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ARS Home » Plains Area » Sidney, Montana » Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory » Pest Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #330744
Research Project: Ecology and Management of Grasshoppers and Other Rangeland and Crop Insects in the Great Plains

Location: Pest Management Research

Title: Mass production of fungal entomopathogens

Author
item Jaronski, Stefan
item MASCARIN, GABRIEL - Embrapa

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2016
Publication Date: 9/9/2016
Citation: Jaronski, S., Mascarin, G.M. 2016. Mass production of fungal entomopathogens. In: Lacey, L.A., editor. Microbial Control of Insect and Mite Pests from Theory to Practice. Yakima, WA: IP Consulting International. p. 141-155. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803527-6.00009-3.

Interpretive Summary: Fungi that specifically attack insects have been gaining increasing popularity as alternatives to chemical pesticides. Mass production and proper formulation of these fungi is critical for commercial success. This chapter reviews critical aspects for such successful production, and identifies a number of new developments as well as areas where further research is needed.

Technical Abstract: Hypocrealean fungi encompassing Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Isaria fumosorosea, I. farinosa, several Lecanicillium spp., Nomuraea rileyi, and Metarhizium spp. are being increasingly exploited worldwide for insect pest management because of the ease with which they can be produced in contrast to other fungi such as the Entomophthorales. Recent upsurge in commercial interest has stimulated the development of cost-effective production methods and efficient, shelf stable formulations. Mass production and formulation play a crucial role in augmentation and inundation biocontrol strategies. The major strategies are solid substrate fermentation and submerged fermentation. This chapter reviews various aspects regarding production, downstream processing and formulation of mycoinsecticides, with emphasis on entomopathogenic Hypocreales.