IN VITRO THERMAL REQUIREMENTS OF TWO ISOLATES OF METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE METCH.) SOROK. UNDER CONSTANT CONDITIONS

"The effect of temperature on the mycelial growth of two isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sorok. (Hypocreales, Clavicipitaceae) was evaluated in vitro on PDA growth medium, by measuring the diameter of the fungal colonies, at the following temperature values: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C, over 14 days under constant conditions. The data obtained were used for the calculation of the growth rate (mm/day) using linear regression. The representation of the values corresponding to the minimum, optimal and maximum temperature of vegetative growth was made by a curve described by a mathematical function, a modified beta (ß) function. The lowest temperatures at which growth occurs are 7 and 10°C, the highest is 35.7°C; temperature at which the most growth occurs, as indicated by the measurements, was distributed over a range of temperatures from 22.9 to 31°C."