Polyphasic identification, mass production, and virulence of Metarhizium rileyi from invasive armyworm species with potential as biopesticide for armyworms
2023
Montecalvo, M.P. | Navasero, M.M. | Navasero, M.V. | Macaraig, J.S.T. | Navasero, J.M.M.
The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi (Farlow) Kepler, S.A. Rehner and Humber is a known biological control agent of transboundary pests due to its global distribution safety, and environmental friendliness. Insect collections of invasive armyworm species infesting corn and onion were conducted in several production areas in the Philippines. Based on polyphasic identification, M. rileyi was successfully recovered from onion armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) infesting onion fields in Nueva Ecija province [Philippines]. Isolates of this fungus were also recovered from S. frugiperda attacking corn plants in the provinces of Isabela, Laguna, and Quezon. Further characterization of the M. rileyi isolate from S. exgua was conducted including identification of suitable and cost-effective artificial media. An artificial medium with potato and yeast extracts was identified as possible alternative to commonly used artificial solid and liquid media for cultivation of entomopathogenic fungi. In solid substrate fermentation, rice was observed to support profuse growth and sporulation of M. Rileyi. This fungus was also pathogenic to varying biological stages of the armyworm species. Findings from this research provided baseline information in the mass production and virulence of M. rileyi that are essential in product development and further bioefficacy evaluation of this beneficial fungus.
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