In vitro production of entomopathogenic fungipaecilomyces farinosus (hotmskiold) andpaecilomyces lilacinus (Thom.) samson using byproducts of sugar industry and other agro-industrial byproducts and wastes

Abstract

Mass production of entomopathogenic fungi,Paecilomyces farinosus (Hotmskiold) andPaecilomyces lilacinus (Thom.) Samson on sugarcane molasses, spent wash and other agro-industrial wastes was evaluated. The suitability of the medium was assessed based on specific parameters like radial growth, biomass production and spore production. Among the concentrations of molasses tested,P. farinosus recorded significantly greater diameter of growth circle (5.03 cm) on 4% molasses medium followed by 6% and 5% medium. However, mean biomass production (1.72 mg/100ml) and spore production (9.80 x 1010 spores/100 ml) were significantly higher on 6% molasses compared to 4% molasses broth and standard Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB). In the case ofP. lilacinus, 6% molasses medium supported significantly less mycelial growth ofP. lilacinus when compared to PDB medium whereas the biomass production (1.77 mg/100 ml) and spore production (7.02 x 1010 spores/100 ml) were significantly high on 6% molasses. In spent wash broth, spore production ofP. lilacinus was observed only at 10% and 20% and it is evident that spent wash at higher concentrations (ie.more than 20%concentration) was not suitable for multiplication. Among the oil cakes,P. lilacinus produced significantly more number of spores (63.07 x 1010 spores /30 g) on cotton seed cake followed by groundnut and coconut cake whereasP. farinosus produced a maximum of 18.9 x 1010 spores/30 g on groundnut cake followed by cotton seed and coconut cake. Sugarcane pressmud, an agricultural waste supported the growth as well as significantly greater spore production of bothP. farinosus andP. lilacinus (10.48 x 1010 spores and 8.44 x 1010 spores, respectively).