Mass Production of the Insect-Pathogenic Fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes), on Different Cereal Grains.

Abstract

Five cereal grains. namely. maize (Zea mays L.). rice (Oryza sativum L.). sorghum (Sorghum bicolar (L.) Moench). millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were crushed and evaluated for their potentials to support growth and sporulation of the insect-pathogenic fungus. Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (isolates V275 and ARSEF 3297). The conidia produced were tested for viability and virulence against Galleria mellonella Met. and Tenebrio molitor L using immersion bioassay and spore bound Pr1 assay. Percentage germination of conidia at 24 h was high (95-100%). Both immersion bioassay and spore bound Pr1 assay showed that inocula made from all substrate grains were virulent with those from millet being significantly (P=0.05) more virulent. Millet would be a cheaper substitute to rice previously recommended as solid substrate for mass production of M. anisopliae