New report of Neozygites sp. infecting red spider mite Tetranychus urticae infesting French bean from Eastern Plateau and Hill region, India

Abstract

An anamorphic entomopathogenic fungus Neozygites sp. belonging to the Family Neozygitaceae was found infecting the tetranychid mites Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for the first time in Eastern Plateau and Hill region of India in the month of October 2011. The report of entomopathogenic fungus could be of help in managing acaricide resistant mites.

Keywords:

• Neozygites sp.
• entomopathogenic
• Tetranychus urticae
• French bean

Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to Dr B. P. Bhatt, Director, ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, India, for his continuous support and encouragement during the investigation. We are also thankful to Richard A. Humber, An Insect Mycologist and Curator/ARSEF, USDA-ARS Biological Integrated Pest Management Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Centre for Agriculture and Health, 538 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, who identified the entomopathogen and given valuable suggestions.