae), based on field observations conducted in asparagus plantations in Apulia region, Italy. Furthermore, the effect of 6 entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strains (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) and 3 entomopathogenic fungal (EPF) isolates (Beauveria bassiana) was evaluated in laboratory assays against III instar larvae of the asparagus moth. The results showed that all the nematodes and fungal strains affected the asparagus moth survival, except the Steinernema affine and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora strains. Steinernema feltiae and B. bassiana showed the best performances, killing on average 90% of the P. caestrum larvae. Considering the lack of effective chemical control means, the microbiological control of the asparagus moth by EPNs and EPFs reveals promising perspectives and needs further investigations.