Occurrence of a Fungal Disease on Brown Planthopper of Rice

During the survey of microbial diseases of rice pests, the nymphs and adults of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stal.) were found dead in rearing cages due to fungal infection. The mycelium of the fungus emerged through the intersegmental membranes of the abdomen and the joints of the legs. The network of the white mycelium developed all over the body. The insects were found either sticking to the leaf sheath or floating on standing water, being overgrown by a white mass of spores. The fungus was isolated and purified on Sabouraud's dextrose agar with yeast extract medium (SDA+Y). The fungus was identified as Fusarium moniliforme var intermedium Neish and Leggett (IMI No.330804).