Diversity of entomopathogenic micromycetes associated with orchard pest species Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Caliroa cerasi (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae)

This study reports the first isolation and characterization of entomopathogenic micromycetes from naturally deceased specimens of two key orchard pests in Uzbekistan: the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758) and the cherry slug sawfly Caliroa cerasi (Linnaeus, 1758). Comparative analysis revealed distinct fungal communities associated with each species, with C. cerasi harboring 15 species of micromycetes and C. pomonella hosting 14 species. Dominant genera included Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Metarhizium, and Mucor. The widespread occurrence of these entomopathogenic fungi suggests their dual ecological role as both indicators of potential phytopathogens affecting fruit trees and as natural antagonists of pest insects. These findings provide a foundation for developing targeted biological control strategies against orchard pests while offering insights into plant-pathogen-insect interactions in agroecosystems. The results highlight the potential of native fungal isolates for sustainable pest management in Uzbek orchards.