ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH MULBERRY PESTS

Author (s) : Dr.K.Revathi and M.Gomathi

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Abstract :
Mulberry (Morus spp.) cultivation plays a crucial role in sericulture, providing leaves as the primary food source for silkworms. The molecular identification of the isolated entomopathogenic fungi was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences was conducted to determine their taxonomic affiliations and evolutionary relationships. Additionally, the pathogenicity of the identified fungi against the target pests was evaluated through bioassays under controlled laboratory conditions. In conclusion, this study presents a comprehensive investigation into the isolation, identification, and molecular characterization of Entomopathogenic fungi associated with mulberry pests. The results demonstrate the efficacy of these fungi as potential bio control agents, opening new avenues for their integration into integrated pest management strategies in mulberry cultivation. Implementing entomopathogenic fungi for pest control in sericulture holds promise for reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, contributing to the preservation of ecological balance and the promotion of sustainable silk production.

Keywords : Mulberry (Morus spp.), Entomopathogenic fungi, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Conference Date : 30/08/2019

Pages : 85

Paper ID : 19083