Metarhiziumanisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin as an alternative to chemical pesticides against Odontotermesobesus (Rambur) in the era of organic agriculture

Odontotermesobesus (Rambur) is one of the most destructive termite species to most of the cultivated crops. Against which a bioassay test with Metarhiziumanisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin was conducted in the laboratory at nine different concentrations ranging from 1×10³ to 1×10¹¹ conidia/ml. Three different medium that is termitorium soil, sterilised soil and Whatman No. 1 filter paper based medium were used for the bioassay. Conidial suspension of M. anisopliae when treated to termite on termitorium soil based medium was more pathogenic and could cause highest mortality (83.88%) of the termites with a week. Conidia of the fungus were found to burst out from the host body after 7th day of treatment. Infected termites showed progressive symptoms of sluggishness as compared with control. Mortality of termites showed presence of black melanisation spot on the cuticle.