Cosmopolites Sordidus Research Articles

Characterization of Polyurethanes from MDI, PEG 400 and Kepok Banana Hump additives with TGA, DTG and LCMS spectrometers

Polyurethanes from methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and banana weevil starch have been synthesized. This polymer has been characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS), and polyurethane physical tests which include: tensile and strain tests. Thermal properties can be measured using TGA and DTG devices, which aim to determine the weight of the sample under controlled conditions and cooling at a controlled rate as a function of time. TGA and DTG analysis results showed that KBH starch with a concentration of 15% in phase 1 polymerization reaction occurred at a temperature of 78 ° C, then in phase 2 a mass change of 2.87% occurred and in phase 3 saturation occurred marked by a mass loss of 97.03%. Polyurethane physical test results showed a strain of 34.37% GL and an extension of 8.6733 nm. These results indicate that polyurethane has the potential to be applied as an ingredient in the manufacture of medical devices, that operate under heating conditions

Olfactory Attraction of Rhizome Borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to Banana Genotypes Inoculated with Entomopathogenic Fungus

The species: Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) stands out as one of the main pests of banana. The damage to the crop is caused by the larvae of this pest, when they feed on the plant tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the olfactory responses of C. sordidus for different varieties and the possible olfactory interference after application of Beauveria bassiana fungus on the crop. The research was conducted at the Phytosanitary Clinic in the Agriculture Sector of the Center for Humanities, Social and Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba, located in Bananeiras - PB, Brazil, from January to July 2017. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments represented by banana varieties (Apple, Silver, Nanica and Pacovan) with 11 replications each. The bioassays were distributed in two stages; the first stage was an evaluation of the attractiveness of banana genotypes and rhizome and pseudostem tissues. In the second, the attractiveness of C. sordidus to the tissues contaminated with the fungus B. bassiana was investigated. The Prata banana plantation was less attractive to C. sordidus, the highest preference was to the Nanica banana plantation. The most attractive tissue was pseudostem. Given the conditions under which the study was conducted, the banana plantation and the plant tissues analyzed present an olfactory influence under Cosmopolites sordidus. The Nanica banana plantation is the most susceptible to insect attack. The application of the fungus Beauveria bassiana on banana baits does not interfere with the odour conditions exerted the nanica banana plantation under C. sordidus.

Spatio-temporal variability of water pollution by chlordecone at the watershed scale: what insights for the management of polluted territories?

Chlordecone, applied on soils until 1993 to control banana weevil, has polluted water resources in the French West Indies for more than 40years. At the watershed scale, chlordecone applications were not homogenous, generating a spatial heterogeneity of the pollution. The roles of climate, hydrology, soil, agronomy, and geology on watershed functioning generate a temporal heterogeneity of the pollution. This study questions the interactions between practices and the environment that induce such variability. We analyzed hydrological and water pollution datasets from a 2-year monitoring program on the Galion watershed in Martinique (French West Indies). We conjointly analyzed (i) weekly chlordecone (CLD) concentration monitored on 3 river sampling sites, (ii) aquifer piezometric dynamics and pollutions, and (iii) agricultural practices on polluted soils. Our results showed that chlordecone pollution in surface waters are characterized by annual trends and infra-annual variations. Aquifers showed CLD concentration 10 times higher than surface water, with CLD concentration peaks during recharge events. We showed strong interactions between rainfall events and practices on CLD pollution requiring a systemic management approach, in particular during post-cyclonic periods. Small sub-watershed with high CLD pollution appeared to be a substantial contributor to CLD mass transfers to the marine environment via rivers and should therefore receive priority management. We suggest increasing stable organic matter return to soil as well as external input of organic matter to reduce CLD transfers to water. We identified hydrological conditions-notably drying periods-and tillage as the most influential factors on CLD leaching. In particular, tillage acts on 3 processes that increases CLD leaching: organic matter degradation, modification of water paths in soil, and allophane clay degradation.

Chlordecone exposure and risk of congenital anomalies: the Timoun Mother-Child Cohort Study in Guadeloupe (French West Indies).

