Occurrence of entomogenous nematodes and an entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhiziumflavoviride associated with Rhinoceros beetle,a pest of coconut.
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Date
2007-02
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Abstract
The role of microbial control in plant protection has expanded considerably with the discovery and development of new microbial control agents. Entomopathogenic nematodes belonging to families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae expands options for control of insect pests especially those with soil inhabiting stages. Fungi continues to offer control options using entomopathogens against insects. Survey on micro organisms (nematodes, bacteria and fungi) associated with Rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros L. (Scarabaeidae : Coleoptera), a pest of coconut, Cocos nucifera L. and natural distribution of entomophilic nematodes occurring in soil collected from different Districts in Kerala was carried out. Entomophilic nematodes belonging to Rhabditis sp. and an unidentified nematode were isolated from Oryctes grubs and pupae. For extraction of entomophilic nematodes baiting was done using last instar Corcyra cephalonica Staint./Galleria melonella L. (Galleridae : Lepidoptera) larvae. The nematodes isolated were multiplied on G. melonella in modified White traps. Nematodes isolated and identified were Heterorhabditis indicus (28%), Rhabditis sp. (58%) and Aphelenchus sp. (2%). Metarhiziumflavoviride Gams and Rozsypal, an entomogenous fungus was isolated from dead Oryctes from a cow dung pit out of 42 samples collected. The other associated fungi were Aspergillus sp and Penicillium sp. Fungal isolations were made using PDA. This is the first report of M. flavoviride on rhinoceros beetle. Eriderisia khallikottosus, an earth worm could also be isolated from 40% of the insect cadavers used for baiting EPN. The work was undertaken with a view to identify promising bio control agents and to promote their use for the sustainable bio management of pests of coconut.
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Cocos nucifera, Oryctes rhinoceros, entomophilic nematodes, earthworm