Highly active antagonistic actinomycete Streptomyces griseoviridis and entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana were applied to the soil separately and together (in association) in the laboratory experiments. We assessed survival rate, insecticidal and fungistatic activity of these strains. We also tested the influence of synthetic insecticide Regent 25® (fipronil 25g/l) on investigated parameters. Additionally, insecticidal activity of both strains was compared with insecticidal activity of Regent. It was shown that both strains, especially S. griseoviridis, good survived in soil. Population density of S. griseoviridis in the association with B. bassiana increased 2–3 times compared to initial density. Regent considerably reduced population density of S. griseoviridis and B. bassiana. Insecticidal efficiency of S. griseoviridis was comparable with the effect of synthetic incecticide Regent and reached 89.2% and 86.8% respectively. Fungistatic activity towards Fusarium oxysporum showed only S. griseoviridis and it was observed that this activity decreased in time course.

In order to use entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as biological control agents, it is necessary to mass produce the EPF in an economical and cost-effective manner. Currently, the mass production of EPF is carried out mainly in two ways: solid-state fermentation in which the aerial conidia are produced, and liquid fermentation in which the blastospores and submerged conidia are produced. This research compares the survival of Beauveria bassiana A1-1spores from solid and liquid culture media, after 0, 3, 6 and 9 months of storage at room temperature (25 ± 5°C) and in the refrigerator (4°C). Furthermore, it compares the pathogenicity of spores immediately after production and after 9 months of storage on third nymphs of greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum. The aerial conidia and blastospores were slightly more virulent than the submerged conidia on whitefly nymphs. In laboratory bioassays, blastospores indicated more pathogenicity on nymphs than submerged conidia, even though there was no significant difference in the pathogenicity of the spores produced in liquid culture media in greenhouse bioassays. Moreover, survival of the aerial conidia at a low temperature (4°C) was higher than that kept at room temperature (25 ± 5°C). This storage temperature comparison revealed a positive effect on the stability and survival of blastospores and submerged conidia as well. Meanwhile, the survival of spores drastically decreased after 3 months of storage at room temperature.

Interest in growing roses in Poland is related to the production of cut flowers as ornamentals and of petals and hips for cosmetics or food products. However, recently there has been an increasing number of reports of pest damage on rose plantations. In the case of fruits the damage has been attributed to flies (Rhagoletis alternata) or moths (Cydia tenebrosana), while nematodes have been implicated for growth reduction even on plantations grown under soil-less conditions. Field trials and laboratory experiments to test the possibility of controlling R. alternata larvae or pupae with entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes resulted in a lack of parasitism. On the other hand, the use of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki or Cydia pomonella granulovirus effectively controlled C. tenebrosana. Meloidogyne incognita infestation of roses growing on rock wool substrate was drastically reduced by Arthrobothrys oligospora or abamectin. Factors such as the method of product application or pest susceptibility to the used microbial-based products accounted for the observed differences in efficacy.