Chlordecone is an organochlorine pesticide that was extensively used to control the banana root borer population in the French West Indies until 1993. Its persistence in soil has led to widespread pollution of the environment, and human beings, including pregnant women, are still exposed to this chemical. High levels of exposure to chlordecone during gestation have been shown to cause congenital anomalies, including undescended testes in rodents. We assessed the associations between chlordecone concentrations in maternal and cord plasma and the risk of congenital anomalies in the Timoun Mother-Child Cohort Study (2004-2007) that included 1068 pregnant women in Guadeloupe. Odds ratios were estimated using unconditional logistic regression analysis, controlling for confounding factors. The median plasma concentrations in maternal and cord plasma were 0.39 μg/L and 0.20 μg/L, respectively. Thirty-six children were diagnosed with malformations according to the European Registration of Congenital Anomalies guidelines and 25 with undescended testes. There was no association between maternal or cord plasma concentration of chlordecone and the risk of overall malformations nor undescended testes. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to the currently observed environmental levels of chlordecone in French West Indies does not increase the risk of birth defects.

English

Smallholder farmers’ banana orchards in Western Uganda were used to study the spatio-temporal factors influencing the distribution of banana weevils and parasitic nematodes in tissue culture and non-tissue culture banana types using Nested case control design. Nematodes were extracted from randomly collected composite banana root samples from 20 banana orchards. The banana weevils were trapped in the rainy and dry seasons. A total of 1,280 banana genets were surveyed to determine weevil and nematode densities. Interactions between season and locations with high banana weevils and nematodes densities significantly negatively influenced the distribution of tissue culture and non-tissue culture banana in space and time. Both tissue culture and conventional bananas are prone to banana weevil and nematode infestations. Infestation with weevils and nematodes were higher for tissue culture banana in the dry season. Kiruhura district had a higher density for banana weevils (Cosmopolites sordidus [germar]) while Ibanda district had higher nematode densities. Helicotylenchus multicinctus and Radopholus similis were found most prevalent.  This knowledge is not only important in shaping the adoption and sustenance of the adopted banana types, but also can form a basis for developing affordable strategies to lower the occurrence of banana weevil and nematodes below the threshold level in smallholder banana farms of Uganda.   Key words: Spatial, temporal, distribution, nematodes, weevil, tissue culture banana, nematodes, infestation.

Ovarian dysfunction following prenatal exposure to an insecticide, chlordecone, associates with altered epigenetic features

Chlordecone (CD) is an insecticide that was used in the French West Indies for several years to control the banana root borer pest. Given its nonsignificant degradation, it persists in the environment. CD is a carcinogenic compound with reproductive and developmental toxicity and is a recognized endocrine-disrupting chemical. In this study, we examined the effects of CD on female reproductive system of mice with the focus on epigenetic features in ovary. Our data show that gestational exposure to low dose of CD affects meiotic double-strand breaks repair in female embryos. In adult mice derived from CD-treated pregnant females, we observed delayed puberty, decreased number of primordial and increased number of atretic follicles. Gene expression analysis revealed that Rcbtb2 and Rbpms genes were not expressed in embryonic gonads. Estrogen signaling- and oocyte maturation-associated genes were downregulated in adult ovaries. The morphological changes were associated with altered epigenetic features: increased H2Aub and increased H3K27me3 and decreased H4ac and H3K4me3 in embryonic oocytes. The DNA damage-associated, γH2AX marks were detected in the follicles of treated but not control adult ovaries. We also found reduced H3K4me3 and H4ac in fully grown oocytes of the treated ovaries. The ChIP-seq analysis of H3K4me3 in adult ovaries showed that target genes of ZFP57 and TRIM28, which regulate pluripotency and imprinting, were significantly enriched in altered regions. Our study clearly demonstrates that gestational exposure to a low dose of CD impairs the function of female reproductive system and the changes are associated with altered epigenetic features.

