Research Article | Published: 01 June 2012

Fungi Associated with Forest Insects in the Kerala Part of the Western Ghats

Juliya Rani Francis, K.V. Sankaran and R. V. Varma

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 35 | Issue: 2 | Page No. 219-228 | 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2012-BTX68V | Cite this article

Abstract

A survey carried out in Moist Deciduous Forests (MDF) and Teak plantations in the Kerala part of the Western Ghats revealed high diversity of entomogenous fungi. Four hundred and one fungi were isolated from 341 insect cadavers, of which 316 were from MDF and 85 from Teak plantations. Fungi were isolated from insects belonged to 10 orders with the highest isolation from the order Lepidoptera (120) followed by Hymenoptera (105). Identified fungi belonged to 58 species and 24 genera. Majority of the fungi identified belonged to class Deuteromycotina. Insect cadavers from MDF and Teak plantations yielded 52 and 29 species respectively. A species each of Akanthomyces and Paraisaria identified from ants are new. Four genera of fungi identified were new records to India viz., Akanthomyces, Massospora, Paraisaria and Pleurodesmospora. Genera such as Aspergillus, Pencillium and Beauveria showed wide host range. Akanthomyces spp., Cordyceps sp., Massospora sp., Paraisaria spp. and Stilbella spp., were isolated only from ants. Fungi isolated from forest insect pests were a few. Epizootics were found to be seasonal and fungi obtained during the wet period was high (May - Oct). Abundance of fungi decreased with increase in altitude.

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How to cite

Francis, J.R., Sankaran, K. and Varma, R.V., 2012. Fungi Associated with Forest Insects in the Kerala Part of the Western Ghats. Indian Journal of Forestry, 35(2), pp.219-228. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2012-BTX68V

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 June 2012

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