Susamma Mathai ¹, S. Devanesan ², G. Padmakumari ¹

Affiliations
1 College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum, 695 522, IN
2 College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum 695 522, IN

Abstract

During a survey conducted in the rice fields at Karamana, Trivandrum, egg masses of the rice stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas Walker were found to be infected by a fungus. The fungal pathogen was isolated in pure culture on potato dextrose agar and was identified as Penicillium oxalicum. The egg masses were sprayed with a spore suspension from five day old cultures containing 100 spores/ml and observed for two weeks. Twenty egg masses containing 30-50 eggs were used for the test. There was no emergence of larvae from treated egg masses whereas, 90% hatchability was observed in control. Mycelial growth was noticed within 48 to 72 h on the egg masses.

Keywords

Scirpophaga incertulas, Penicillium oxalicum.

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Susamma Mathai ¹, G. Padma Kumari ¹, T. Nalina Kumari ², Hebsybai ²

Affiliations
1 College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum-695 522, IN
2 College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum-695 522, IN

Abstract

Pentalonia nigronervosa Coq. is an important pest of banana, cardamom and co]ocasia in Kerala. It is a vector of the virus causing the 'bunchy top' disease of banana and 'Katte' disease of cardamom. In a survey conducted during January 1988, dead aphids were observed inside the leaf axils of banana at Sreekaryam, Trivandrum district. The pathogen was isolated from the dead aphids in pure culture on potato dextrose agar medium and it was identified as Mucor circinelloides Van Tieghem.

Keywords

Pentalonia nigronervosa, Mucor circinelloides.

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