Farmer Reported Pest and Disease Impacts on Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops and Livelihoods in Rwanda and Burundi

Biotic constraints cause major crop losses and, hence, food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study documented the popularity, production constraints, pests and diseases, farmers’ perceptions on the severity of biotic constraints and the impact of related crop losses on household food security for the key root, tuber and banana (RTB) crops (cassava, potato, sweetpotato and banana). Farmer interviews were conducted in 2014 covering 811 households in Rwanda and Burundi. Farmers were asked to list their RTB crop production constraints, name insect pests and diseases of RTB crops, estimate crop loss due to pests and diseases, and mention if their household experienced any form of food insecurity due to pests and diseases. Cutworms and late blight in potato, banana weevils and banana Xanthomonas wilt in banana, cassava whitefly and cassava mosaic disease in cassava, sweetpotato weevils, and sweetpotato virus disease in sweetpotato were the most predominant pests and diseases reported. Crop losses due to pests and diseases for sweetpotato, banana, potato and cassava were estimated at 26%, 29%, 33%, and 36%, respectively, in Rwanda and 37%, 48%, 38%, and 37% in Burundi. Pests and diseases reduce the profitability of RTB crops, threaten food security, and constitute a disincentive for investment. Sustainable and affordable integrated pest management packages need to be developed.

Secondary structure of the internal transcribed rDNA (ITS) regions of Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) and Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier): a first report in family Curculionidae

In the present work the consensus secondary structure of the internal transcribed rDNA spacers ITS1 and ITS2 of two weevils i.e. Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) and Odoiporus longicollis (Olivier) has been described. The secondary structures of the ITS1 region of C.sordidus and O.longicollis have ten and five helices respectively, emerging from a central core. Two and five helices emerge from a central core in the ITS2 secondary structures of C.sordidus and O.longicollis respectively, and do not conform to the `paneukaryotic’ four domain model. The ITS2 sequences of these two weevils share three regions with maximum sequence identity. Of these, two are present at the 5’ and 3’ end and share structural similarity, suggesting their possible role in the processing of the rRNA. This is the first report of the secondary structure of the ITS region in family Curculionidae which can serve as a valuable resource for homology modelling and phylogenetic studies.

Evaluation of different trapping systems for the banana weevils Cosmopolites sordidus and Odoiporus longicollis

Banana weevils Cosmopolites sordidus Germar and Odoiporus longicollis Olivier are worldwide pests of banana plants. The present study evaluated different trapping systems for C. sordidus and O. longicollis. Various types of pseudostem traps and pheromone (sordidin) traps were designed. Several factors that can influence the trapping efficacy, such as plant species, placement, height, colour, shading, watering and covering, were evaluated. Pseudostem traps constructed of Musa acuminata Colla stems appeared to be more effective in trapping both C. sordidus and O. longicollis than traps constructed of Musa formasana Warburg ex Schumann. The results also revealed that horizontal- and vertical-pseudostem traps were suitable for catching C. sordidus and O. longicollis, respectively. Vertical-pseudostem traps with cut sections above the ground from 60 to 100 cm high caught more O. longicollis individuals than those of other heights. Moreover, pseudostem traps with rip-cutting were superior to the other tested cut types, and watering or covering the pseudostem traps enhanced the capture efficacy for both C. sordidus and O. longicollis. For pheromone traps, the brown, black and grey ramp traps attracted higher numbers of C. sordidus than other colours. An increase in capture efficacy was observed when pheromone traps were covered with banana leaves or placed in the shade. Finally, either pheromone-baited pseudostem traps or the addition of pseudostem to pheromone ramp traps enhanced the catch of C. sordidus. These findings expand the understanding of the use of trapping systems as a useful strategy for the integrated pest management (IPM) of C. sordidus and O. longicollis.

THE USAGE OF FUNGI Trichoderma harzianum AND Aspergillus niger ON FERMENTATION OF BANANAS CORM (Musa sp.)

