An inexpensive medium for mass fermentation production of Entomophaga aulicae hyphal bodies competent to form conidia

Abstract

A mass fermentation medium for growth and morphogenesis of the entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga aulicae was developed. This fungus is a major pathogen of larval eastern hemlock looper and spruce budworm. The medium consists of a basal medium plus 0.8% tryptic soy broth and 0.4% calcium caseinate. This medium is a major breakthrough in that (i) the E. aulicae developmental sequence from protoplast inoculum to hyphal bodies competent to form conidia can be carried out in a single medium without adjustment, (ii) by examining the fermentation product it can be determined if conidia can be produced prior to engaging in costly field spraying, (iii) this medium supports the growth of E. aulicae isolates from different geographical areas, (iv) the medium is relatively inexpensive, (v) the hyphal bodies are easily separated from the spent growth medium, and (vi) the hyphal body yield is high.Key words: Entomophaga aulicae, mass fermentation medium, hyphal bodies, conidia, insect biocontrol.