Occurrence of Insect Pathogenic Fungi in Some Locations within Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Insect pathogenic fungi have emerged as ideal candidates in integrated pest management (IPM). In order to exploit these entomopathogens in the control of local pests of agricultural produce, it is important to isolate and characterize indigenous strains. To this end therefore, a total of 30 soil samples were collected from 4 (four) different sites within Federal University of Kashere and assessed for the occurrence and abundance of entomopathogenic fungi following standard procedures. Morphological and colonial as well as spore characteristics were evaluated using keys. Results obtained shows occurrence of different isolates with Fusarium sp. being the most prevalent at site A at 35%, Aspergillus sp. for site B at 38%, Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. at site C with 30% each while at site D Beauveria sp. was the most prevalent at 43% occurrence. The occurrence of these important entomopathogens in Kashere especially Beauveria sp. and Meterhizium sp. is an indication of the potential for their exploitation in the biological control of insect pests in Kashere.