Pathogenicity and virulence factors of Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus and Bacillus spp. towards Argyrotaenia sphaleropa larvae (Lepidoptera).

Abstract Argyrotaenia sphaleropa is a lepidopteran pest in deciduous fruit orchards in Uruguay. The primary control method of these pests is the use of chemical insecticides; however, alternative strategies, friendlier to the environment and compatible with a regional programme of integrated pest management, are definitely needed. Biological control with the use of local entomopathogenic microorganisms could be a sustainable solution. In this study, a biological screening was conducted to characterize spore‐forming bacilli for their capacity to kill larvae of this species.