The purpose of this study was to study the interaction between dosages of fungi (T. harzianum & A. niger) and fermentation duration on protein content, crude fiber of bananas corm, and to determine the best treatment in fermentation. The method used is a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with factorial pattern. The first factor (D) is the dose of fungi (T. harzianum and A. niger): 0.1%; 0.2% and 0.3% and the second factor (L) the fermentation duration: 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours. All treatments were replicated two times. The variables that measured are: protein content and crude fiber content of the material. The data obtained were tested by F test, then Duncan analysis was carried out. The results of the experiment showed the interaction effect between the both factors on the protein content and the crude fiber of banana weevils. The treatment T. harzianum at a dose of 0.3% and 72 hours of fermentation gave the highest protein content and the lowest crude fiber in bananas corm.Key Word : banana weevil, fermentation, crude fiber, protein

Banana and plantain production systems in Benin: ethnobotanical investigation, varietal diversity, pests, and implications for better production

BackgroundThe cultivated banana and plantain (Musa spp.) are valuable for nutritional and socio-economic security for millions of people worldwide. In Benin, banana and plantain are among the most produced, consumed, and traded commodities. Its production is mainly for local consumption and remains insufficient to the demand. However, the varietal diversity of banana and plantain cultivated in Benin is not documented. This study aims at characterizing the banana and plantain cropping systems, genetic diversity, and production constraints as a baseline to the full utilization of this resource in crop improvement and to identify the potential production and agronomic qualities.MethodsA baseline investigation of ethnobotanical attributes of banana cultivars was done in 51 randomly chosen villages in southern Benin. Interviews with randomly selected representative farmers were carried out. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used for global confirmatory investigation of survey data. Socio-demographic data and indigenous knowledge on the farmer uses of banana and plantain diversity, such as cultural practices, origin, and availability of banana and plantain planting materials, and the constraints and criteria of varietal preference cited by farmers were ranked.ResultsEighty-seven locally recognized cultivars were found: 73 of banana and 14 of plantain groups. The most popular cultivars were Sotoumon (banana) (52.94%), Aloga (plantain) (41.17%), Planta (banana) (33.33%), and Adjangan (plantain) (27.45%). Of the eleven production constraints identified, the main biotic challenges were banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus Germar and banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), while abiotic problems were drought and the wind. Some local varieties like Amandan, Assonwonnou, Coleti, and Ninkouin are extremely rare owing to agronomic and economic preference perceptions.Conclusion and implicationsThis study provides a baseline for banana diversity in Benin and the West African region and entry points for biological characterization and production improvement. This would enable the exploitation of this resource for plant breeding towards biotic and abiotic challenges facing banana production.

Rediscovery of Omalodes (Omalodes) fassli Bickhardt, 1911 (Coleoptera: Histeridae) in Colombia and first report of the species on banana crops (Musa paradisiaca)

After 106 years, the presence of Omalodes (Omalodes) fassli in Colombia has been confirmed, and new distributional data for the country has been provided. This is the first report of the species on banana crops (Musa paradisiaca), it highlights its potential role in the control of the banana weevil, a key pest of this crop worldwide.

Variation among banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) populations in Uganda as revealed by AFLP markers and corm damage differences

BackgroundThe banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) is a major production constraint of bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) in the world. Differences in damage levels and pesticide response across regions led to the postulation that there might be considerable variation between banana weevil populations (biotypes) with varying levels of virulence. One of the most sustainable options for banana weevil control is the use of host plant resistance. While new resistant varieties are being developed through both conventional crossbreeding and biotechnology, there is a need to assess the genetic variation of banana weevil populations from eastern, central, southern, southwestern and midwest regions of Uganda to determine whether there are biotypes with different virulence levels. This would help guide new control strategies to target all the possible biotypes. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was used to analyze population genetic diversity using four primer combinations (EcoRI/MSeI).ResultsAnalysis of molecular variance results presented no evidence to support significant genetic variability among the banana weevil populations from eastern, central, southern, southwestern and midwest regions. Practically, all the genetic variation was found to reside within populations (97% for sites and 98% for regions), with only approximately 3% and 2% residing among populations of sites and regions, respectively.Conclusions and recommendationsAFLP markers clustered the banana weevils into two distinct populations consequently supporting the hypothesis of possible presence of banana weevil biotypes in Uganda. However, attempts should be made to make follow-up studies on the seemingly unique population of eastern Uganda using more robust molecular techniques to establish whether the eastern Uganda population constitutes a different biotype.

Attractiveness of host banana leaf materials to the banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus in Ghana for development of field management strategies.

