Natural Occurrence and Distribution of Entomopathogenic Fungi from Chhattisgarh

Extensive survey was conducted for collection of insects cadavers from agriculture fields and forest area and isolated different entomopathogenic fungi viz,. B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, Nomurea rileyi from different crops i.e. Soybean, groundnut, Pigeonpea crop insects. The infected insects cadavers was covered partially or fully with powdery white to green spores. Presence of powdery spores on insects revealed B. bassiana infection, green spores depicts infection of M. anisopliae or Nomuraea rileyi. N. rileyi infected larvae attached to the leaves with posterior portion and anterior portion of the body hanging in air and presence of yellowish spores on larval body indicating Aspergillus infection. Entomopathogenic fungi infected cadavers were found maximum between 1st week of September to 2nd week of January while maximum in September followed by October month.