TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI BEAUVERIA BASSIANA STRAIN CNMN-FE-01: VEGETATIVE GROWTH, SPORULATION, GERMINATION RATE

As part of an approach for selecting potential mycoinsecticides for biocontrol control of weevils, the physiological properties of the strains are to be considered. The paper aimed to investigate the temperature effects on the vegetative growth, conidia germination, and viability of the fungal strains Beauveria bassiana CNMN-FE-01. As a result of the provided analyses, it was shown that the radial growth of the investigated strain follows a linear model. Based on the rate of average radial growth data, the optimum temperature growth at 25°C was determined, while at 35°C, the growth stops. Furthermore, it was found that the maximum rate of sporulation and germination of B. bassiana strain CNMN-FE-01 are at 25°C. At this temperature, the strain maintains the viability of the spores in a proportion of 86% for 90 days. However, temperatures above 25°C significantly reduce the viability of spores. The inhibition in growth of the investigated strain Beauveria bassiana CNMN-FE-01 at 30°C and higher and considerable reduction of its spore viability after extended exposure to 30°C testify to the need for repeated application when used as a biological control agent.