Methods for isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from the soil environment - laboratory manual

Summary

Descriptions of methods and recommendation of laboratory procedures for the isolation of soil borne entomopathogenic fungi (specifically Beauveria spp. and M. anisopliae) are presented. For screening of occurrences of indigenous populations of entomopathogenic fungi the insect bait method is recommended. Further recommendations are: 1) Collect sufficient number of soil samples to cover the area of investigation; 2) if the bait method is used, apply sufficient individuals of bait insects to each sample to increase the likelihood of isolating the fungi present. Descriptions of isolation methods, statistical analyses of the data and preparation of media and bait insects are given.