THE EXISTENCE OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI ON RICE PLANTS RHIZOSPHERE

Abstract

Enthomophatogenic fungi are one of bioinsecticides that can be used as pests control. This research aimed to identify and analyze the existence of fungi on semi-organic and inorganic rice plants rhizosphere and prove the role as entomophatogenic fungi. The research method isolation of fungi was conducted in Takalar Regency, semi-organic and inorganic rice plants rhizosphere and continued in Biological Laboratory, Plant Pests and Diseases Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. This research using a modified insect bait method, larvae mortality calculated, insect testing were infected in reisolation and fungal diversity index. The result showed that the average Tenebrio molitor larvae mortality infected of enthomopathogenic fungi on semi-organic rhizosphere was around 24% and 8% on inorganic rhizosphere. The percentage of larvae mortality on semi-organic rhizosphere were infected by Fusarium sp., range the percentage was around 20-60 %, Aspergillus sp. 60%-80% and Trichoderma sp. 80%, while in inorganic rhizosphere up to 100% were infected by Aspergillus spp.