Synergistic action of Pyemotes zhonghuajia and Beauveria bassiana against Aromia bungii

The red-necked longhorn beetle Aromia bungii is a destructive wood-borer difficult to control with insecticides. We evaluated a combined biocontrol strategy using the ectoparasitic mite Pyemotes zhonghuajia and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Fungal virulence was dose- and stage-dependent, causing up to 100% mortality at 10⁸ conidia mL⁻¹ within 5–7 days. Mites alone induced limited mortality (~44% in young larvae, ≤7% in older ones), whereas conidia-carrying mites achieved complete kill within 7–8 days, comparable to direct fungal application. The combination significantly accelerated mortality (P < 0.05), reflecting synergistic interaction between mite venom and fungal infection. These findings highlight the potential of P. zhonghuajia as both a parasitoid and a vector for B. bassiana, offering an innovative and eco-friendly approach to manage A. bungii and related xylophagous pests.