Multiplication of entomopathogenic fungus (Lecanicillium lecanii) on apple pomace and its toxicity against aphid (Aphis craccivora)

Abstract

The apple pomace (AP) was standardized for the multiplication of Lecanicillium lecanii and evaluated against Aphis craccivora. Results showed that AP medium at 2% recorded more mycelial growth and were at par with AP 3%, 4%, and 5% as compared to other concentrations. The spore yield of L. lecanii also significantly higher in AP 5% (16 × 10⁶ spores ml⁻¹) and was at par with AP 0.5%. L. lecanii at 1 × 10⁹ spores ml⁻¹ showed maximum mortality (43.33–93.33% mortality) against A. craccivora and was followed by 1 × 10⁸ spores ml^-1 (36.67–86.67% mortality).

Keywords:

• Apple pomace
• multiplication
• entomopathogenic fungus
• Lecanicillium lecanii
• biopesticide

Acknowledgments

Authors also thank Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur for providing facilities and support. This research work has been filed for patent in India wide reference number 0285NF2015 dated 11/1/2016. IHBT communication number for this article is 3964.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Authors highly grateful to Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi, INDIA for financial support by granting the project BT/PR5810/AGR/5/585/2012 dated April 15, 2013 to carry out the study.