Lovett, B., Barrett, H., Macias, A.M., Stajich, J.E., Kasson, L.R., & Kasson, M.T. 2024 Morphological and phylogenetic resolution of Conoideocrella luteorostrata (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), a potential biocontrol fungus for Fiorinia externa in United States Christmas tree production areas. Mycologia https://doi.org/10.1080/00275514.2023.2296337
Keywords:
Notes: Given the taxonomic uncertainty between Conoideocrella and Dussiella, and the potential of developing a U.S. strain of CL as a biocontrol agent against elongate hemlock scale (EHS) and potentially against non-native whiteflies, this study was undertaken to (i) provide a comprehensive summary of previous work on these fungi; (ii) morphologically and phylogenetically resolve the recently discovered U.S. populations of CL among previously characterized Conoideocrella and Dussiella; and (iii) conduct pathogenicity testing on EHS to further explore CL development as a potential biocontrol agent against this invasive insect.
