Isolation and identification of entomopatogenic fungi from unlittered soil in Bauchi metropolis used as pest control.

Abstract

Entomopatogenic fungi were isolated and characterized using insect as bait collected from unlittered soil in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi at three different locations. Metarhizium anisopliae was isolated from 5 of 9 (55.5%) holes (soil samples) baited. The isolate was obtained from all the locations sampled except soil from the onion garden, and it was more frequently obtained from soils under pepper cultivation compared to soils with natural vegetation. The pathogenicity of Metarhizuim anisopliae isolate was determined using spray and immersion method. The isolate extracted by immersion method was more effective in the control of agricultural pest. The result also showed that entomopathogenic fungi isolated locally, could be used for integration of control for various agricultural pests.