Impact of Culture Media on the Characteristics of Native Beauveria bassiana and Simplicillium subtropicum Isolates

Majority of entomopathogenic fungi are facultative that may be grown in synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural media providing sufficient nutrient sources. For the mass production of entomopathogenic fungi, it is crucial to optimize the growth medium for improved virulence, viability, sporulation and growth. Experiments were conducted at Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India during 2024 and the impact of seven different culture media on the characteristics of native and potential entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolates of white muscardine fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Simplicillium subtropicum Nonaka, Kaifuchi and Masuma were tested. The results revealed that characteristics of the EPF were significantly affected by culture media.