Molecular Identification And Insecticidal Activity of Albifimbria Verrucaria Isolated from Cucurbit Plants And Soil in Iraq

Abstract

Albifimbria (=Myrothecium) verrucaria (Alb. & Schwein.) L. Lombard & Crous. has been involved as promising bio-pesticides for wide range of weeds and nematodes. Furthermore, has a promising insecticidal activity because of its ability to produce many enzymes as lipase, protease and kinase that have the ability to degrading the cuticles of insects. Seven isolates of A. verrucaria were isolated from cucurbit plants and the soil. The identification was based on molecular (ITS-rDNA) and morphological analyses. Laboratory bioassays to evaluate the insecticidal activity of A. verrucaria (cgh-38) against different stages of squash beetle, Epilachna chrysomelina (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were conducted. Three days post treatment, 87.5% mortality rate was obtained when the 1st instar larvae treated, compared to 31.45 for 4th instar larvae. The highest mortality percent was 25 % for adults after 9 days of treatment.