BACKGROUNDThe banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, has been frequently cited as the most challenging constraint to banana and plantain production, particularly in small‐scale (smallholder) farming. For the development of a new, low‐cost weevil management technology based on attractive host plant material, we previously identified (2R,5S)‐theaspirane as the active component of attractive senesced banana leaves. In this new study, we used behavioural (olfactometer) bioassays with adult weevils to compare the attractiveness of four different developmental stages of banana leaves, i.e. unfolding (pale green), matured green (deep green), matured yellowing and senesced, to determine which leaf developmental stage would be most appropriate for use in weevil management. We also investigated the attractiveness of senesced leaf extracts prepared using different solvents to determine which solvent would be most appropriate for local production of leaf extracts. Coupled gas chromatography–electroantennography (GC–EAG) was then used with adult weevils to confirm the presence of (2R,5S)‐theaspirane in attractive leaf extracts.RESULTSOf the leaf materials tested, only the odour of senesced leaf material was significantly attractive to adult weevils (P < 0.005). Furthermore, an extract of senesced material prepared using palm wine alcohol was significantly attractive (P < 0.05). Using coupled GC–EAG with weevil antennae, (2R,5S)‐theaspirane was identified as a minor component with strong EAG activity within the palm wine alcohol extract.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that palm wine alcohol extracts of senesced banana leaf material could be used to lure adult C. sordidus to traps in the field, as part of an ethnobotanical‐based approach for C. sordidus management on smallholder farms. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Corm damage caused by banana weevils Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) collected from different banana growing regions in Uganda

BackgroundIn this study, both healthy tissue culture plantlets and maiden suckers of the Nakitembe cultivar were used to assess the damage level variation caused by banana weevils collected from different banana growing regions. Seventy-nine (79) tissue culture plantlets and fifty (50) suckers were established in buckets in a randomized complete block design for 5 months. Ten adult weevils (5 females and 5 males) were introduced at the base of each plant, and the buckets were covered with a weevil proof mesh. Weevil damage was estimated as a percentage at 60 days after the weevil introduction by estimating the peripheral damage (PD), total cross section corm damage (XT) and above the collar damage (ACD).ResultsThe results showed high differences in the PD, XI, XO and XT caused by weevils from the different zones. PD and XT ranged from 4.8–50.4 to 4.2–43.8%, respectively, caused by weevils collected from Kabale and Rakai, Kabale and Wakiso, respectively, while XI and XO varied from 0.0–42.9 to 8.3–40.4%, respectively, caused by banana weevils collected from Kabale and Rakai, Kabale and Rakai, respectively. Banana weevils from Rakai caused the highest ACD of 40.4% and no such damage was caused by banana weevils collected from western Uganda. Average ACD in suckers was 19.6% and significantly higher than that in tissue culture plants (8.5%).Conclusions and recommendationsCorm damage assessment suggests the existence of banana weevil biotypes but it is recommended that follow-up studies be carried out to confirm this phenomenon.

From banana fields to the deep blue: Assessment of chlordecone contamination of oceanic cetaceans in the eastern Caribbean

In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide Chlordecone (CLD) has been extensively used to reduce banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) infestations in banana plantations. Previous studies have shown high CLD concentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yet been assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean blubber tissues from Guadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens. Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus. Concentrations (range: 1 to 329 ng·g−1 of lipid weight) were, however, lower than those found in species from fresh and brackish water. Ecological factors (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (high or specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses that include internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study.

Use of Artificial Diets with Plant Material to evaluate Banana Cultivars for Resistance to Cosmopolites sordidus

Artificial diets rapidly establish the effectiveness of chemical-based control strategies. Diets permit preliminary evaluation of active compounds, study in-vitro larval growth cycles that are usually inaccessible and produce uniform large consistent numbers of insects as needed. With no known artificial diet, banana weevils, have always been reared on field-collected banana rhizome (corm). This study, therefore, developed and examined the effect of commercial diet recipes fortified with susceptible banana corm powder on weevil growth and development. Subsequently, corm powders from different banana cultivars were also evaluated for weevil performance. Successful laboratory rearing of the weevils to adult stage on diet was achieved in 48 days compared to 36 days in the natural banana stem. The difference in weevil larvae performance reared different corm powder, presented a novel screening method for banana genotypes. For example genotypes, Culcatta-4 (AA), Cavendish (AAA) and Kayinja (ABB) showed 0-35% of adult emergences compared to 65% in susceptible genotypes. The diet developed can be used to perform rapid bioassay experimentation to screen potential candidate proteins or molecules for a transgenic approach. It has also shown potential for rapid screening of genotypes for resistance. Keywords: Resistant banana, Laboratory weevil rearing, Resistance screening.

