title: Characterisation of a Malawian isolate of Beauveria bassiana, a potential control agent of coffee stem borer, Monochamus leuconotus.
abstract: The radial growth, sporulation and viability of a Beauveria bassiana isolate were assessed at three temperatures (23, 28, 33 degrees C) under light and dark conditions. Optimum radial growth and sporulation occurred at 23 degrees C regardless of photoperiod with the highest spore concentration being attained after incubating for 28 days. Loss of viability was highest at 33 degrees C and there was no significant loss in viability at 23 degrees C for up to five weeks. It would appear that 33 degrees C is too hot for the sporulation, growth and viability of this insect fungus. Photoperiod effects were insignificant for all the parameters evaluated. The infectivity on white coffee stem borers at 2.5 x 10(8) spores ml(-1) was high with 100% of the test larvae immobilised and not feeding within 24 h and dying within two to twelve days.
authors: CAB International-Africa Regional Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. vhukilek@hotmail.com
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Kutywayo
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Karanja
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Oduor
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Nyirenda
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D052982:Beauveria / Q000502:physiology*; D003069:Coffee / Q000469:parasitology*; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000254:growth & development*; D008295:Malawi; D010572:Pest Control, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D017440:Photoperiod; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003069:Coffee