Isolation and Characterization of Sago Worm Entomopathogenic Fungi

Lee, Yue Jia (2022) Isolation and Characterization of Sago Worm Entomopathogenic Fungi. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) found in the soil are also known as the natural enemies of insects have the ability to cause infection and eventually kills the arthropods. Apart from that, due to the pathogenicity of EPF, studies also showed that this fungi act as a potential insect pest control agent against the RPW. The larvae of red palm weevil (R. ferrugineus) known as the sago worm has been one of the most invasive species causing severe damage in the palm series where feeding of the soft tissues by the larvae of red palm weevil might leads to the death of the palm plantations. It is postulated that the natural antagonist agent such as the entomopathogenic fungi has been adapted to the harsh environment would be effective to combat the spreading of the red palm weevil pest. Hence, the objectives of this project are to isolate entomopathogenic fungi of sago worm by using the baiting method and to identify and characterize the isolated entomopathogenic fungi. EPF were isolated from three different types of soil includes the Coconut soil, Nipah soil 1 and Nipah soil 2 by using sago worm as the bait. The obtained fungal isolates were sub cultured on the Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) in order to obtain a pure culture of the potential EPF capable of infecting the sago worm. Further molecular identification approach was done to confirm on the identity of those isolated fungi. Out of the 29 fungal EPF isolates, 5 potential entomopathogenic fungi were successfully isolated and identified namely Talaromyces apiculatus, Penicillium ochrochloron, Fusarium sp., Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus nomius These isolates could potentially be used as biological control agent against the red palm weevil.

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