Biocontrol Science and Technology (2012) 22, 151-161

Abhinay Thakur, Sanehdeep Kaur, Amarjeet Kaur and Varinder Singh (2012)
Detrimental effects of endophytic fungus Nigrospora sp. on survival and development of Spodoptera litura
Biocontrol Science and Technology 22 (2), 151-161
Abstract: Endophytes have been known to confer resistance to host plants against insect herbivores mediated by fungal alkaloids. In this study we have isolated an endophytic fungus Nigrospora sp. (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes) from a native plant Tinospora cordifolia. To assess anti-insect potential, we tested to what extent the survival and development of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a polyphagous pest, was affected when fed on artificial diet amended with different concentrations of ethyl acetate extract of Nigrospora sp. In feeding assay, the insect suffered significantly higher mortality and showed prolonged development period on amended diet as compared to unamended diet. A significant reduction in relative growth and consumption rate, efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food and approximate digestibility indicated deterrent as well as toxic effects of the fungal extract. Significant adverse effects were also observed on adult emergence, longevity and reproductive potential of S. litura. This preliminary information on insecticidal properties of Nigrospora sp. may further be used for imparting resistance in plants against insects.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Sanehdeep Kaur

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Spodoptera litura