Characterization of entomopathogenic fungi in vegetable ecosystem

Vector borne viral diseases of vegetable crops are regarded as major limiting factor for crop production throughout the world. Ecological problems created by chemical pesticides for insect vectors and their relevance to human health are receiving serious attention. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are gaining importance and are considered most versatile biocontrol agents for the pest management for its wide host range and natural epizootics. The present study was focused on isolation of entomopathogenic fungi from insect cadavers, their characterization, testing of efficacy against different insect pests, their compatibility with chemical pesticides and their molecular characterization.Five different species were isolated from insect pests of vegetable ecosystem. We standardized their effective dose against Aphis crrassivora and Odontotermes obessus. Compatibility of twelve agrochemicals at lethal and sub lethal dose was tested with an aim to reduce the pesticides use and to get the synergistic effect of EPF and pesticides.This work will be helpful for Scientific community, Research Scholars, Students working on biocontrol of insect pests.