**3.3 Effect of different sources of sugar and nitrogen on the enzymatic activity (µmol NA ml-1 min-1) of spore bound Pr1 of entomopathogenic fungi**

Significant differences in enzymatic activity of spore bound Pr1 were observed when different sources of sugar and nitrogen in all possible combinations were used to grow *M. anisopliae* (*F* = 28.945; df = 14, 30; *P* < 0.001), *B. bassiana* (*F* = 20.302; df = 14, 30; *P* < 0.001) and *I. fumosorosea* (*F* =21.376; df = 14, 30; *P* < 0.001). The spores of all the studied entomopathogenic fungi cultivated from rice inoculated with medium supplemented with SM + CSL showed the highest activity of Pr1 (Fig. 3a-c). *M. anisopliae* spores grown on complete media also showed higher enzymatic activity (Fig. 3a). The growth medium SM + PE + YE in case of *M. anisopliae,* while SM + PE + YE and G + PE + YE, in case of *B. bassiana* showed the lowest enzymatic activity (Fig. 3a-b). The addition of PE and YE solely in combination with glucose produced spores of *B. bassiana* with relatively higher enzymatic activity compared to SM (Fig. 3b). In case of *I. fumosorosea*, CSL supplemented media showed comparatively higher enzymatic activity except the medium supplemented with SM + YE (0.20 µmol NA ml-1 min-1) (Fig. 3c).

Current Status of Entomopathogenic Fungi

friendly process.

**5. Conclusion** 

**6. References** 

127.

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management. News Letter, Vol.5, pp. 1-4.

as Mycoinecticides and Their Inexpensive Development in Liquid Cultures 117

pathogen. The results suggest that the growth of blastospores can be efficiently improved from inexpensive CSL and SM, making fermentation an economical and environmental

The management of arthropod pests generally involves preventive measures and remedial control (Lewis, 1997; Su & Scheffrahn, 1998). Currently registered insecticides have undergone rigorous field-testing, efficacy results have been mixed. Some insecticides are expensive and less persistent, leading to reduced longevity and the failure of the chemical barrier (Su and Scheffrahn, 1998). In addition, large quantities of persistent insecticides are raising concerns about applicator safety, environmental contamination and possible deleterious effects on non-target animals. By keeping in mind the above mentioned drawbacks, it is the urgent requirement to standardise the microbe base products against

In conclusion, the replacement of nitrogen and sugar sources with CSL and SM respectively, in the liquid production medium significantly improved the growth and the activity of spore bound extracellular protease Pr1 of *M. anisopliae* for the first time. A more rapid growth rate for blastospores production permitted us to select this appropriate media for large scale commercial development of entomopathogenic fungi for the safe management of insect pests, in order to avoid the deleterious effects of insecticides. Entomopathogenic fungi being component of an integrated approach can provide significant and selective insect control. In the near future, we expect to see synergistic combinations of microbial control agents with other technologies (in combination with semiochemicals, soft chemical pesticides, other natural enemies, resistant plants, chemigation, remote sensing, etc.) that

Al-Aïdroos, K. & Roberts, D.W. (1978). Mutants of *Metarhizium anisopliae* with increased

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Ansari, M.A., Shah, F.A. Tirry, L. & Moens, M. (2006). Field trials against *Hoplia philanthus*

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virulence toward mosquito larvae. *Canadian Journal of Genetics and Cytology,* Vol.20,

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(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) with a combination of an entomopathogenic nematode and the fungus *Metarhizium anisopliae* CLO 53. *Biological Control,* Vol.39, No.3, pp.

event of mycoses in arthropod hosts. In: *The fungal spore and disease initiation in plants and animals.* G.T. Cole, H.C. Hoch. (Eds.), Plenum Press, New York, pp. 101-

will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of integrated control strategies.

insects for the safety of human beings, animals and environment.