Population genetic structure of banana corm weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) in India

Abstract The population genetic structure of Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), an economically important pest of bananas, was studied using the sequence data of the internal transcribed rDNA (ITS1+ITS2) and the mitochondrial ‘COI-tRNALeu-COII’ region from seventy nine individuals collected from six sampling locations in India. The ITS data revealed 70% within population variation and non-significant genetic differentiation estimates suggesting lack of phylogeographic sub-structuring. 49% within population variation and highly significant genetic differentiation values were obtained with the mitochondrial data. The Mantel test revealed lack of correlation between genetic and geographic distance with both the markers. Demographic expansion of the populations was confirmed by the star shaped haplotype networks, demographic tests and mismatch distribution curves using both the markers. Molecular diversity indices show a high haplotype diversity (Hd) but low nucleotide diversity (π) suggesting that the populations are closely related. Considering the low self-dispersal ability of the weevils, these results suggest that the range expansion of this banana pest in India has taken place mainly through transport of infested corms and plant material resulting in the weevils forming localised populations which are not genetically distinct from each other. The high gene diversity (Hd) has enabled the weevils to adapt to varying environmental conditions which could explain the range expansion of this pest in India. The observed discrepancy in the genetic differentiation estimates using these two markers can be attributed to the evolutionary dynamics of the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.

Chlordecone consumption estimated by sewage epidemiology approach for health policy assessment.

Chlordecone is an organochlorine insecticide that was intensively used in the French West Indies to control the black weevil Cosmopolites sordidus in bananas. Its usage, however, resulted in the widespread pollution of the environment with heavy sanitary and social consequences, leading to population exposure mainly through food. Time-consuming and costly programs have been used to tackle this problem, and this study proposes to use the emerging sewage epidemiology approach to evaluate the current situation and the effect of such programs. The results determine the maximal value of chlordecone consumption, and considering the detection limit of the analytical protocol, the wastewater was found to have undetectable amounts of chlordecone. This value confirms the efficiency of the population protection strategy provided by French sanitary and environmental authorities. It also bolsters the usage of sewage epidemiology in pesticide assessment and relativizes the chlordecone risk compared to other chemicals of lesser concern.

Caracterisation D’isolats Locaux De Metarhizium Spp, Champignon Entomopathogene De Cosmopolites Sordidus Germar, Isoles Des Bananeraies En Cote d’Ivoire

Chemical insecticides have been commonly used against the black weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus, in banana plantations which caused huge economic and agricultural losses. Despite their benefits, pesticides can be hazardous to both humans and the environment. Intensive research in substituting chemical insecticides with biological control agents have been driven. The biological and molecular characteristics of ten strains of Metarhizium spp, isolated from dead weevils, collected in banana plantation in Côte d'Ivoire were studied. The study aims to identify the species of Metarhizium sp. The biological and molecular characteristics namely: length and width of the spores, colour of aerial mycelium as well as its variation over time, colour on the setback of the box, production of the diffusible pigment and the analysis of the region ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) were evaluated. The colonies presented at first a flat white mycelium cottony or fluffy appearance on which the spores formed small islets. After 21 days of incubation at 32°C. in the dark, the mycelium takes on the periphery a greenish coloration with a powdery appearance. The relief is fairly flat. The spores are ellipsoid in shape of 3 μm in length and 1 μm. The amplification by ITS-DNA PCR generated a specific fragment of 550 bp. The analysis of the ITS region of the sequences of these ten (10) isolates showed maximal correspondence with different strains of M. anisopliae and Metarhizium pinghaense.