Surveys for entomopathogenic fungi in the central forest circle of Kerala revealed the seasonal incidence of Beauveria bassiana in small pockets on Gargara mixta Buckton (Hemiptera: Membracidae) feeding on the leaves of Helicteres isora (Sterculiaceae) in the moist deciduous forests (MDF) at Vazhachal. Incidence of B. brongniartii on chrysomelid beetles (Coleoptera) feeding on teak leaves was also observed in small pockets in teak plantations. Infection was prevalent during post-monsoon months. The infection due to B. bassiana and B. brongniartii ranged from 36.8 to 100 and 45.5 to 100 per cent, respectively. The seasonal incidence of naturally occurring entomofungal pathogens, B. bassiana and B. brongniartii form small scale epizootics in nature under favourable environmental conditions. Such virulent pathogens can be exploited in pest control programmes.
Keywords
Entomopathogenic Fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria brongniartii, Gargara mixta.
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