Preliminary pathogenicity tests of potential entomopathogenic fungi isolated from coconut scale insects (Aspidiotus spp.)

Issue Date

10-2017

Abstract

The coconut scale insects, Aspidiotus spp., (CSI) recently became one of the most important pests of coconut in the Philippines. Sustainable control measures and efficient management strategies are urgently needed. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), an environmentally-benign group of biocontrol agents, is a promising option for the regulation of CSI populations. In this study, the mycoflora associated with CSI collected in 26 localities of 12 provinces (Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batangas, Cagayan, Cavite, Isabela, Laguna, Quezon, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay) were identified. Five fungal species from this collection, namely: Aschersonia sp., Cladosporium oxysporum Berk. & M.A. Curtis, Fusarium incarnatum (Desm.) Sacc., Lecanicillium psalliotae (Treschew) Zare & W. Gams, and Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom) Luangsa-ard et al. were molecularly identified and classified EPFs based on published journal articles. Pathogenicity tests of these fungal isolates were done using depression slide assays with the presence of the mycelia growth through the scales of the CSI as the indicator of fungal infection. Bioassays using different CSI population on the coconut seedlings are underway.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

31

Issue

2

Page

144-145

Document Type

Article

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MYCOFLORA; ASPIDIOTUS; INSECTA; PESTS; PEST OF PLANTS; PEST INSECTS; ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI; PATHOGENICITY; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS; MOLECULAR MARKER

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