Pathogenicity of Indian isolates of entomopathogenic fungi against important insect pests and natural enemies

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are one of the best alternatives to chemical pesticides and crucial component of IPM. Eight isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin, were obtained from Indian Type Culture Collection (ITCC) and National Centre of Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi. They were screened against adults of, Bactrocera dorsalis, larvae of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) and Spodoptera litura (Fab). By exposing the insects to 2–3 weeks old culture of (EPF) The pathogenicity of four isolates was proved, using contact method. Three isolates ITCC No. 6628, ITCC No. 6645 and B. NCIPM were found pathogenic to fruit flies; whereas, in case of C. cephalonica, pathogenicity of first two isolates in addition to (M. NCIPM) was proved. Mortality of adult fruit flies was 100% within 5–6 days of exposure, however, in case C. cephalonica (31–98%) within three weeks. Subsequently the pathogenic isolates were tested against Coccinella septumpunctata (L.) and C. cephalonica. Significant differences were observed among isolates, and the isolate B. NCIPM was found relatively safer to C. septumpunctata.