Geographic distribution of entomogenous fungal species associated with Aspidiotus spp.

Issue Date

10-2015

Abstract

The serious infestation of coconut scale insect (CSI) that significantly affected the coconut industry in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Basilan prompted the search for efficient management strategies for this insect pest species. Fungi, one of the groups of entomopathogens that could affect the natural fluctuations of insect populations, are considered as good environmentally-benign biocontrol agents to suppress the population level of CSI. In an attempt to identify the most virulent fungus as potential alternative management strategy for CSI, entomogenous fungal species associated with morbid and live CSI were collected from the field. A total of 193 entomogenous fungal species were isolated in pure culture from CSI infesting coconuts in 20 municipalities in Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan, Basilan and Zamboanga. Majority of the fungal isolates exhibited white colony but other pigmentations such as pink, purple, green, grey, and black were also observed. The geographic distribution of our entomogenous fungal collected was presented. Molecular as well as morphological analyses for the correct identification of the fungal species are currently on going. Pathogenecity of these isolates to Aspidiotus spp. will also be confirmed through Koch's postulate tests.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

29

Issue

2

Page

228

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ASPIDIOTUS; SPECIES; PESTS OF PLANTS; INFESTATION; ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI; GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS

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